News for '-fifa'

Indian U17 Women One Win Away From World Cup Spot

Indian U17 Women One Win Away From World Cup Spot

Rediff.com10 May 2026

The Indian U17 women's team is set to play China in the quarter-finals of the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup, with a spot in the 2026 FIFA U17 Women's World Cup at stake.

Pharaohs Prove Mettle With Impressive Belgium Draw

Pharaohs Prove Mettle With Impressive Belgium Draw

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Egypt's coach Hossam Hassan expressed pride in his team's performance after a 1-1 draw against Belgium in their World Cup opener. Despite coming close to a historic win, Hassan highlighted the team's quality, ambition, and the strong contributions of players like Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, asserting that Egypt is not just there to "make up the numbers." The draw is seen as a significant step in reinventing the national team's identity.

Local clubs hope World Cup fuels soccer growth in the United States

Local clubs hope World Cup fuels soccer growth in the United States

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup comes to the United States, Bay Area soccer clubs and supporters hope the tournament will inspire a new generation of fans and strengthen the region's thriving grassroots football culture.

Indian Super League moves to club-led model as September 4 kick-off confirmed

Indian Super League moves to club-led model as September 4 kick-off confirmed

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has agreed "in principle" to the club-led model of running the Indian Super League (ISL) for two years and has conveyed it to the sports minister, a top official said on Tuesday.

Injury-riddled Brazil face Morocco test in World Cup opener

Injury-riddled Brazil face Morocco test in World Cup opener

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Carlos Ancelotti's Brazil commence their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against plucky Morocco, who come into the mega event on the back of some pre-tournament turbulence.

Cristiano Ronaldo To Play Sixth World Cup At 41

Cristiano Ronaldo To Play Sixth World Cup At 41

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo is set to participate in his sixth World Cup at the age of 41, as announced by Portugal coach Roberto Martinez.

India U-17 Squad Named For AFC Asian Cup

India U-17 Squad Named For AFC Asian Cup

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Bibiano Fernandes has announced the 23-member Indian squad for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup, set to begin in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on May 5. The team is currently in Doha for friendly matches before heading to Jeddah.

LaLiga: Jose Mourinho returns to face massive Real Madrid rescue mission

LaLiga: Jose Mourinho returns to face massive Real Madrid rescue mission

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Real Madrid appointed Jose Mourinho as their new manager on a three-year contract on Thursday, turning back to the Portuguese tactician who once delivered them a record-breaking LaLiga triumph but has not won a league title since leaving the Spanish capital.

World Cup bus set alight as chaotic celebrations erupt in Manhattan after Knicks win

World Cup bus set alight as chaotic celebrations erupt in Manhattan after Knicks win

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

A World Cup bus was set alight and a teenager suffered a gunshot wound during chaotic scenes in Midtown Manhattan as thousands of basketball fans poured into the streets late on Saturday to celebrate the New York Knicks' historic win in the NBA Finals.

Neeraj Chopra skips Doha meet as focus shifts to recovery

Neeraj Chopra skips Doha meet as focus shifts to recovery

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Star Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra is set to miss the Doha Diamond League, to be held on June 19, as he is still recuperating from a back injury in Switzerland.

Despite Hurdles, World Cup Fans Find Unique Charm In Toronto

Despite Hurdles, World Cup Fans Find Unique Charm In Toronto

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Despite initial challenges like unsold tickets and a rained-out fan festival, visitors are flocking to Toronto for the first-ever World Cup soccer match in Canada. Fans are drawn by factors such as lower drinking age compared to the US, cultural similarities, and Canada's diverse immigrant population, creating a unique and determined atmosphere for the tournament.

India U-17 Football Team Eye World Cup Spot

India U-17 Football Team Eye World Cup Spot

Rediff.com9 May 2026

India's Under-17 men's team faces Uzbekistan in their final AFC U-17 Asian Cup group match, with a win potentially securing qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Most-capped hockey star Manpreet Singh hails Virat Kohli's role in his longevity

Most-capped hockey star Manpreet Singh hails Virat Kohli's role in his longevity

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

India's most-capped hockey player Manpreet Singh idolises Virat Kohli and credits his longevity to fitness, saying he has drawn inspiration from the star cricketer's fitness regime.

New York Knicks Victory Leads To Chaotic Celebrations, Bus Fire, And Shooting

New York Knicks Victory Leads To Chaotic Celebrations, Bus Fire, And Shooting

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

Thousands of New York Knicks fans celebrated their NBA Finals victory in Midtown Manhattan, leading to chaotic scenes including a World Cup bus being set alight and a teenager suffering a gunshot wound in Times Square. Police eventually intervened to disperse the unruly crowds.

Cape Verde keeper Vozinha set for emotional World Cup reunion with mom

Cape Verde keeper Vozinha set for emotional World Cup reunion with mom

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Cape Verde's heroic goalkeeper Vozinha will have his mother in the stands when he next takes to the pitch at the World Cup on Sunday, after US officials moved to ensure she could obtain a visa in time.

Qatar hail first World Cup point after late goal stuns Switzerland

Qatar hail first World Cup point after late goal stuns Switzerland

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

Qatar celebrated their first World Cup point after a late own goal forced a 1-1 draw against Switzerland and sent the Gulf nation into jubilation on Saturday.

Espionage scandals: Southampton joins sport's Hall of Shame

Espionage scandals: Southampton joins sport's Hall of Shame

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Several sports teams around the world have paid a hefty price for spying on their opponents over the years but the potential financial cost to English soccer club Southampton for their infraction could be the heaviest.

Former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola replaces Arne Slot at Liverpool

Former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola replaces Arne Slot at Liverpool

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Former Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola will take over as Liverpool's manager on a two-year deal, the Premier League club said on Thursday.

Italy rejects Trump envoy's suggestion to replace Iran at World Cup

Italy rejects Trump envoy's suggestion to replace Iran at World Cup

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Italy rejects a proposal by Trump envoy Paolo Zampolli to replace Iran at the FIFA World Cup 2026, as officials insist qualification must be earned on merit.

Argentina sweats over Messi hamstring injury before World Cup

Argentina sweats over Messi hamstring injury before World Cup

Rediff.com26 May 2026

Lionel Messi is dealing with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring less than three weeks before the start of the World Cup, Inter Miami said on Monday after the Argentine forward was forced off in his final club match before the tournament.

Argentina retailers hit by wave of fake World Cup merch

Argentina retailers hit by wave of fake World Cup merch

Rediff.com29 May 2026

World Cup fever in Argentina, home of the defending champions, has boosted sales of counterfeit jerseys and soccer trading cards, sparking protests from retailers who are already under pressure from President Javier Milei's market-opening policies.

Amid backlash, FIFA rolls out limited $60 World Cup tickets

Amid backlash, FIFA rolls out limited $60 World Cup tickets

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

The PMAs, which represent competing national teams and manage dedicated fan ticket programmes, will handle the ticket allocation process.

2026 FIFA World Cup draw: Check out the groups

2026 FIFA World Cup draw: Check out the groups

Rediff.com6 Dec 2025

Next year's 48-team World Cup will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

Talismanic Kane holds key to end England's World Cup woes

Talismanic Kane holds key to end England's World Cup woes

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

The challenge for manager Thomas Tuchel has a tough task in a tricky group with Croatia, Ghana and Panama, while ensuring reliance on Harry Kane does not become over-dependence by encouraging tactical flexibility.

France striker Ekitike out of FIFA World Cup with ruptured Achilles

France striker Ekitike out of FIFA World Cup with ruptured Achilles

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

France forward Hugo Ekitike suffered a ruptured Achilles during Liverpool's Champions League clash against Paris St Germain on Tuesday.

Neymar earns Brazil World Cup recall under Ancelotti

Neymar earns Brazil World Cup recall under Ancelotti

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Carlo Ancelotti has recalled Neymar to Brazil's squad for next month's FIFA World Cup, backing the veteran forward's fitness and experience despite his injury-disrupted recent years.

Canadian League Sees First Goal Under 'Daylight' Off-side Rule

Canadian League Sees First Goal Under 'Daylight' Off-side Rule

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

A goal scored under soccer's experimental 'daylight' offside rule was allowed for the first time in a professional match in the Canadian Premier League.

Donald Trump greeted with boos at NBA Finals in Madison Square Garden

Donald Trump greeted with boos at NBA Finals in Madison Square Garden

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Basketball fans greeted US President Donald Trump with a chorus of loud boos on Monday, as the Republican became the first sitting US president to attend the NBA Finals.

Young Tigresses' World Cup Dream Ends After China Defeat

Young Tigresses' World Cup Dream Ends After China Defeat

Rediff.com11 May 2026

India's impressive run in the AFC Women's U17 Asian Cup concluded with a 3-0 defeat against China in the quarter-finals, ending their hopes for a historic qualification for the 2026 FIFA U17 Women's World Cup.

Khalid Jamil announces 28-member preliminary Indian squad for Unity Cup in London

Khalid Jamil announces 28-member preliminary Indian squad for Unity Cup in London

Rediff.com14 May 2026

India's senior men's team head coach, Khalid Jamil, has announced a 28-member preliminary squad for the Unity Cup in London, featuring four goalkeepers and eight forwards.

'Visca El Barca!' Messi congratulates La Liga champions FC Barcelona

'Visca El Barca!' Messi congratulates La Liga champions FC Barcelona

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Lionel Messi congratulated FC Barcelona after their 29th La Liga title win over Real Madrid, recalling his legendary trophy-laden legacy with the Catalan giants.

Koeman Backs Netherlands To Beat Any Team At World Cup

Koeman Backs Netherlands To Beat Any Team At World Cup

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Ronald Koeman says the Netherlands have the quality to beat any team at the World Cup despite not being favourites, while injury concerns linger over Jurrien Timber and Memphis Depay.

'Stop the Game': Irish footballers, celebrities demand Israel boycott

'Stop the Game': Irish footballers, celebrities demand Israel boycott

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Irish footballers, celebrities and campaigners have urged the FAI to boycott UEFA Nations League matches against Israel, citing the Gaza conflict and alleged breaches of FIFA and UEFA statutes.

Mexico legend Ochoa closes in on historic sixth World Cup appearance

Mexico legend Ochoa closes in on historic sixth World Cup appearance

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Guillermo Ochoa said he has entered his final Mexico training camp as the veteran goalkeeper closes in on a historic sixth FIFA World Cup appearance in 2026.

Why France are favourites to win the World Cup

Why France are favourites to win the World Cup

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

With Kylian Mbappe's depth and experience, economists predict France are tipped to edge Spain to lift World Cup.

Iran 'will play' at 2026 World Cup, says Infantino amid concerns

Iran 'will play' at 2026 World Cup, says Infantino amid concerns

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirms Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup despite geopolitical tensions, urging that sport remain separate from politics.

'Save Indian football...' Chhetri & Co appeal to FIFA

'Save Indian football...' Chhetri & Co appeal to FIFA

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

Staring at a permanent paralysis: Indian footballers urge FIFA intervention on ISL

India Finalises Squad For SAFF Women's Championship 2026

India Finalises Squad For SAFF Women's Championship 2026

Rediff.com23 May 2026

India has announced its 23-member squad for the SAFF Women's Championship 2026, set to take place in Goa. The team will compete against Maldives and Bangladesh in Group B, with the top two teams advancing to the semi-finals.

Argentina, Brazil, Germany win friendlies days before World Cup kick-off

Argentina, Brazil, Germany win friendlies days before World Cup kick-off

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

Multi-champions Brazil, Argentina and Germany all won their preparatory games for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Saturday, although by small margins, with former champion England and hopeful Portugal also securing victories.

India's U-17 Women's Team Makes History At Asian Cup

India's U-17 Women's Team Makes History At Asian Cup

Rediff.com8 May 2026

The India U-17 women's team achieved a historic milestone by qualifying for the quarterfinals of the AFC Under-17 Women's Asian Cup for the first time, following a dominant 4-0 victory over Lebanon. Pritika Barman scored twice, while Alva Devi Senjam and Joya added to the scoreline, securing India's place in the next round.