News for '2026 FIFA World Cup'

FIFA World Cup 2026: Japan's Daizen apologises to fans after WC RO 32 exit

FIFA World Cup 2026: Japan's Daizen apologises to fans after WC RO 32 exit

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

'I'm truly sorry for not meeting your expectations'

FIFA World Cup fever hits Norwegian parliament

FIFA World Cup fever hits Norwegian parliament

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Norwegian parliamentarians recreated the Viking rowing celebration made famous by their soccer fans, showing cross-party unity in support of the national team during the World Cup.

FIFA World Cup: WAGs Grab Attention

FIFA World Cup: WAGs Grab Attention

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

This year's WAGs include influencers, models, actors, and lifelong companions whose own careers and stories are drawing as much attention as the football itself.

Coach Martinez steps down after Portugal's ouster from FIFA World Cup 2026

Coach Martinez steps down after Portugal's ouster from FIFA World Cup 2026

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has officially confirmed the departure of national team coach Roberto Martinez and his coaching staff following the expiry of his contract. Martinez had previously announced his intention to leave after Portugal's World Cup Round of 16 defeat to Spain.

Scorching US Summer Could Disrupt FIFA World Cup 2026

Scorching US Summer Could Disrupt FIFA World Cup 2026

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Climate change has increased the likelihood of temperatures high enough to affect player performance at 97 of the 104 tournament matches.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Japan rout Tunisia in World Cup's 1,000th match

FIFA World Cup 2026: Japan rout Tunisia in World Cup's 1,000th match

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Japan delivered a commanding 4-0 win over Tunisia in the World Cup's 1,000th match on Saturday to move to the brink of the knockout stages, while the North Africans were eliminated after a second successive defeat in Group F.

Can Ronaldo finally end his FIFA World Cup knockout drought?

Can Ronaldo finally end his FIFA World Cup knockout drought?

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo, despite his prolific scoring record in six FIFA World Cups, has yet to score in a knockout stage match. As Portugal faces Croatia, the superstar aims to break this drought while also holding records for most World Cup appearances and being Portugal's all-time leading scorer in the tournament.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Lionel Messi's birthday sparks celebrations across Argentina

FIFA World Cup 2026: Lionel Messi's birthday sparks celebrations across Argentina

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Moved by Lionel Messi's record-breaking form at the World Cup, Argentines have taken to the streets and social media to sing "Happy Birthday" to their favourite footballer who turned 39 on Wednesday.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Capdevila seeks Trump's help after Iran-linked ESTA rejection

FIFA World Cup 2026: Capdevila seeks Trump's help after Iran-linked ESTA rejection

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Former Spain defender Joan Capdevila has appealed to President Donald Trump for help after being denied permission to enter the United States for Sunday's World Cup final between Spain and defending champions Argentina.

Will Messi play 2030 FIFA World Cup?

Will Messi play 2030 FIFA World Cup?

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Argentine football legend Lionel Messi has stated his intention to continue playing as long as he remains physically fit and can contribute to his team. He remained non-committal about his participation in the 2030 FIFA World Cup, stating it's too far off to consider. Messi also celebrated his 39th birthday amidst Argentina's strong performance in the FIFA World Cup 2026, where he became the all-time leading goal-scorer.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Captain Messi trusts Argentina's never-say-die spirit

FIFA World Cup 2026: Captain Messi trusts Argentina's never-say-die spirit

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

Messi, who said he was thoroughly enjoying the ride at his sixth World Cup and giving no thought to retirement, was looking forward to locking horns with 2010 champions Spain in New Jersey on Sunday.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Brazil demand referee change after disallowed Vinicius goal

FIFA World Cup 2026: Brazil demand referee change after disallowed Vinicius goal

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Brazil have lodged a formal complaint with FIFA over the disallowing of a Vinicius Jr goal during their 3-0 FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage victory over Scotland, with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) also requesting that Mexican referee Cesar Ramos no longer officiate the team's matches.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Japan's Daizen Maeda apologises to fans after WC RO 32 exit

FIFA World Cup 2026: Japan's Daizen Maeda apologises to fans after WC RO 32 exit

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

'I'm truly sorry for not meeting your expectations'

FIFA World Cup 2026: Ronaldo runs riot as Portugal thrash Uzbekistan

FIFA World Cup 2026: Ronaldo runs riot as Portugal thrash Uzbekistan

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score in six World Cups and Portugal's all-time leading marksman at the global finals with two goals in Tuesday's emphatic 5-0 Group K win over Uzbekistan in Houston.

FIFA World Cup: Belgium players troll Trump after crushing USA

FIFA World Cup: Belgium players troll Trump after crushing USA

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Belgium players celebrated their 4-1 FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 victory over hosts United States with a dance inspired by US President Donald Trump. Romelu Lukaku and teammates performed the viral dance after Lukaku's stoppage-time goal sealed their quarter-final spot. The US Men's National Team thanked supporters after their elimination, while Belgium, led by Charles De Ketelaere's brace, will face Spain next.

Online abuse surges to record levels at FIFA World Cup 2026

Online abuse surges to record levels at FIFA World Cup 2026

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

FIFA's digital watchdogs uncovered 89,000 abusive posts on social media during the group stage of the World Cup, marking a 13-fold increase from the 2022 edition in Qatar, world soccer's governing body said on Wednesday.

Heard Shakira's New FIFA World Cup Song Yet?

Heard Shakira's New FIFA World Cup Song Yet?

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Colombian singer Shakira has released 'Dai Dai', the official song for the 2026 World Cup, featuring Nigerian singer Burna Boy.

FIFA World Cup: What Yamal Did for Ronaldo After Spain Win

FIFA World Cup: What Yamal Did for Ronaldo After Spain Win

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo's final FIFA World Cup journey concluded with Portugal's 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16. Following the match, Spain's teenage star Lamine Yamal offered a comforting hug to a tearful Ronaldo, a gesture of sportsmanship that quickly went viral and resonated with fans globally.

Iran fans denied FIFA World Cup tickets days before World Cup

Iran fans denied FIFA World Cup tickets days before World Cup

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Iran's football federation announced its World Cup ticket allocation has been revoked just days before the tournament, leaving many fans unable to attend.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Egypt hits out at VAR after Argentina heartbreak

FIFA World Cup 2026: Egypt hits out at VAR after Argentina heartbreak

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The Egyptian Football Association on Wednesday criticised refereeing decisions in Egypt's dramatic 3-2 World Cup round-of-16 defeat by Argentina, saying it would not remain silent over what it described as the improper use of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Mexico's 'Losers Cafe' serves comfort with every sip

FIFA World Cup 2026: Mexico's 'Losers Cafe' serves comfort with every sip

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Amid the sea of green that washed over Mexico City after the country's World Cup victory over Ecuador on Tuesday, one shop defiantly hoisted the Ecuadorian flag and welcomed all the downtrodden fans of Mexico's opponents to a place of refuge. Welcome to the Losers Cafe, a coffee shop in the cosmopolitan neighbourhood of Condesa that is comforting fans of the losing teams.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Belgium find winning formula beyond star power

FIFA World Cup 2026: Belgium find winning formula beyond star power

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Belgium look to have found their best playing style at the World Cup after thrashing co-hosts the US 4-1 on Monday, but the successful tinkering of coach Rudi Garcia has come at a cost to his top players.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Dutch coach Koeman labels Morocco tie an early World Cup final

FIFA World Cup 2026: Dutch coach Koeman labels Morocco tie an early World Cup final

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

The meeting between Morocco and Netherlands in the last 32 might have come too early at the World Cup, Dutch coach Ronald Koeman suggested on the eve of Monday's clash between the two contenders in Monterrey.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Kounde answers Yamal as favourite debate fuels war of words

FIFA World Cup 2026: Kounde answers Yamal as favourite debate fuels war of words

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

France defender Jules Kounde has brushed aside Spain star Lamine Yamal's comments that Les Bleus are not favourites ahead of La Roja at the FIFA World Cup 2026, saying the remarks do not bother him.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Fans warned as heatwave grips Portugal-Croatia showpiece

FIFA World Cup 2026: Fans warned as heatwave grips Portugal-Croatia showpiece

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Fans heading to watch Portugal play Croatia in the World Cup round of 32 in Toronto on Thursday are being warned to keep hydrated and limit their alcohol intake after a heat warning issued by Environment Canada.

Manuel Neuer retires after Germany's FIFA World Cup exit

Manuel Neuer retires after Germany's FIFA World Cup exit

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Legendary German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has announced his retirement from international football following Germany's unexpected exit from the World Cup. His comeback for the tournament, necessitated by injuries to other players, ended in disappointment as Germany lost to Paraguay in a penalty shootout in the Round of 32. Neuer concludes his illustrious international career with 128 caps, a 2014 World Cup title, and a legacy as one of the sport's greatest goalkeepers.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Haaland goals vs Iraq send shockwaves through Norwegian city

FIFA World Cup 2026: Haaland goals vs Iraq send shockwaves through Norwegian city

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

Erling Haaland's first-half double for Norway in Tuesday's 4-1 World Cup win over Iraq literally shook the Nordic country, with seismology institute NORSAR registering earth tremors in the coastal city of Bergen when he scored on his tournament debut.

FIFA World Cup: Didier Deschamps Honours Mbappe With Special Jersey

FIFA World Cup: Didier Deschamps Honours Mbappe With Special Jersey

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

France captain Kylian Mbappe was honoured for reaching 100 international appearances, receiving a commemorative jersey from coach Didier Deschamps. Deschamps himself was celebrated for becoming the most successful manager in FIFA World Cup history with 17 victories. Despite their dominant performance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage, both Mbappe and Deschamps cautioned against complacency ahead of their Round of 16 match against Paraguay.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Trump factor, political heat sour Canada's excitement

FIFA World Cup 2026: Trump factor, political heat sour Canada's excitement

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

US president Donald Trump in recent weeks has renewed threats to make Canada the 51st US state, and said he might not renew the trilateral trade agreement between the US, Canada and Mexico -- the co-hosts of this year's World Cup.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Ancelotti banks on Neymar in Japan showdown

FIFA World Cup 2026: Ancelotti banks on Neymar in Japan showdown

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Coach Carlo Ancelotti is hopeful he will have Neymar available for more minutes in Monday's World Cup round of 32 fixture against Japan in Houston, and believes his Brazil side are ready for anything in what will be a tough knockout fixture.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Spain's last-16 march hit by double injury blow

FIFA World Cup 2026: Spain's last-16 march hit by double injury blow

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Spain may have left Guadalajara with a 1-0 win over Uruguay and top spot in World Cup Group H, but their night was marred by injuries to Nico Williams and Yeremy Pino that could leave the European champions scrambling for answers on the wings.

The business behind the three-minute water breaks during FIFA World Cup 2026

The business behind the three-minute water breaks during FIFA World Cup 2026

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

With hot weather due and memories fresh of the scorching 2025 Club World Cup, FIFA has for the first time mandated three-minute hydration breaks in each half for all 104 matches of the World Cup starting this week in the U.S., Mexico and Canada.

Zinedine Zidane to coach France after FIFA World Cup?

Zinedine Zidane to coach France after FIFA World Cup?

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Zinedine Zidane is expected to take over as France's head coach after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following the departure of Didier Deschamps after 14 years in charge.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Switzerland ready for high-pressure Colombia encounter

FIFA World Cup 2026: Switzerland ready for high-pressure Colombia encounter

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Switzerland are preparing for a fiery contest on and off the pitch against Colombia as they gear up for what they expect to be their toughest test of the tournament in Tuesday's World Cup round-of-16 clash, midfielder Ardon Jashari said on Sunday.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Messi gets emotional, credits team for helping him through tough times

FIFA World Cup 2026: Messi gets emotional, credits team for helping him through tough times

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

An emotional Lionel Messi was wiping his tears with his shirt after scoring Argentina's first goal against Algeria in the World Cup, a strike that marked the beginning of a memorable performance where he netted thrice to secure a 3-0 win.

FIFA World Cup 2026: A decade after retirement tears, Messi eyes more glory

FIFA World Cup 2026: A decade after retirement tears, Messi eyes more glory

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

The arguments over who is the greatest footballer of all time will rage on until the end of days, but you would have to go back to Diego Maradona or Pele to find a player with a similar individual influence on World Cup success.

FIFA World Cup: Harry Kane breaks Pele record, closes in on Ronaldo

FIFA World Cup: Harry Kane breaks Pele record, closes in on Ronaldo

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

England captain Harry Kane continued his record-breaking run, scoring a match-winning brace against DR Congo in the FIFA World Cup. His goals not only secured England's progression but also saw him surpass football legends like Pele in World Cup goals and join Cristiano Ronaldo as only the second player with 20+ goals across both FIFA World Cup and Euro Championships. England now faces Mexico in the Round of 16.

FIFA World Cup: What Did Messi and Ronaldo Post Before Big Matches?

FIFA World Cup: What Did Messi and Ronaldo Post Before Big Matches?

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Football superstars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have taken to social media to share their preparations for crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage matches. Messi, fresh off a hat-trick, is fine-tuning for Argentina's clash against Austria, while Ronaldo, after a frustrating draw, is refocusing for Portugal's game against Uzbekistan.

FIFA World Cup: A B De Villiers Salutes South Africa's World Cup March

FIFA World Cup: A B De Villiers Salutes South Africa's World Cup March

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

South Africa reached the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time after a 1-0 win over South Korea.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Beccacece completes dramatic redemption as Ecuador reach last 32

FIFA World Cup 2026: Beccacece completes dramatic redemption as Ecuador reach last 32

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Ecuador's World Cup nightmare turned into a dream, as La Tri's once seemingly doomed campaign was resurrected against Germany in a remarkable conclusion to Group E on Thursday.