News for '2026 FIFA World Cup'

Deschamps: No doubt France would advance despite Mbappe's penalty miss

Deschamps: No doubt France would advance despite Mbappe's penalty miss

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

France coach Didier Deschamps expressed unwavering confidence in his team's ability to advance in the World Cup quarter-final against Morocco, even after Kylian Mbappe missed a penalty and several other chances in the first half.

Why fan group wants FIFA to stop World Cup ticket sales

Why fan group wants FIFA to stop World Cup ticket sales

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

Football Supporters Europe accused FIFA of imposing "extortionate" ticket prices that risk shutting ordinary fans out of the World Cup.

Brazilian footballer Micael sent off for urinating by bench

Brazilian footballer Micael sent off for urinating by bench

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Brazilian footballer Micael was sent off before his Copa Paulista match for Sao Jose after the referee witnessed him urinating next to the substitutes' bench, an act for which his club later issued an apology.

India knocked out of AFC U-17 race after 2nd loss

India knocked out of AFC U-17 race after 2nd loss

Rediff.com11 May 2026

India's chances of qualifying for the FIFA U-17 World Cup suffered a major blow after losing to Uzbekistan in their AFC U-17 Asian Cup group match.

Iran vs NZ: Boos, cheers and a draw at politically charged game

Iran vs NZ: Boos, cheers and a draw at politically charged game

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Iran footballers faces cheers and jeers in their come-from-behind 2-2 draw against New Zealand in their FIFA World Cup final opener in Los Angeles on Monday.

CONCACAF chief opposes 64-team World Cup 2030 proposal

CONCACAF chief opposes 64-team World Cup 2030 proposal

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

A 64-team World Cup in 2030 should not be considered, CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani has said, joining some other confederations in opposing a plan presented by CONMEBOL.

'I Went to the Locker Room and Cried': Neymar on Emotional Brazil Return

'I Went to the Locker Room and Cried': Neymar on Emotional Brazil Return

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Neymar admitted he shed tears after making his first Brazil appearance in 981 days during the World Cup 2026. The Brazil star returned from injury as the Selecao secured a knockout-stage spot with a 3-0 win over Scotland.'

Politics and Football Collide Again as Iran Hold Belgium Amid Protests

Politics and Football Collide Again as Iran Hold Belgium Amid Protests

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

At the Iran-Belgium FIFA World Cup match, least one attendee wearing a pre-revolutionary flag shirt was detained for trying to run onto the pitch and Iranian player Alireza Jahanbakhsh said after the match that he doesn't want to keep focusing on the challenging situations faced by his team.

'The King is back': Salah resumes training after injury scare

'The King is back': Salah resumes training after injury scare

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Mo Salah allayed fears of Egypt supporters, giving glimpses of his fitness with photos of his training session on Tuesday.

How Argentina pounced on window of opportunity gifted by England

How Argentina pounced on window of opportunity gifted by England

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

Argentina staged a dramatic comeback, scoring two late goals to defeat England 2-1 in the World Cup semi-final, with Lionel Messi orchestrating the turnaround after England had taken the lead.

Before me, Portugal hadn't won a single title: Cristiano Ronaldo

Before me, Portugal hadn't won a single title: Cristiano Ronaldo

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo expressed sadness after Portugal's World Cup exit following a 1-0 loss to Spain, stating he gave his all and is leaving with a clear conscience, but will take time to reflect on his international future.

Almiron Red Card: New Rule Controversy

Almiron Red Card: New Rule Controversy

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Miguel Almiron became the first player sent off at the World Cup for violating a new rule against covering mouths during confrontations. His dismissal left Paraguay with 10 men, but they still secured a 1-0 victory over Turkey, keeping their World Cup hopes alive while eliminating Turkey. The incident has sparked debate among coaches about the impact of new rules on the game's essence.

LaLiga slams FIFA's World Cup format change

LaLiga slams FIFA's World Cup format change

Rediff.com15 Mar 2023

The world governing body approved a 32-team Club World Cup which will be played every four years from June 2025, apart from the increase in World Cup matches to 104.

T20 World Cup: Jasprit Bumrah Unlikely To Be Rested For Netherlands Match

T20 World Cup: Jasprit Bumrah Unlikely To Be Rested For Netherlands Match

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak indicated that Jasprit Bumrah is unlikely to be rested for the final Group A match against the Netherlands, despite India having already qualified for the Super 8 stage.

Record 500 million ticket demand for 2026 WC

Record 500 million ticket demand for 2026 WC

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

Beyond the three host nations, the highest number of applications came from Germany, England, Brazil, Spain, Portugal, Argentina and Colombia.

FIFA mulls 64-team format for 2030 centenary World Cup?

FIFA mulls 64-team format for 2030 centenary World Cup?

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

Should FIFA approve the 64-team format, it would be a one-off birthday bash, with the tournament expected to shrink back to 48 in 2034.

FIFA WC FINAL: Singer Post Malone, Robbie Williams headline closing ceremony

FIFA WC FINAL: Singer Post Malone, Robbie Williams headline closing ceremony

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

The World Cup final between Spain and Argentina is set to kick off in New Jersey, with fans flocking to the stadium despite high ticket prices and enhanced security measures, as both teams vie for the coveted title.

Messi has work to catch Mbappe for the Golden Boot

Messi has work to catch Mbappe for the Golden Boot

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

Lionel Messi is aiming for the Golden Boot and a record third Golden Ball at the World Cup final against Spain.

Brazil's FIFA World Cup qualification hanging by a thread

Brazil's FIFA World Cup qualification hanging by a thread

Rediff.com11 Sep 2024

Brazil shocked and other big upsets at World Cup qualifiers played on Tuesday

France coach Deschamps to miss final group game to attend mother's funeral

France coach Deschamps to miss final group game to attend mother's funeral

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Didier Deschamps is flying back to France to attend his mother's funeral and will not coach the team's last Group I game at the World Cup against Norway, the French federation said on Tuesday.

Why Gazans Celebrate Qatar's World Cup Spot

Why Gazans Celebrate Qatar's World Cup Spot

Rediff.com16 Oct 2025

Qatar's Al Haydos pledges Gaza school, sports hall after reaching World Cup

'Red cards are not overturned by political phone calls'

'Red cards are not overturned by political phone calls'

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Thierry Henry, including the UEFA, Belgium and several football figures questioned FIFA's late decision to suspend USA's Folarin Balogun's World Cup ban.

Croatia coach hails 'fantastic' Modric; hits back at doubters

Croatia coach hails 'fantastic' Modric; hits back at doubters

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic hit out at the team's doubters and said they were back to the Croatia of old after they snatched a 2-1 win over Ghana to reach the last 32 of the World Cup on Saturday.

US coach Pochettino brushes off Turkey defeat

US coach Pochettino brushes off Turkey defeat

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

US coach Mauricio Pochettino downplayed his team's 3-2 loss to Turkey in a World Cup group stage match, emphasising that the United States still finished top of Group D.

'I leave with a lot of pride': Mexico manager Aguirre bids farewell

'I leave with a lot of pride': Mexico manager Aguirre bids farewell

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Mexico manager Javier Aguirre said he was leaving with pride despite the pain of elimination after losing to England in the FIFA World Cup.

It's Goooooooaaaal!!!! Time!

It's Goooooooaaaal!!!! Time!

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

As the World Cup kicks off, sports enthusiasts are witnessing a fascinating transition from the familiar rhythms of cricket to the exhilarating dynamics of football, bringing with it new terminology, fan reactions, and game rules to master.

'We can hurt Argentina': Cape Verde coach declares

'We can hurt Argentina': Cape Verde coach declares

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Cape Verde head into the biggest match in their football history full of belief, with coach Pedro Leitao Brito insisting his side will play "with courage" against defending champions Argentina in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32.

Why Sweden's Yasin Ayari Didn't Celebrate His Goal Against Tunisia

Why Sweden's Yasin Ayari Didn't Celebrate His Goal Against Tunisia

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Yasin Ayari -- the son of a Tunisian father and a Moroccan mother -- chose not to celebrate his opener, briefly raising his hands in acknowledgement rather than joining the jubilant scenes around him.

Ancelotti's Brazil reboot leaves Neymar, Casemiro and Danilo out of future plans

Ancelotti's Brazil reboot leaves Neymar, Casemiro and Danilo out of future plans

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Neymar, Casemiro and Danilo will no longer be in Brazil's plans as they look to build a younger squad for the 2028 Copa America, coach Carlo Ancelotti told Brazilian broadcaster ge.

'Tired' Messi savours record night as Argentina march on

'Tired' Messi savours record night as Argentina march on

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Lionel Messi has become the most prolific scorer in World Cup history, netting two goals in Argentina's 2-0 victory over Austria. This achievement, which saw him surpass Brazilian great Marta's record of 17 goals, also secured Argentina's place in the knockout stage with a game to spare. Despite missing a penalty, Messi expressed satisfaction with the team's performance and the crucial win.

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.

Ivory Coast's Elye Wahi Misses Germany Match Amid Betting Probe

Ivory Coast's Elye Wahi Misses Germany Match Amid Betting Probe

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

Ivory Coast forward Elye Wahi will not participate in the upcoming World Cup match against Germany in Canada.

'Ultimately, Indian Football Has To Be Built By Indians'

'Ultimately, Indian Football Has To Be Built By Indians'

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

'Our biggest opportunity lies with the younger age-group teams.' 'If you look at the senior national team, our chances are about 50-50.' 'The gap becomes smaller as you move down the age groups.' 'At the Under-20 level, it's closer to 60-40.' 'By the Under-17 level, it's around 80-20. That's where I feel we have our best chance.'

Deschamps' Farewell And Mbappe's Record Bid In Bronze Match

Deschamps' Farewell And Mbappe's Record Bid In Bronze Match

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

France and England, reeling from World Cup semi-final defeats, will compete in the third-place playoff. The match marks Didier Deschamps' final game as France coach and offers Kylian Mbappe a chance to pursue the Golden Boot and the tournament's all-time scoring record. Both teams are expected to rotate their squads.

US win over Paraguay built on collective approach: Pochettino

US win over Paraguay built on collective approach: Pochettino

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

US coach Mauricio Pochettino praised his team's collective effort after their historic 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their World Cup opener. Folarin Balogun scored two goals, a first for a U.S. player since 1930, though Christian Pulisic's calf injury raised concerns. Pochettino credited extended training time for the team's strong start.

Ousmane Dembele's Hat-Trick Overshadows Haaland And Mbappe!

Ousmane Dembele's Hat-Trick Overshadows Haaland And Mbappe!

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Ousmane Dembele delivered a sensational first-half hat-trick for France against Norway in their final Group I match, overshadowing the anticipated clash between Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe.

Ruthless Touch And Street Smarts: The Secret Of Morocco's Evolution

Ruthless Touch And Street Smarts: The Secret Of Morocco's Evolution

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Morocco showcased their evolution as a top football nation with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Canada in the World Cup last 16.

India U17 Women Secure Historic Asian Cup Qualification

India U17 Women Secure Historic Asian Cup Qualification

Rediff.com8 May 2026

India's U17 women's team achieved a historic milestone by qualifying for the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup quarter-finals for the first time, following a dominant 4-0 victory against Lebanon. The team's progress was confirmed after other group results went their way. They will now face China in the quarter-finals.

'Messi is a machine! He will remain world's best player,' says Argentina coach Scaloni

'Messi is a machine! He will remain world's best player,' says Argentina coach Scaloni

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni believes 39-year-old Lionel Messi will continue to be the world's best player for as long as he desires, dismissing age concerns as Messi dominates the World Cup with eight crucial goals.

Why is Bhutia angry over India's Brazil match?

Why is Bhutia angry over India's Brazil match?

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

The All India Football Federation's decision to field two separate teams for the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup and an international friendly against Brazil has sparked controversy.