News for '2026 world cup'

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.

Ishan Kishan's 2027 World Cup Push Spells Trouble For Pant

Ishan Kishan's 2027 World Cup Push Spells Trouble For Pant

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Ishan Kishan's stunning 2026 has thrown him into India's 2027 ODI World Cup plans -- and Rishabh Pant could be the biggest casualty. With the selectors already looking ahead to South Africa, Kishan's red-hot form has turned the wicket-keeper debate on its head.

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: Haaland, Messi mania hits Peru as parents name babies after stars

FIFA World Cup 2026: Haaland, Messi mania hits Peru as parents name babies after stars

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

In Peru, there is a wave of new baby Haalands. In Argentina, Lionel has raced up the rankings, and in Mexico a girl was reportedly named after three soccer players. Parents in Latin America are already christening a new generation of babies after the stars of the World Cup.

FIFA World Cup: How Messi changed soccer in North America

FIFA World Cup: How Messi changed soccer in North America

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

The study, covering audience trends across the three host nations, found that Lionel Messi's debut for Inter Miami CF in the 2023 Leagues Cup drove a 173% leap in linear viewership compared with the tournament average.

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'

Will Indians Get To Watch FIFA World Cup 2026?

Will Indians Get To Watch FIFA World Cup 2026?

Rediff.com21 May 2026

With less than a month to go, football fans have all fingers -- and toes -- crossed, notes Kanika Datta.

Indian Pickleball Team Gears Up For World Cup Challenge

Indian Pickleball Team Gears Up For World Cup Challenge

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

The Indian Pickleball Association has announced the national team, led by Harsh Mehta, for the upcoming Pickleball World Cup in Da Nang, Vietnam. The squad includes both experienced players and young talent, with corporate backing providing a boost for their preparations.

Indian Pickleball Team Gears Up For World Cup Challenge

Indian Pickleball Team Gears Up For World Cup Challenge

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

The Indian Pickleball Association has announced the national team, led by Harsh Mehta, for the upcoming Pickleball World Cup in Da Nang, Vietnam. The squad includes both experienced players and young talent, with corporate backing providing a boost for their preparations.

Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup Dream Ends In Tears

Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup Dream Ends In Tears

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo's final World Cup campaign concluded with an emotional defeat for Portugal against Spain.

FIFA World Cup 2026: England's Kane dependence could prove costly in knockout stages

FIFA World Cup 2026: England's Kane dependence could prove costly in knockout stages

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

England's World Cup campaign has increasingly come to rest on the shoulders of Harry Kane, whose goals, link-up play and ability to deliver in decisive moments have repeatedly rescued a side still searching for fluency and conviction.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Ronaldo, Modric eye one last act at tournament's tiniest venue

FIFA World Cup 2026: Ronaldo, Modric eye one last act at tournament's tiniest venue

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Portugal and Croatia's World Cup last-32 clash on Thursday could be Cristiano Ronaldo or Luka Modric's final game on soccer's biggest stage, and the massive moment will unfold at the tournament's smallest venue.

Spain's 2nd Title in 8 Nations World Cup Club

Spain's 2nd Title in 8 Nations World Cup Club

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Since the FIFA World Cup's inaugural tournament in 1930, 23 competitions have occurred up to 2026. Interestingly, only 8 countries have succeeded in claiming the famous trophy and on Sunday, Spain added their second title.

FIH World Cup: Will India-Pakistan Hockey Teams Shake Hands?

FIH World Cup: Will India-Pakistan Hockey Teams Shake Hands?

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Ahead of their crucial Hockey World Cup 2026 clash, the traditional India-Pakistan hockey rivalry faces an unusual question: will the teams shake hands? This comes after a similar debate in cricket. While the historical record is close, India has dominated recent encounters, winning decisively in the 2023 Asian Games and Pro League.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Argentina fight back to beat England 2-1, face Spain in final

FIFA World Cup 2026: Argentina fight back to beat England 2-1, face Spain in final

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

England manager Thomas Tuchel has made three changes to his starting XI for the World Cup semi-final against Argentina, bringing Reece James and Djed Spence into the defence, while Argentina's Lionel Scaloni makes one switch, with Giuliano Simeone replacing Rodrigo De Paul.

FIFA stares at mammoth challenges ahead of 2026 World Cup draw

FIFA stares at mammoth challenges ahead of 2026 World Cup draw

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

Debutants, heat and distance shape mood ahead of 2026 World Cup draw

Messi keen to play 2026 World Cup: Argentina coach

Messi keen to play 2026 World Cup: Argentina coach

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

Scaloni also spoke about former Argentina forward Angel Di Maria's decision to retire from international football after winning his second Copa America trophy last year.

2030 FIFA World Cup final up for grabs as Morocco, Spain fight for hosting rights

2030 FIFA World Cup final up for grabs as Morocco, Spain fight for hosting rights

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

Morocco and Spain are locked in a high-stakes contest to host the 2030 World Cup final, with FIFA yet to officially decide the venue for football's showpiece.

India Drawn In Group K For Inaugural FIFA U15 World Cup In Azerbaijan

India Drawn In Group K For Inaugural FIFA U15 World Cup In Azerbaijan

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

India's U15 men's football team has been drawn into Group K for the inaugural FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival Azerbaijan 2026. Coached by Bibiano Fernandes, the team will play five qualification matches in Baku against Bahrain, Cameroon, Grenada, Laos, and Senegal, starting October 24. The tournament features 191 national teams and an 8v8 format.

Old Masters and New Icons: The Stars Defining World Cup 2026

Old Masters and New Icons: The Stars Defining World Cup 2026

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

The expanded World Cup is being dominated by superstar performances from Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland, who are leading the scoring charts. Young talent like Lamine Yamal is also making a significant impact, while Harry Kane continues to impress. The tournament is shaping up to be a thrilling display of individual brilliance, with a potential repeat of the last final between Messi and Mbappe.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Harry Kane double strike fires England into last 16

FIFA World Cup 2026: Harry Kane double strike fires England into last 16

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Harry Kane rose to rescue England, striking twice in the span of 11 minutes as the former champions fought back from a goal down to beat a a gritty Democratic Republic of Congo 2-1 in their FIFA World Cup last-32 clash in Atlanta on Wednesday.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Scandinavia split over Norway's signature Viking row celebration

FIFA World Cup 2026: Scandinavia split over Norway's signature Viking row celebration

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Norway's success at the World Cup has triggered euphoria at home, but the team's trademark "Viking row" celebration is beginning to test the patience of their Scandinavian neighbours, drawing shrugs from Sweden and envy from Denmark.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Vinicius Jr highlights grandmother's sacrifice, vows to fight racism

FIFA World Cup 2026: Vinicius Jr highlights grandmother's sacrifice, vows to fight racism

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

FIFA World Cup 2026: Vinicius Jr speaks on emotional bond with grandmother, racism and WC journey

Blue Tigers To Face World Cup Nation Panama In Bengaluru

Blue Tigers To Face World Cup Nation Panama In Bengaluru

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

The Indian senior men's football team will play an international friendly against Panama at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on September 26. This match against a FIFA World Cup-playing nation will be a significant test for the Blue Tigers, marking their return to Bengaluru after their SAFF Championship 2023 victory.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Kerala fans pay tribute to Argentina with floating stadium

FIFA World Cup 2026: Kerala fans pay tribute to Argentina with floating stadium

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Football fans in Kerala's Pullavoor village have created a unique floating stadium with cutouts of the Argentine squad in a river, showcasing their intense passion for the upcoming World Cup. This elaborate display continues a tradition of fervent fan support in the region.

FIFA World Cup 2026: France's fearsome attack enters debate over greatest forward line

FIFA World Cup 2026: France's fearsome attack enters debate over greatest forward line

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

France's march into the World Cup last 16 has been built on an attacking force so relentless that comparisons with some of the greatest forward lines in football history are no longer sounding premature.

Jaiswal Goes Viral In Messi Tee At World Cup

Jaiswal Goes Viral In Messi Tee At World Cup

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Yashasvi Jaiswal took a break from his cricketing duties to attend a FIFA World Cup 2026 match between France and Sweden in New York, immersing himself in the vibrant football atmosphere.

Sourav Ganguly hails Argentina's 'incredible' World Cup comeback

Sourav Ganguly hails Argentina's 'incredible' World Cup comeback

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly expressed his excitement over Argentina's dramatic 3-2 comeback victory against Egypt in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16, highlighting the team's ability to snatch victory from a 0-2 deficit.

Spain Coach Slams Argentina's 'Intolerable' World Cup Final Brawl

Spain Coach Slams Argentina's 'Intolerable' World Cup Final Brawl

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has strongly condemned the post-match clashes that marred the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, calling the behaviour of Argentina's players 'unacceptable' after his side lifted the trophy with a dramatic extra-time victory.

Tunisia Coach Lamouchi Joins FIFA World Cup's Infamous List

Tunisia Coach Lamouchi Joins FIFA World Cup's Infamous List

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Sabri Lamouchi's dismissal as Tunisia coach after a single game at the World Cup places him on an ignominious list that includes one of the most successful coaches in tournament history.

Age is just a number as veterans take centre stage at FIFA World Cup

Age is just a number as veterans take centre stage at FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

A record eight players aged 40 or older have been selected to play at the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States - one more than at all the past 22 tournaments combined.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Brazil eye payback as Japan stand in knockout path

FIFA World Cup 2026: Brazil eye payback as Japan stand in knockout path

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Brazil's World Cup Round of 32 meeting with Japan on Monday comes with the chance for revenge for Carlo Ancelotti's squad and a test of how far he has taken his team since a Tokyo collapse early in his tenure.

FIFA World Cup: Bellingham Has To Earn World Cup Starting Spot

FIFA World Cup: Bellingham Has To Earn World Cup Starting Spot

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

England manager Thomas Tuchel has stated that Jude Bellingham faces significant competition for a starting position in the upcoming World Cup, despite being considered a potential starter.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Ruben Dias backs Cristiano Ronaldo amid growing scrutiny

FIFA World Cup 2026: Ruben Dias backs Cristiano Ronaldo amid growing scrutiny

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The Portugal squad are shutting out criticism of the team and captain Cristiano Ronaldo following an underwhelming draw in their World Cup opener against Democratic Republic of Congo, defender Ruben Dias said on Friday.

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: Ancelotti's grit drives Brazil's comeback win over Japan

FIFA World Cup 2026: Ancelotti's grit drives Brazil's comeback win over Japan

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Carlo Ancelotti has spent weeks warning that grit and resilience would decide a long, complicated World Cup. On this evidence, Brazil have been listening -- even if, for much of the match against Japan, they seemed determined to test the theory to destruction.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Ivory Coast's Pepe rewrites his story with stunning return

FIFA World Cup 2026: Ivory Coast's Pepe rewrites his story with stunning return

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Nicolas Pepe justified his World Cup selection with two goals on Thursday, coming out of the cold to restore his reputation as a key striker for the Ivory Coast.

Climate Change Threatens World Cup Match Safety

Climate Change Threatens World Cup Match Safety

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

A World Cup game between Paraguay and France in Philadelphia is at risk due to extreme heat and humidity, linked to climate change and fossil fuel use. A heat dome over the U.S. and Canada has pushed temperatures beyond safe play recommendations, raising concerns about player safety and future tournament scheduling.

9 World Cup Finals Decided In Extra Time

9 World Cup Finals Decided In Extra Time

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final joined an exclusive list after Spain edged Argentina 1-0 in extra time. This is the ninth time a Cup final went beyond the stipulated 90 minutes,

Senegal FA President: World Cup Team Doctor Was 'Gynaecologist'

Senegal FA President: World Cup Team Doctor Was 'Gynaecologist'

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Senegal's football federation president, Abdoulaye Fall, has claimed the national team's doctor at the recent World Cup in North America was 'trained as a gynaecologist', raising concerns among players about medical support during their disappointing campaign. The Senegalese Association of Sports Medicine has rejected these allegations as 'unfounded and defamatory'.