News for 'AFC'

Expanded World Cup boosts India's qualification hopes: Bhutia

Expanded World Cup boosts India's qualification hopes: Bhutia

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia says FIFA's expanded 48-team World Cup format significantly improves India's chances of qualification while creating new opportunities for emerging football nations across Asia and beyond.

Young tigresses clinch AFC Asian Cup spot in style

Young tigresses clinch AFC Asian Cup spot in style

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

India come from behind to seal maiden AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup qualification

Ronaldo ruled out of Al-Nassr's AFC clash vs FC Goa?

Ronaldo ruled out of Al-Nassr's AFC clash vs FC Goa?

Rediff.com20 Oct 2025

Quoting a source close to the club, the Al-Nassr team will leave for Goa on Monday afternoon without injured Croatian midfielder Marcelo Brozovic, in addition to a number of foreign players.

Al-Nassr Crush Al-Wasl 4-0 as Ronaldo Hits 969th Career Goal

Al-Nassr Crush Al-Wasl 4-0 as Ronaldo Hits 969th Career Goal

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo scores his 969th career goal as Al-Nassr thrash Al-Wasl 4-0 to reach the AFC Champions League Two semi-finals, moving closer to the 1000-goal milestone.

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.

India U-17 Women's Team Gears Up for Asian Cup with Russia Friendlies

India U-17 Women's Team Gears Up for Asian Cup with Russia Friendlies

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

The Indian Under-17 women's football team will play three friendly matches against Russia in Sochi from April 11 to 17 as part of their preparations for the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup.

India colts stun fancied Iran, seal AFC Asian Cup spot

India colts stun fancied Iran, seal AFC Asian Cup spot

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

India colts staged a remarkable comeback to stun overwhelming favourites Iran 2-1 in their last Group D qualifying game and seal a place in the 2026 AFC U-17 Asian Cup, in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

EB have it tough in maiden AFC Women's CL appearance

EB have it tough in maiden AFC Women's CL appearance

Rediff.com11 Sep 2025

The centralised semi-finals and the final are scheduled for May 20 to 23, next year.

Singapore snuff out India's AFC Asia Cup hopes

Singapore snuff out India's AFC Asia Cup hopes

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

India fail to qualify for 2027 AFC Asian Cup after 1-2 loss to Singapore

India Women's Football Team Aims for Future Success in FIFA Series

India Women's Football Team Aims for Future Success in FIFA Series

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

The Indian women's football team is set to compete in the FIFA Series 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya, facing hosts Kenya in their opening match. Coach Crispin Chettri emphasises building for the future, focusing on the 2029 AFC Women's Asian Cup and the 2031 World Cup qualifiers.

IWL 2025-26 Set to Resume in Kolkata

IWL 2025-26 Set to Resume in Kolkata

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The second phase of the Indian Women's League 2025-26 is scheduled to begin in Kolkata on April 27, following a break for international competitions. East Bengal FC currently leads the league standings.

AFC Champions League 2: FC Goa go down fighting to Al Nassr

AFC Champions League 2: FC Goa go down fighting to Al Nassr

Rediff.com22 Oct 2025

FC Goa went down 1-2 to Saudi Arabian giants Al Nassr in their third Group A fixture of the AFC Champions League Two, in Margao, on Wednesday.

Why Indian Football Team Was Barred From Press Conference Venue

Why Indian Football Team Was Barred From Press Conference Venue

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

The Indian men's senior football team and their head coach were denied entry to a press conference at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi due to a payment dispute between the Kerala Football Association and the stadium owners.

Oscar Bruzon inspires East Bengal to end their two-decade title drought

Oscar Bruzon inspires East Bengal to end their two-decade title drought

Rediff.com22 May 2026

East Bengal ended a 22-year wait to win the national league crown, defeating Inter Kashi in a thrilling final. Under coach Oscar Bruzon, the team overcame early setbacks and showed resilience to secure the title, marking a defining moment for the club and Indian football.

Mohun Bagan Deal Blow To India's Unity Cup Campaign

Mohun Bagan Deal Blow To India's Unity Cup Campaign

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Mohun Bagan Super Giant has withdrawn its players from the Indian football team's Unity Cup squad, citing concerns over injury compensation outside the FIFA international window, impacting India's preparations for the tournament.

Why Mohun Bagan Is Refusing To Release Players For Unity Cup

Why Mohun Bagan Is Refusing To Release Players For Unity Cup

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Mohun Bagan Super Giant has withdrawn its players from the Indian national team camp for the Unity Cup in London, citing concerns over injuries and lack of compensation from the AIFF outside the FIFA international window.

AIFF Approves Governance Act, Postpones ISL Commercial Partner Decision

AIFF Approves Governance Act, Postpones ISL Commercial Partner Decision

Rediff.com23 May 2026

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has approved the adoption of the National Sports Governance Act but deferred a decision on picking a new commercial partner for the Indian Super League (ISL) during its Special General Body Meeting.

India U20 Women's Football Team Faces Japan in Asian Cup Opener

India U20 Women's Football Team Faces Japan in Asian Cup Opener

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

The Indian U20 women's national football team is set to compete in the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Thailand 2026, starting with a match against Japan. This marks India's return to the tournament after two decades, with the team aiming for World Cup qualification.

India U20 Women Aim to Build on First Half Performance Against Australia

India U20 Women Aim to Build on First Half Performance Against Australia

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

India's U20 women's team is set to face Australia in their second Group C match of the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup, aiming to improve upon their first-half performance against Japan. Coach Joakim Alexandersson emphasises mindset and bravery as key factors for success.

Australian-Born Ryan Williams Poised For India Debut After FIFA Clearance

Australian-Born Ryan Williams Poised For India Debut After FIFA Clearance

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Australian-born forward Ryan Williams is set to make his debut for India in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier against Hong Kong after FIFA cleared his change of association.

India U20 Women Face Chinese Taipei in Crucial Asian Cup Clash

India U20 Women Face Chinese Taipei in Crucial Asian Cup Clash

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

India's U20 women's team must defeat Chinese Taipei in their final Group C match to keep their hopes alive of reaching the quarter-finals of the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup.

Bengaluru FC rope in Savio Medeira as Head of Youth Development

Bengaluru FC rope in Savio Medeira as Head of Youth Development

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Bengaluru FC appoint former India coach Savio Medeira as Head of Youth Development, aiming to strengthen its grassroots pathway and nurture local talent.

Nepal-born Abneet Bharti Called Up To Indian Football Camp

Nepal-born Abneet Bharti Called Up To Indian Football Camp

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Nepal-born defender Abneet Bharti has joined the Indian senior men's team camp in Kochi ahead of the AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Hong Kong, pending FIFA clearance.

Ahmedabad to host AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers

Ahmedabad to host AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

'It is a matter of great pride for India to be among the hosts of the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 Qualifiers, and I am particularly pleased to see Ahmedabad take centre stage.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Complete List Of All 26-Man Squads

FIFA World Cup 2026: Complete List Of All 26-Man Squads

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

The official 26-man squads for FIFA World Cup 2026.

India U-17 Women's Team Loses To Russia In Second Friendly Match

India U-17 Women's Team Loses To Russia In Second Friendly Match

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

The India U-17 women's team suffered a 0-3 defeat against Russia in their second friendly match in Sochi, Russia, as part of their preparations for the upcoming AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup in China.

AIFF Seeks Indian Coach for Women's National Team After Valverde's Exit

AIFF Seeks Indian Coach for Women's National Team After Valverde's Exit

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has decided not to renew the contract of women's team head coach Amelia Valverde, opting to consider Indian coaches for the role following recommendations from its technical committee.

'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.

Young Tigresses gear up for AFC U17 qualifiers

Young Tigresses gear up for AFC U17 qualifiers

Rediff.com6 Oct 2025

The group winners will qualify for the 12-team final tournament in China next year.

Can Jamil spark India's AFC Asian Cup dream?

Can Jamil spark India's AFC Asian Cup dream?

Rediff.com1 Aug 2025

Jamil's first assignment in his new role will be the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA) Nations Cup, to be held in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan starting August 29.

Bengaluru FC Appoints Savio Medeira to Lead Youth Development

Bengaluru FC Appoints Savio Medeira to Lead Youth Development

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Bengaluru FC has appointed Savio Medeira, former Indian national team coach, as their head of youth development, aiming to strengthen the pathway for young players to the first team.

AIFF faces FIFA ban threat; Olympic bid, FC Goa's AFC hopes at risk

AIFF faces FIFA ban threat; Olympic bid, FC Goa's AFC hopes at risk

Rediff.com27 Aug 2025

'Failure to meet this schedule will leave us with no alternative but to refer the matter to the relevant FIFA decision-making body for consideration and decision... including the possibility of suspension.'

AFC Champions League: Ahal FK shock Mohun Bagan

AFC Champions League: Ahal FK shock Mohun Bagan

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

Substitute Enwer Annayev struck late as Turkmenistan's Ahal FK stunned Mohun Bagan Super Giant 1-0 in their opening Group C match of the AFC Champions League 2

AIFF Defends Women's Asian Cup Preparations After Group Stage Exit

AIFF Defends Women's Asian Cup Preparations After Group Stage Exit

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

The AIFF defends its preparation for the AFC Women's Asian Cup despite India's group-stage exit, citing extensive overseas exposure and matches. An inquiry has been ordered into a kit controversy.

How Joya's Last-Minute Goal Led India U-17 Women to Victory

How Joya's Last-Minute Goal Led India U-17 Women to Victory

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Joya, a 14-year-old striker, scored a dramatic late goal to secure a 3-2 victory for the India U-17 Women's team against Myanmar in a friendly match, as part of their preparations for the upcoming AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup.

AFC women's league: Fazila fires East Bengal to historic win

AFC women's league: Fazila fires East Bengal to historic win

Rediff.com25 Aug 2025

Phnom Penh Crown will next face Hong Kong's Kitchee SC on Thursday, while East Bengal take on the same opponents on Sunday.

Bagan kick off AFC Champions League 2 campaign at home

Bagan kick off AFC Champions League 2 campaign at home

Rediff.com15 Sep 2025

The Mariners had successfully defended their ISL Shield to book a direct berth in ACL 2, finishing eight points clear of FC Goa.

Ryan Williams Debut: India Look to End Asian Cup Qualifying Campaign on a High Note

Ryan Williams Debut: India Look to End Asian Cup Qualifying Campaign on a High Note

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

India will face Hong Kong in their final AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifying match, with Australian-born winger Ryan Williams set to make his debut. Both teams aim to gain FIFA ranking points and build for future assignments.

Pritika Barman's Double Helps India U-17 Women Beat Myanmar

Pritika Barman's Double Helps India U-17 Women Beat Myanmar

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

The Indian U17 women's team defeated Myanmar 2-0 in an international friendly match, with Pritika Barman scoring both goals. The match is part of India's preparation for the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup.

AFC Women's CL: East Bengal progress to group stage

AFC Women's CL: East Bengal progress to group stage

Rediff.com31 Aug 2025

East Bengal progressed to the group stage of the AFC Women's Champions League after a 1-1 draw against Hong Kong's Kitchee SC in their final Qualifiers Group E match, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on Sunday.