News for 'Captains Club'

FIFA World Cup: England vs Argentina: A semi-final for the ages

FIFA World Cup: England vs Argentina: A semi-final for the ages

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

England's football team has reached the World Cup semi-finals, demonstrating significant resilience by overcoming setbacks. They are set to face old rivals Argentina, a match steeped in history. The team's success is largely attributed to the partnership of Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, who have scored a combined 12 goals. Coach Thomas Tuchel acknowledges the team's fighting spirit but also sees room for improvement as they aim to end a 60-year wait for a World Cup title.

FIFA World Cup: Spain's Yamal says the best is yet to come

FIFA World Cup: Spain's Yamal says the best is yet to come

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Spain's teenage winger Lamine Yamal says he has plenty of improvement left in his fledgling career with fans not yet having seen the best.

Lord's pitch not ideal for Test cricket's longevity: Stokes

Lord's pitch not ideal for Test cricket's longevity: Stokes

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

England captain Ben Stokes criticised the Lord's pitch after the first Test against New Zealand, saying bowler-friendly surfaces and four-day finishes are not ideal for Test cricket's long-term future.

Tendulkar a great example for Sooryavanshi to emulate: Dilip Vengsarkar

Tendulkar a great example for Sooryavanshi to emulate: Dilip Vengsarkar

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi plays some unreal shots with his hand-eye coordination, which makes his batting unbelievable, says former India captain and chairman of selectors Dilip Vengsarkar.

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.

Smriti Mandhana Named in TIME's 100 Most Influential People in Sports 2026

Smriti Mandhana Named in TIME's 100 Most Influential People in Sports 2026

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Smriti Mandhana is the only Indian named in TIME's 100 Most Influential People in Sports 2026 list, joining global icons such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and LeBron James after another record-breaking year in cricket.

Brazil vs Japan:FIFA World Cup Blockbuster Awaits

Brazil vs Japan:FIFA World Cup Blockbuster Awaits

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Japan's national football team, the Samurai Blue, faces Brazil in a crucial World Cup last-32 match. This encounter holds deep significance due to Brazil's profound influence on Japanese professional football, particularly through the J-League and the presence of numerous Brazilian players and coaches over the decades. Despite past successes against Brazil, including a recent friendly win, this World Cup clash represents a major test for Japan's ambitions.

Joe Root's Historic Milestone: Second To Reach 14,000 Test Runs

Joe Root's Historic Milestone: Second To Reach 14,000 Test Runs

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Joe Root he becomes only the second cricketer in Test history to surpass 14,000 runs, joining the legendary Sachin Tendulkar in an exclusive club of batting greats.

India Defender Rahul Bheke Signs With Mohun Bagan Super Giant

India Defender Rahul Bheke Signs With Mohun Bagan Super Giant

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

Experienced India international defender Rahul Bheke has signed a one-year contract with Mohun Bagan Super Giant. The versatile 34-year-old, who has previously played for Bengaluru FC, Mumbai City FC, and Kerala Blasters, expressed his excitement about joining the "best club in the country" and aims to win trophies, including the Kolkata derby.

Messi's March Through History Continues With World Cup Goals Record

Messi's March Through History Continues With World Cup Goals Record

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Lionel Messi, nearing 39, has broken the World Cup all-time goal-scoring record with 18 goals, surpassing Marta and Miroslav Klose. This latest achievement adds to his illustrious career, which includes numerous club and international titles, cementing his status as one of football's greatest players.

Can Senegal Stop Haaland? Thiaw Faces Major Selection Dilemma

Can Senegal Stop Haaland? Thiaw Faces Major Selection Dilemma

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Senegal face a major defensive selection dilemma ahead of their World Cup clash with Norway as coach Pape Bouna Thiaw weighs whether to drop Kalidou Koulibaly in a bid to stop Erling Haaland and keep knockout hopes alive.

India Men Edge Netherlands To Clinch Thrilling Win In Hockey Pro League

India Men Edge Netherlands To Clinch Thrilling Win In Hockey Pro League

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

The Indian men's hockey team defeated the Netherlands 3-2 in their final match of the FIH Pro League Rotterdam leg.

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.

FIFA World Cup: Seattle's LGBTQ community to turn Egypt-Iran tie into pride statement

FIFA World Cup: Seattle's LGBTQ community to turn Egypt-Iran tie into pride statement

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Seattle's LGBTQ community members say they hope that this Friday's World Cup "Pride Match" between Egypt and Iran, two countries where homosexuality is criminalised, can be an opportunity to change minds.

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.

Indian Football Star Grace Dangmei Ends Career On High Note

Indian Football Star Grace Dangmei Ends Career On High Note

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

Indian women's football team veteran Grace Dangmei has announced her international retirement following the team's SAFF Championships victory. The 30-year-old forward, who represented India 95 times, concluded her nearly 15-year career with a third SAFF title, having also played for top Indian and Uzbek clubs.

How Orlando Gill Inspired Paraguay's Stunning Shootout Win Over Germany

How Orlando Gill Inspired Paraguay's Stunning Shootout Win Over Germany

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

In one of the biggest upsets ever seen at the World Cup, Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill saved the efforts of Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade before Jonathan Tah fired over the bar, paving the way for Jose Canale to blast home the decisive spot kick.

Ganguly hails East Bengal after historic maiden ISL title triumph

Ganguly hails East Bengal after historic maiden ISL title triumph

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Sourav Ganguly congratulated East Bengal after the Kolkata giants won their first-ever Indian Super League title, ending a 22-year wait for top-tier league glory.

Wimbledon 2026: Injured Chwalinska suffers first-round exit; Andreeva, Sabalenka cruise

Wimbledon 2026: Injured Chwalinska suffers first-round exit; Andreeva, Sabalenka cruise

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

French Open runner-up Maja Chwalinska crashed out of Wimbledon in the opening round following a 2-6, 7-5, 6-2 loss to Thai qualifier Mananchaya Sawangkaew on Monday after the Pole fell and hurt herself while on match point.

Indian Super League Players In Limbo Amid AIFF Uncertainty

Indian Super League Players In Limbo Amid AIFF Uncertainty

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Nearly 150 Indian Super League players, including national team members, face an uncertain future as their contracts expire amid ongoing disputes between the AIFF and clubs over the league's structure.

Wissa's double propels DR Congo into World Cup knockouts

Wissa's double propels DR Congo into World Cup knockouts

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

The Democratic Republic of Congo secured a spot in the World Cup knockout stage after a thrilling 3-1 comeback victory against Uzbekistan. Yoane Wissa scored twice, including a crucial penalty, and Fiston Mayele added another goal to seal their progression. This win marks DR Congo's return to the World Cup knockouts after 52 years, setting up a clash with England.

Tiger Woods Steps Down as 2027 Ryder Cup Captain to Focus on Health

Tiger Woods Steps Down as 2027 Ryder Cup Captain to Focus on Health

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Tiger Woods steps down as 2027 Ryder Cup captain to focus on his health following a DUI case, with the PGA of America backing his decision and updates on leadership to follow.

Manpreet Singh India's most-capped hockey player

Manpreet Singh India's most-capped hockey player

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

Manpreet Singh on Wednesday became India's most-capped hockey player with his 413th appearance for the country during the FIH Pro League match against Germany in Rotterdam.

Beckham tips Japan to pull off surprise at World Cup

Beckham tips Japan to pull off surprise at World Cup

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

David Beckham has tipped Japan as a dark horse for the 2026 FIFA World Cup while backing England to end their 60-year wait for glory. The former captain also highlighted France, Spain, Argentina and Brazil as title contenders.

Ex Pak batter explains why India have surged ahead of Pakistan

Ex Pak batter explains why India have surged ahead of Pakistan

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Former Pakistan captain and coach Haroon Rasheed says India's cricket dominance stems from strong grassroots structures and long-term planning, while Pakistan continues to suffer from instability, poor domestic systems and lack of continuity.

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.

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.

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.

IPL 2026: Why Didn't RCB Remember Fans Lost In 2025 Stampede?

IPL 2026: Why Didn't RCB Remember Fans Lost In 2025 Stampede?

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

A year after 11 fans died during RCB title celebrations, the franchise's IPL 2026 triumph has sparked discussion over whether the victims should have been acknowledged.

Kapil Dev urges patience with teen sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Kapil Dev urges patience with teen sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Kapil Dev has urged patience with 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after his historic India call-up, while Madan Lal backed the teenage batting sensation to carry his IPL form onto the international stage.

Argentina's title defence faces first test against fearless Algeria

Argentina's title defence faces first test against fearless Algeria

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Argentina start their bid for back-to-back World Cups on Tuesday with a side full of familiar faces from Qatar 2022, facing an Algerian team buoyed by warm-up wins and featuring a 20-year-old rising star nicknamed after Diego Maradona.

Harry Kane's 'trick' gives Bayern Munich German Cup and domestic double

Harry Kane's 'trick' gives Bayern Munich German Cup and domestic double

Rediff.com24 May 2026

Harry Kane scored a second-half hat-trick as Bayern Munich defeated VfB Stuttgart 3-0 in the German Cup final, securing their first domestic double in six years.

Messi returns, scores and sends strong FIFA World Cup warning

Messi returns, scores and sends strong FIFA World Cup warning

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Lionel Messi led Argentina to a dominant 3-0 victory over Iceland in a FIFA World Cup 2026 warm-up friendly, scoring a penalty and contributing to another goal after recovering from muscle fatigue.

Chaufla And Nandal Dominate All India Racketlon Open

Chaufla And Nandal Dominate All India Racketlon Open

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Vikramaditya Chaufla and Sidharth Nandal emerged as top performers at the All India Racketlon Open in Mumbai, securing multiple medals. Chaufla won two golds and a silver, while Nandal bagged two golds, showcasing their prowess in the multi-racket sport.

PSG's faith in Luis Enrique pays off with consecutive Champions League titles

PSG's faith in Luis Enrique pays off with consecutive Champions League titles

Rediff.com31 May 2026

Luis Enrique arrived in Paris in 2023 promising a cultural shift rather than instant glamour, with the Spaniard wanting a team in which collective sacrifice outweighed individual status, where the biggest names defended, pressed and suffered together. Two Champions League titles later, his players speak about him less as a coach than as an architect and people leader.

Iran fight back to hold New Zealand in Group G thriller

Iran fight back to hold New Zealand in Group G thriller

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Iran twice came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw with New Zealand in their opening World Cup match on Monday after an end-to-end contest played against the backdrop of Iranian fan protests against the government in Tehran.

Spain go to World Cup without Real Madrid for first time since 1950

Spain go to World Cup without Real Madrid for first time since 1950

Rediff.com25 May 2026

European champions Spain will travel to next month's World Cup with plenty of Barcelona swagger but no-one from Real Madrid after manager Luis de la Fuente named a 26-man squad on Monday built around eight players from the Catalan club.

'It has been fun': Manchester City say adios to Pep Guardiola after decade of glory

'It has been fun': Manchester City say adios to Pep Guardiola after decade of glory

Rediff.com25 May 2026

Manchester's Etihad Stadium turned into a tribute to Pep Guardiola -- the man who transformed both the club and English football over his glittering decade as boss.

CAB power struggle: Ganguly camp fires back as Dalmiya raises corruption concerns

CAB power struggle: Ganguly camp fires back as Dalmiya raises corruption concerns

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

The simmering tension between former Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Avishek Dalmiya and the current Sourav Ganguly-led establishment came out into the open on Wednesday, with the state cricket body's top brass issuing a strongly-worded rebuttal to allegations of corruption and governance failures barely three months before its annual general meeting.

17-Year-Old vs 43-Year-Old in 2026 FIFA World Cup Face-Off

17-Year-Old vs 43-Year-Old in 2026 FIFA World Cup Face-Off

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to feature a significant generational divide, with players spanning over 25 years in age. Mexico's Gilberto Mora, 17, will be the youngest, while Scotland's Craig Gordon, 43, will be the oldest. The tournament will showcase a mix of emerging talents and seasoned veterans like Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric, with nations like Panama and Ivory Coast representing the oldest and youngest average squads, respectively.