News for 'Defends Group Stage'

India Drawn With Maldives, Pakistan In SAFF Championship 2026 Group Stage

India Drawn With Maldives, Pakistan In SAFF Championship 2026 Group Stage

Rediff.com5 days ago

Defending champions India have been drawn into Group B of the SAFF Championship 2026 alongside Maldives and Pakistan. The tournament, hosted in Dhaka from November 4-17, will see India begin their quest for a record 10th title against Maldives on November 5, followed by a clash with Pakistan on November 11.

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.

Bihar Women's Rugby Team Shines in National Championship Group Stage

Bihar Women's Rugby Team Shines in National Championship Group Stage

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Bihar's women's rugby team showcased their strength with dominant wins in the group stage of the Senior National Rugby Sevens Championship, setting the stage for intense knockout rounds.

Argentina Prepare For Knockout Stage Amid Squad Rotation

Argentina Prepare For Knockout Stage Amid Squad Rotation

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Argentina, having secured top spot in Group J, will face Jordan in their final group match with an eye on the knockout stage. Coach Lionel Scaloni is expected to rotate the squad, potentially resting Lionel Messi, while Jordan aims to conclude their debut World Cup campaign on a positive note despite early elimination.

India seek redemption and silverware against defending champs Bangladesh

India seek redemption and silverware against defending champs Bangladesh

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Five-time champions India take on defending champions Bangladesh in the SAFF Women's Championship 2026 final, with the hosts aiming to end a seven-year title drought and reclaim regional supremacy.

India-Pakistan blockbuster gets women's Asia Cup date

India-Pakistan blockbuster gets women's Asia Cup date

Rediff.com16 hours ago

The Asian Cricket Council has announced that India will play arch-rivals Pakistan in the Women's T20 Asia Cup on September 5 in Dubai. The tournament, featuring eight teams, will run from August 28 to September 13, with India being the most successful team in its history.

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.

India name strong squad for Hockey World Cup; Harmanpreet Singh to lead

India name strong squad for Hockey World Cup; Harmanpreet Singh to lead

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

India has announced a 20-member squad for the upcoming FIH Men's Hockey World Cup, with Harmanpreet Singh leading the team.

'Right mix of experience and youth': India's Squad For Hockey World Cup

'Right mix of experience and youth': India's Squad For Hockey World Cup

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

India has announced a 20-member squad for the upcoming FIH Men's Hockey World Cup, with Harmanpreet Singh leading the team.

Argentina's World Cup Resilience Tested Ahead of Switzerland Clash

Argentina's World Cup Resilience Tested Ahead of Switzerland Clash

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Defending champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, have shown remarkable resilience in the World Cup knockout stages, overcoming a 2-0 deficit against Egypt and needing extra time against Cape Verde to reach the quarter-finals against Switzerland.

FIFA World Cup: Argentina wary of 'tough' Cape Verde in round of 32 clash

FIFA World Cup: Argentina wary of 'tough' Cape Verde in round of 32 clash

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Following a dominant group stage performance, Argentina is now preparing to face Cape Verde in the Round of 32.

Slipper attack on Pappu Yadav at presser as he defends Ram Temple theft skit

Slipper attack on Pappu Yadav at presser as he defends Ram Temple theft skit

Rediff.com4 days ago

The controversy surrounding the Parliament Ram Mandir skit intensified on Sunday after a clash broke out at the residence of Purnia MP Pappu Yadav, who had portrayed a temple priest wearing saffron robes during the performance in Parliament on Friday.

Harmanpreet retained as captain for Asian Games despite T20 World Cup debacle

Harmanpreet retained as captain for Asian Games despite T20 World Cup debacle

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Harmanpreet Kaur was on Tuesday retained as captain of a largely predictable 15-member India squad for this year's Asian Games in Japan.

FIFA WC 2026, Round of 32: Favourites Belgium not taking Senegal lightly

FIFA WC 2026, Round of 32: Favourites Belgium not taking Senegal lightly

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Belgium have their full squad available for the Round of 32 match against Senegal but are not taking Senegal for granted, said coach Rudy Garcia.

Mauricio Pochettino to lead US men's team through 2030 World Cup

Mauricio Pochettino to lead US men's team through 2030 World Cup

Rediff.com3 days ago

United States coach Mauricio Pochettino has agreed to extend his contract, leading the men's national team through the 2030 World Cup, following their last-16 finish at this year's finals.

Collina: New World Cup rules have transformed the game

Collina: New World Cup rules have transformed the game

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

FIFA refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina says the World Cup's new anti-time-wasting rules have been a major success, speeding up play, reducing injuries and improving discipline while defending VAR's controversial decisions.

FIFA World Cup: Cape Verde keeper sets up dream clash with Messi

FIFA World Cup: Cape Verde keeper sets up dream clash with Messi

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Cabo Verde's star goalkeeper Vozinha has expressed confidence ahead of their FIFA World Cup round of 32 clash against Argentina, vowing to make history. The debutant nation has impressed with three draws in the group stage, becoming the smallest country to reach the knockout phase. Vozinha also achieved a rare feat, becoming only the third goalkeeper over 40 to register multiple clean sheets in the tournament. Argentina's coach Lionel Scaloni has acknowledged Cabo Verde as a tough opponent.

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.

Trump, FIFA Chief Booed at World Cup Final Ceremony

Trump, FIFA Chief Booed at World Cup Final Ceremony

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

U.S. President Donald Trump and FIFA chief Gianni Infantino were booed by spectators as they took to the field for the World Cup trophy ceremony at the New York New Jersey stadium, where Spain defeated Argentina 1-0.

Australia's Dominance Knocks India Out Of Women's T20 World Cup

Australia's Dominance Knocks India Out Of Women's T20 World Cup

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

India has been eliminated from the Women's T20 World Cup after a six-wicket defeat to Australia at Lord's. Despite a strong batting performance led by Harmanpreet Kaur, Australia successfully chased down India's target of 171, with Ellyse Perry and Ashleigh Gardner scoring crucial half-centuries. This marks India's second consecutive group-stage exit from the tournament.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Argentina stage stunning fightback to storm into quarterfinals

FIFA World Cup 2026: Argentina stage stunning fightback to storm into quarterfinals

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Argentina produced a stunning comeback after falling two goals behind, scoring twice in four minutes through Cristian Romero and Lionel Messi to beat Egypt 3-2 in their last 16 clash of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Atlanta on Tuesday.

Women's T20 World Cup: Australia's Litchfield nears return for crucial India clash

Women's T20 World Cup: Australia's Litchfield nears return for crucial India clash

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026: Australia coach Shelley Nitschke hints at Phoebe Litchfield comeback for India clash

Colombia, Portugal make last 32 stage after goalless draw

Colombia, Portugal make last 32 stage after goalless draw

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Portugal and Colombia played to a 0-0 draw in their final World Cup Group K match, with Colombia securing the top spot and Portugal finishing second. Both teams advanced to the last 32, setting up future clashes against Ghana and Croatia respectively.

FIFA World Cup: Messi leads Argentina's easy path, Portugal face tough road to knockouts

FIFA World Cup: Messi leads Argentina's easy path, Portugal face tough road to knockouts

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

The top 32 teams at the FIFA World Cup 2026 are now confirmed after a dramatic and exhausting group stage that came to a close on Saturday.

Guess who became the 1st Asian to reach 5 FIFA World Cups

Guess who became the 1st Asian to reach 5 FIFA World Cups

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Japan's Yuto Nagatomo made history by becoming the first Asian player to feature in five FIFA World Cups during Japan's 1-1 draw against Sweden. This achievement places him among an elite group of players globally. The draw secured both Japan and Sweden's advancement to the Round of 32 in the 2026 tournament.

'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.

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.

India women's team need to rethink T20 strategy: Muzumdar

India women's team need to rethink T20 strategy: Muzumdar

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

India's head coach Amol Muzumdar has acknowledged the need for a complete strategic overhaul in the T20 format following the women's team's disappointing group-stage exit from the T20 World Cup.

Alfie Haaland claims Norway 'robbed' in World Cup quarter-final defeat to England

Alfie Haaland claims Norway 'robbed' in World Cup quarter-final defeat to England

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

Former Norway international Alf-Inge 'Alfie' Haaland expressed his disappointment after Norway's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign ended with a 2-1 extra-time defeat to England, claiming the Scandinavian side had been 'robbed' in the contest.

FIFA World Cup: France's firepower puts Sweden in the firing line

FIFA World Cup: France's firepower puts Sweden in the firing line

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

France's formidable attack has propelled them through the World Cup group stage, but coach Didier Deschamps is focused on resolving issues on the team's left side before their Round of 32 match against Sweden.

Petkovic Reflects On Algeria's World Cup Exit

Petkovic Reflects On Algeria's World Cup Exit

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Algeria's coach Vladimir Petkovic attributed his team's 2-0 defeat to Switzerland and subsequent World Cup exit to costly defensive errors. He acknowledged the higher level of competition at the tournament and praised his team's overall performance, considering their return to the World Cup after 12 years and reaching the group stage a success despite the elimination.

Kohli, Shastri, Dhawan Witness India's World Cup Heartbreak

Kohli, Shastri, Dhawan Witness India's World Cup Heartbreak

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma and Ravi Shastri watched Australia beat India by six wickets at Lord's.

Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal eye fast start against Congo

Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal eye fast start against Congo

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Portugal's latest bid for World Cup glory begins in Houston on Wednesday when they take on the Democratic Republic of Congo in a Group K clash.

India Poised For Victory Against Bhutan In SAFF Semifinal

India Poised For Victory Against Bhutan In SAFF Semifinal

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

India, the five-time champions, are set to face Bhutan in the SAFF Women's Championship semifinal, aiming for a spot in the final after a dominant group stage performance.

Tajinderpal Singh Toor, Samardeep Singh Gill Qualify For Shot Put Final

Tajinderpal Singh Toor, Samardeep Singh Gill Qualify For Shot Put Final

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

Indian shot putters Tajinderpal Singh Toor and Samardeep Singh Gill have successfully qualified for the final round of the Commonwealth Games. Toor breached the 20m automatic qualification mark with a throw of 20.14m, while Gill secured his spot with a best throw of 19.95m, finishing fifth overall.

France's World Cup run fuelled by player-led analysis and strong team bonds

France's World Cup run fuelled by player-led analysis and strong team bonds

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

France's journey to the World Cup semi-finals is not just about star players like Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, but also a deep-seated unity and player-led analysis forged in private conversations and hotel rooms, according to midfielders Adrien Rabiot and defender Jules Kounde.

Cape Verde make history; set up date with Argentina in Round of 32

Cape Verde make history; set up date with Argentina in Round of 32

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Debutants Cape Verde have made history by qualifying for the World Cup round of 32 after a 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia. This unexpected achievement sets up a clash with defending champions Argentina. Despite a low-quality match, Cape Verde secured second place in their group, sparking celebrations among players and fans, while Uruguay and Saudi Arabia were eliminated.

Messi's missing rival: Argentina captain finally faces England at World Cup

Messi's missing rival: Argentina captain finally faces England at World Cup

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Lionel Messi will face England for the first time in his career when Argentina meet the Three Lions in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final, ending a 20-year wait for one of football's most anticipated match-ups.

Gueye double keeps five-star Senegal's World Cup hopes alive

Gueye double keeps five-star Senegal's World Cup hopes alive

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Senegal kept their World Cup knockout hopes alive in dominant fashion on Friday with a 5-0 victory over 10-man Iraq, who were eliminated from the tournament.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi to start on bench against Jordan

Argentina captain Lionel Messi to start on bench against Jordan

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that star player Lionel Messi will start on the bench for their final World Cup Group F match against Jordan.