News for 'FIFA'

Infantino Eyes Fourth Term as FIFA President

Infantino Eyes Fourth Term as FIFA President

Rediff.com5 days ago

Gianni Infantino confirms he will seek a fourth term as FIFA president, with elections set for 2027 amid ongoing expansion reforms and criticism.

FIFA Congress overshadowed by protests outside venue

FIFA Congress overshadowed by protests outside venue

Rediff.com5 days ago

Protests on multiple fronts disrupted the atmosphere outside the FIFA Congress in Vancouver on Thursday, as demonstrators raised sharply different concerns over global politics and local issues.

Afghan women footballers get FIFA boost after exile

Afghan women footballers get FIFA boost after exile

Rediff.com7 days ago

FIFA has approved a rule change allowing Afghan women footballers, many exiled since the Taliban's return, to play official international matches in FIFA competitions.

India Chosen For FIFA Women's Development Programme

India Chosen For FIFA Women's Development Programme

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

FIFA has selected India as one of 12 countries for its Women's Development Programme, aimed at building sustainable models for women's football clubs and preparing them for the upcoming AFC club licensing system.

FIFA World Cup on the brink: India, China yet to secure broadcast deal

FIFA World Cup on the brink: India, China yet to secure broadcast deal

Rediff.com2 days ago

Millions of soccer fans in the world's two most populous nations may not be able to watch the World Cup that starts next month, due to a deadlock over broadcast rights in India and no official decision in China.

Tensions flare as Palestinian FA chief snubs Israeli official at FIFA Congress

Tensions flare as Palestinian FA chief snubs Israeli official at FIFA Congress

Rediff.com5 days ago

Palestinian soccer federation President Jibril Rajoub refused to stand alongside Israel FA Vice-President Basim Sheikh Suliman in a heated moment at the FIFA Congress on Thursday.

Human rights groups issue US travel advisory ahead of FIFA World Cup

Human rights groups issue US travel advisory ahead of FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Advocacy groups issued a travel advisory on Thursday, warning that visitors traveling to the US for the 2026 World Cup may face arbitrary detention or deportation, among other human rights abuses.

FIFA World Cup: Australia coach wants Trump at USA match

FIFA World Cup: Australia coach wants Trump at USA match

Rediff.com2 days ago

Australia's coach, Tony Popovic, believes Donald Trump's potential attendance at their World Cup match against the United States would motivate his team. While midfielder Jackson Irvine voiced concerns about FIFA's Peace Prize to Trump and LGBT rights in the U.S., Popovic remains focused on the team's preparation and player fitness.

Iran awaiting FIFA response on World Cup venue switch

Iran awaiting FIFA response on World Cup venue switch

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Iran's participation in the upcoming FIFA World Cup is uncertain as the government awaits FIFA's response regarding their request to relocate matches from the United States to Mexico due to security concerns.

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.

India women stun Malawi, finish third in FIFA Series 2026

India women stun Malawi, finish third in FIFA Series 2026

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The India women's football team secured a 3-2 victory against Malawi in the third-place play-off of the FIFA Series 2026 in Nairobi, with goals from Astam Oraon, Aveka Singh, and Priyadharshini Selladurai.

Crispin Chettri Names India Women's Squad for FIFA Series in Kenya

Crispin Chettri Names India Women's Squad for FIFA Series in Kenya

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Crispin Chettri has announced a 22-member squad for the Indian women's football team to compete in the FIFA Series 2026 tournament in Kenya, marking his return as head coach.

India Women's Team Suffers Defeat Against Kenya in FIFA Series Semi-final

India Women's Team Suffers Defeat Against Kenya in FIFA Series Semi-final

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

The Indian women's football team lost 0-2 to Kenya in the semifinal of the FIFA Series 2026. Martha Emedot and Tereza Obunya scored for Kenya.

Indian Women's Football Team Gears Up for FIFA Series Semifinal Against Kenya

Indian Women's Football Team Gears Up for FIFA Series Semifinal Against Kenya

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The Indian women's football team is set to compete against Kenya in the semifinal of the FIFA Series 2026 in Nairobi, while Australia will face Malawi. The matches are scheduled for April 11, with the final and third-place play-off on April 15.

Zinedine Zidane to coach France after FIFA World Cup?

Zinedine Zidane to coach France after FIFA World Cup?

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Zinedine Zidane is expected to take over as France's head coach after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following the departure of Didier Deschamps after 14 years in charge.

France rise to top of FIFA rankings after wins over Brazil, Colombia

France rise to top of FIFA rankings after wins over Brazil, Colombia

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

France return to No.1 in FIFA rankings after wins over Brazil and Colombia, while Spain drop to second and Argentina slip to third in the latest standings.

Historic! Iraq seals last FIFA World Cup spot after 40 years

Historic! Iraq seals last FIFA World Cup spot after 40 years

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Iraq defeated Bolivia 2-1 in an inter-confederation playoff to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 40 years. Aymen Hussein scored the winning goal, securing Iraq's place in Group I alongside France, Norway, and Senegal.

Iran cannot participate in FIFA World Cup, minister says

Iran cannot participate in FIFA World Cup, minister says

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Iran cannot participate in the 2026 World Cup after co-host the US launched airstrikes alongside Israel, Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali said on Wednesday.

Iran's football team trains in Turkey ahead of FIFA World Cup warm-ups

Iran's football team trains in Turkey ahead of FIFA World Cup warm-ups

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Iran's national football team is training in Turkey for upcoming friendlies as they prepare for the FIFA World Cup, facing heightened attention due to geopolitical tensions.

Kosovo Dreams Of FIFA World Cup Spot After Overcoming Sporting Ban

Kosovo Dreams Of FIFA World Cup Spot After Overcoming Sporting Ban

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Kosovo is on the brink of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time, a significant achievement after overcoming a sporting ban during Serbian rule in the 1990s.

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.

Iran bans teams from hostile nations, FIFA World Cup at risk

Iran bans teams from hostile nations, FIFA World Cup at risk

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Iran has banned national and club sports teams from travelling to countries it considers hostile, citing concerns over the safety of its athletes.

Turkey END 24-year wait to reach FIFA World Cup again

Turkey END 24-year wait to reach FIFA World Cup again

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Turkey has qualified for the 2026 World Cup after a 24-year absence, defeating Kosovo in their playoff final. Kerem Akturkoglu's goal secured the victory, sparking celebrations across Turkey.

Middle East travel chaos threatens Iraq's FIFA World Cup hopes

Middle East travel chaos threatens Iraq's FIFA World Cup hopes

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Iraq's participation in the inter-confederation play-offs in Mexico that will decide two berths at this year's FIFA World Cup is in doubt because of the travel chaos triggered by the conflict in neighbouring Iran.

Iranian football team is welcome to play in FIFA World Cup in US: Donald Trump

Iranian football team is welcome to play in FIFA World Cup in US: Donald Trump

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on Wednesday that he met with United States President Donald Trump, who told him he welcomed Iran's participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Iran refuses to play FIFA World Cup in US; wants games moved to Mexico

Iran refuses to play FIFA World Cup in US; wants games moved to Mexico

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Iran's football federation is in discussions with FIFA about moving their World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico due to concerns about the safety of their players, Iranian football president Mehdi Taj said.

India U-17 Squad Named For AFC Asian Cup

India U-17 Squad Named For AFC Asian Cup

Rediff.com5 days ago

Bibiano Fernandes has announced the 23-member Indian squad for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup, set to begin in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on May 5. The team is currently in Doha for friendly matches before heading to Jeddah.

'Iran has told us that they are going to FIFA World Cup': Asian Football Confederation

'Iran has told us that they are going to FIFA World Cup': Asian Football Confederation

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

The Asian Football Confederation said on Monday it has not received any notification from Iran that it will withdraw its national football team from the FIFA World Cup.

Donald Trump says it is not appropriate for Iran to be in FIFA World Cup

Donald Trump says it is not appropriate for Iran to be in FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday the Iranian men's national soccer team was welcome to participate in the 2026 World Cup but that he believed it was not appropriate that they be there "for their own life and safety."

War fears cloud Iran's FIFA World Cup trip to the USA

War fears cloud Iran's FIFA World Cup trip to the USA

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Eighteen months of preparation hang in the balance at a Tucson-based multi-use sports facility, where organisers say they remain in daily contact with FIFA about hosting Iran's national soccer team, even as geopolitical turmoil threatens to upend their World Cup plans.

FIFA to lead $75m project to build football ecosystem in Gaza

FIFA to lead $75m project to build football ecosystem in Gaza

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

FIFA and Board of Peace to support Gaza reconstruction through football

Italy rejects Trump envoy's suggestion to replace Iran at World Cup

Italy rejects Trump envoy's suggestion to replace Iran at World Cup

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Italy rejects a proposal by Trump envoy Paolo Zampolli to replace Iran at the FIFA World Cup 2026, as officials insist qualification must be earned on merit.

India U17 Women's Team Loses To Australia In Asian Cup Opener

India U17 Women's Team Loses To Australia In Asian Cup Opener

Rediff.com4 days ago

India's U17 women's football team lost 0-2 to Australia in their opening match of the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup in Suzhou, China. Theodora Mouithys scored for Australia, and an own goal by Abhista Basnett sealed India's defeat.

Will Iran pull out of FIFA World Cup 2026 in US, Canada, Mexico?

Will Iran pull out of FIFA World Cup 2026 in US, Canada, Mexico?

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Iran's participation in this year's World Cup has been called into question after co-hosts the United States launched joint air strikes at the country along with Israel at the weekend.

Drug lord El Mencho's murder: FIFA monitoring World Cup host city

Drug lord El Mencho's murder: FIFA monitoring World Cup host city

Rediff.com24 Feb 2026

Guadalajara violence postpones matches, FIFA monitoring World Cup host city

Canadian League Sees First Goal Under 'Daylight' Off-side Rule

Canadian League Sees First Goal Under 'Daylight' Off-side Rule

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

A goal scored under soccer's experimental 'daylight' offside rule was allowed for the first time in a professional match in the Canadian Premier League.

India U17 Football Team Ready For Australia Challenge

India U17 Football Team Ready For Australia Challenge

Rediff.com22 hours ago

India's U17 football team is set to compete in the AFC U17 Asian Cup, starting with a challenging match against Australia. Coach Bibiano Fernandes emphasises the importance of staying organised and focused throughout the tournament.

France striker Ekitike out of FIFA World Cup with ruptured Achilles

France striker Ekitike out of FIFA World Cup with ruptured Achilles

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

France forward Hugo Ekitike suffered a ruptured Achilles during Liverpool's Champions League clash against Paris St Germain on Tuesday.

France striker Kylian Mbappe diagnosed with hamstring injury ahead of World Cup

France striker Kylian Mbappe diagnosed with hamstring injury ahead of World Cup

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has suffered a hamstring injury, the LaLiga club said on Monday, weeks before the start of the World Cup.

Iran 'will play' at 2026 World Cup, says Infantino amid concerns

Iran 'will play' at 2026 World Cup, says Infantino amid concerns

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirms Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup despite geopolitical tensions, urging that sport remain separate from politics.