News for 'FIFA World Cup 2026'

'His parents were watching': Marsch's emotional tribute after Eustaquio's winner

'His parents were watching': Marsch's emotional tribute after Eustaquio's winner

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Stephen Eustaquio's stoppage-time winner sent Canada into the FIFA World Cup Round of 32, with coach Jesse Marsch paying an emotional tribute to the midfielder's late parents after the dramatic 1-0 win over South Africa.

India U-20 Women Face Japan in AFC Asian Cup Opener with World Cup Qualification at Stake

India U-20 Women Face Japan in AFC Asian Cup Opener with World Cup Qualification at Stake

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

The Indian Under-20 women's football team begins their AFC U-20 Women's Asian Cup campaign against Japan, aiming for a spot in the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Poland 2026.

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.

US win over Paraguay built on collective approach: Pochettino

US win over Paraguay built on collective approach: Pochettino

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

US coach Mauricio Pochettino praised his team's collective effort after their historic 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their World Cup opener. Folarin Balogun scored two goals, a first for a U.S. player since 1930, though Christian Pulisic's calf injury raised concerns. Pochettino credited extended training time for the team's strong start.

Messi has work to catch Mbappe for the Golden Boot

Messi has work to catch Mbappe for the Golden Boot

Rediff.com5 days ago

Lionel Messi is aiming for the Golden Boot and a record third Golden Ball at the World Cup final against Spain.

Inside The Czech Home That's A Shrine To Argentine Football

Inside The Czech Home That's A Shrine To Argentine Football

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Miloslav "Curby" Urbanec, a Czech music promoter, has transformed his three-storey house in Bukovka into a vibrant shrine dedicated to the Argentine national football team, featuring sky-blue and white paint, a Lionel Messi mural, and a Diego Maradona statue, all stemming from a childhood passion ignited by the 1978 World Cup.

Iran takes a U-turn, drops plan to boycott 2026 World Cup draw

Iran takes a U-turn, drops plan to boycott 2026 World Cup draw

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

Iran to attend World Cup draw after boycott threat over visa issues

'Red cards are not overturned by political phone calls'

'Red cards are not overturned by political phone calls'

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Thierry Henry, including the UEFA, Belgium and several football figures questioned FIFA's late decision to suspend USA's Folarin Balogun's World Cup ban.

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.

Beat the heat! 2026 World Cup to have hydration breaks

Beat the heat! 2026 World Cup to have hydration breaks

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

World Cup matches to have mandatory hydration breaks in each half

FIFA WC FINAL: Singer Post Malone, Robbie Williams headline closing ceremony

FIFA WC FINAL: Singer Post Malone, Robbie Williams headline closing ceremony

Rediff.com4 days ago

The World Cup final between Spain and Argentina is set to kick off in New Jersey, with fans flocking to the stadium despite high ticket prices and enhanced security measures, as both teams vie for the coveted title.

'I leave with a lot of pride': Mexico manager Aguirre bids farewell

'I leave with a lot of pride': Mexico manager Aguirre bids farewell

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Mexico manager Javier Aguirre said he was leaving with pride despite the pain of elimination after losing to England in the FIFA World Cup.

David Beckham honoured with Walk of Fame star

David Beckham honoured with Walk of Fame star

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

Sir David Beckham, the first English player to win league titles in four countries, was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Friday.

Croatia coach hails 'fantastic' Modric; hits back at doubters

Croatia coach hails 'fantastic' Modric; hits back at doubters

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic hit out at the team's doubters and said they were back to the Croatia of old after they snatched a 2-1 win over Ghana to reach the last 32 of the World Cup on Saturday.

Politics and Football Collide Again as Iran Hold Belgium Amid Protests

Politics and Football Collide Again as Iran Hold Belgium Amid Protests

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

At the Iran-Belgium FIFA World Cup match, least one attendee wearing a pre-revolutionary flag shirt was detained for trying to run onto the pitch and Iranian player Alireza Jahanbakhsh said after the match that he doesn't want to keep focusing on the challenging situations faced by his team.

'Tired' Messi savours record night as Argentina march on

'Tired' Messi savours record night as Argentina march on

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Lionel Messi has become the most prolific scorer in World Cup history, netting two goals in Argentina's 2-0 victory over Austria. This achievement, which saw him surpass Brazilian great Marta's record of 17 goals, also secured Argentina's place in the knockout stage with a game to spare. Despite missing a penalty, Messi expressed satisfaction with the team's performance and the crucial win.

Deschamps: No doubt France would advance despite Mbappe's penalty miss

Deschamps: No doubt France would advance despite Mbappe's penalty miss

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

France coach Didier Deschamps expressed unwavering confidence in his team's ability to advance in the World Cup quarter-final against Morocco, even after Kylian Mbappe missed a penalty and several other chances in the first half.

Young Tigresses' World Cup Dream Ends After China Defeat

Young Tigresses' World Cup Dream Ends After China Defeat

Rediff.com11 May 2026

India's impressive run in the AFC Women's U17 Asian Cup concluded with a 3-0 defeat against China in the quarter-finals, ending their hopes for a historic qualification for the 2026 FIFA U17 Women's World Cup.

Ancelotti arrived with hope, but Brazil's problems ran too deep

Ancelotti arrived with hope, but Brazil's problems ran too deep

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Brazil's World Cup campaign ended with a 2-1 defeat to Norway as Carlo Ancelotti's gamble on experienced stars backfired, exposing deeper structural issues and leaving the five-time champions facing a long road back to the summit of world football.

How Pedro Porro Became Spain's Indispensable Right-Back

How Pedro Porro Became Spain's Indispensable Right-Back

Rediff.com7 days ago

Pedro Porro has emerged as a pivotal player for Spain in the World Cup, transforming the right-back position into a strength. His exceptional performance against France in the semi-final, where he scored and was named MVP, has solidified his place, drawing parallels to Marc Cucurella's rise. Porro's defensive prowess and attacking contributions have been crucial for Spain's journey to the final against Argentina.

After Deschamps, Can Zidane Unlock France's Golden Generation?

After Deschamps, Can Zidane Unlock France's Golden Generation?

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

France's World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain marks the end of Didier Deschamps' 14-year reign, with Zinedine Zidane widely expected to take over and lead a new generation of gifted players towards future global titles.

Deschamps' Farewell And Mbappe's Record Bid In Bronze Match

Deschamps' Farewell And Mbappe's Record Bid In Bronze Match

Rediff.com7 days ago

France and England, reeling from World Cup semi-final defeats, will compete in the third-place playoff. The match marks Didier Deschamps' final game as France coach and offers Kylian Mbappe a chance to pursue the Golden Boot and the tournament's all-time scoring record. Both teams are expected to rotate their squads.

Iran vs NZ: Boos, cheers and a draw at politically charged game

Iran vs NZ: Boos, cheers and a draw at politically charged game

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Iran footballers faces cheers and jeers in their come-from-behind 2-2 draw against New Zealand in their FIFA World Cup final opener in Los Angeles on Monday.

Ronaldo judged on form not age, says head coach Martinez as Portugal weigh World Cup role

Ronaldo judged on form not age, says head coach Martinez as Portugal weigh World Cup role

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo is 41, but Portugal coach Roberto Martinez said age is only a number and that his captain is judged on current form and by the same standards as everyone else.

How Argentina pounced on window of opportunity gifted by England

How Argentina pounced on window of opportunity gifted by England

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

Argentina staged a dramatic comeback, scoring two late goals to defeat England 2-1 in the World Cup semi-final, with Lionel Messi orchestrating the turnaround after England had taken the lead.

'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.

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.

Ruthless Touch And Street Smarts: The Secret Of Morocco's Evolution

Ruthless Touch And Street Smarts: The Secret Of Morocco's Evolution

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Morocco showcased their evolution as a top football nation with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Canada in the World Cup last 16.

President Murmu Highlights Durand Cup's Role In Nurturing Indian Football Talent

President Murmu Highlights Durand Cup's Role In Nurturing Indian Football Talent

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

President Droupadi Murmu unveiled the Durand Cup 2026 trophy, marking the start of preparations for Asia's oldest football tournament. She highlighted the tournament's role in nurturing talent, promoting sportsmanship, and connecting people, while also drawing parallels to India's vision of becoming a developed nation.

Emotional Neymar Suggests End To Brazil International Career

Emotional Neymar Suggests End To Brazil International Career

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Neymar has suggested he may have played his final match for Brazil following their 2-1 defeat to Norway in the World Cup round of 16, a result that eliminated the five-time champions. The emotional 34-year-old scored a penalty but indicated his international career might be over, marking Brazil's worst World Cup performance since 1990.

Ousmane Dembele's Hat-Trick Overshadows Haaland And Mbappe!

Ousmane Dembele's Hat-Trick Overshadows Haaland And Mbappe!

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Ousmane Dembele delivered a sensational first-half hat-trick for France against Norway in their final Group I match, overshadowing the anticipated clash between Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe.

Almiron Red Card: New Rule Controversy

Almiron Red Card: New Rule Controversy

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Miguel Almiron became the first player sent off at the World Cup for violating a new rule against covering mouths during confrontations. His dismissal left Paraguay with 10 men, but they still secured a 1-0 victory over Turkey, keeping their World Cup hopes alive while eliminating Turkey. The incident has sparked debate among coaches about the impact of new rules on the game's essence.

Qatar's keeper Abunada enjoys 'most beautiful moment' after setbacks

Qatar's keeper Abunada enjoys 'most beautiful moment' after setbacks

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Qatar's resilience against Switzerland owed much to goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada, whose key saves kept them in the game, a remarkable comeback for a player once close to retirement due to a serious back injury.

Why Croatia's late equaliser was ruled out: Martinez backs VAR decision

Why Croatia's late equaliser was ruled out: Martinez backs VAR decision

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez defended the VAR decisions that helped his side beat Croatia 2-1, while FIFA explained how Connected Ball Technology confirmed the stoppage-time offside call that ended Croatia's World Cup campaign.

Mexico keeper Ochoa gets perfect Azteca send-off

Mexico keeper Ochoa gets perfect Azteca send-off

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

If Wednesday's World Cup match marked the last time Guillermo Ochoa appears in Mexico colours, the 40-year-old goalkeeper could not have wished for a better send-off.

Why Bosnia fans are taking over a California restaurant

Why Bosnia fans are taking over a California restaurant

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Ahead of Bosnia's World Cup Round of 32 match against the United States, a Bosnian restaurant in Northern California has become a gathering place for passionate fans. For many, the event is more than football-it's a celebration of their culture, resilience, and journey to a new home.

Ghana's defence frustrates England in goalless draw

Ghana's defence frustrates England in goalless draw

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

England played out a 0-0 draw against Ghana in their second World Cup Group L match, a result that leaves both teams well-positioned for the next phase. Despite England dominating possession, Ghana's strong defensive strategy frustrated their attacking efforts, leading to a goalless stalemate.

Japan Coach Moriyasu Confident Ahead Of Brazil Clash

Japan Coach Moriyasu Confident Ahead Of Brazil Clash

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Japan's coach Hajime Moriyasu expressed confidence ahead of their World Cup last-32 clash against Brazil in Houston, stating his team will not be pushovers. He cited their previous 3-2 victory over Brazil as proof of their progress and readiness to challenge the five-time champions. Japan secured their spot by finishing second in Group F after a 1-1 draw with Sweden, a result Moriyasu strategically preserved. He also highlighted the significance of Japan's advancement for Asian football and the growth of the sport in his country.

Bubista hails Cape Verde's spirit after scaring Argentina

Bubista hails Cape Verde's spirit after scaring Argentina

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Cape Verde coach Bubista expressed immense pride in his team's performance at their first World Cup, despite their 3-2 extra-time loss to three-time champions Argentina in the last-32. He highlighted their draws against Spain and Uruguay, and the character shown by his players, many of whom are not from elite leagues, in taking Argentina to the wire. Bubista emphasised that their World Cup campaign was about showcasing the island-nation's spirit and identity.

Japan first nation to qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup

Japan first nation to qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

The win guarantees Japan a top-two finish in the standings and sees them qualify for an eighth straight World Cup.