News for 'FIFA World Cup'

FIFA World Cup 2026: Germany eye big win against Curacao in opener

FIFA World Cup 2026: Germany eye big win against Curacao in opener

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

Germany, aiming to repair its international reputation after two consecutive first-round exits, begins its World Cup campaign against minnows Curacao.

FIFA World Cup: David's hat-trick sinks 9-man Qatar

FIFA World Cup: David's hat-trick sinks 9-man Qatar

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Canada achieved their first-ever World Cup finals victory, thrashing nine-man Qatar 6-0, with Jonathan David scoring a hat-trick. The win boosts Canada's chances in Group B, despite an injury to midfielder Ismael Kone.

FIFA World Cup 2026: England's Kane dependence could prove costly in knockout stages

FIFA World Cup 2026: England's Kane dependence could prove costly in knockout stages

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

England's World Cup campaign has increasingly come to rest on the shoulders of Harry Kane, whose goals, link-up play and ability to deliver in decisive moments have repeatedly rescued a side still searching for fluency and conviction.

FIFA World Cup: Uzbekistan dream crushed by Colombia's late surge

FIFA World Cup: Uzbekistan dream crushed by Colombia's late surge

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

Colombia began their World Cup campaign with a convincing 3-1 victory over debutants Uzbekistan in a Group K encounter at the Azteca Stadium. Luis Diaz was instrumental, assisting the opening goal and scoring another, as Colombia secured three points to top their group.

FIFA World Cup: Germany star Schweinsteiger in racism storm

FIFA World Cup: Germany star Schweinsteiger in racism storm

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Ivory Coast coach Emerse Fae said comments from World Cup winner Bastian Schweinsteiger could be labelled racist after the ex-Germany midfielder described African football as "wild" and "unorthodox".

From 'Wonderwall' to K-Pop: The music behind the FIFA World Cup roar

From 'Wonderwall' to K-Pop: The music behind the FIFA World Cup roar

Rediff.com7 days ago

Watching the World Cup and hearing the music in the stadium may have left you wondering - how is that chosen? Is it just coincidence that "Wonderwall" plays after England matches? Are "Freed from Desire" or "Livin' on a Prayer" always played? And why?

FIFA World Cup: Five-star Sweden rout Tunisia in opener

FIFA World Cup: Five-star Sweden rout Tunisia in opener

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Sweden trio Yasin Ayari, Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres were all on target as they cruised to a 5-1 victory over Tunisia in Monterrey on Sunday.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Kerala fans pay tribute to Argentina with floating stadium

FIFA World Cup 2026: Kerala fans pay tribute to Argentina with floating stadium

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Football fans in Kerala's Pullavoor village have created a unique floating stadium with cutouts of the Argentine squad in a river, showcasing their intense passion for the upcoming World Cup. This elaborate display continues a tradition of fervent fan support in the region.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Messi gets emotional, credits team for helping him through tough times

FIFA World Cup 2026: Messi gets emotional, credits team for helping him through tough times

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

An emotional Lionel Messi was wiping his tears with his shirt after scoring Argentina's first goal against Algeria in the World Cup, a strike that marked the beginning of a memorable performance where he netted thrice to secure a 3-0 win.

FIFA World Cup 2026: France's fearsome attack enters debate over greatest forward line

FIFA World Cup 2026: France's fearsome attack enters debate over greatest forward line

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

France's march into the World Cup last 16 has been built on an attacking force so relentless that comparisons with some of the greatest forward lines in football history are no longer sounding premature.

Can reform in Mexican football break their FIFA World Cup 'curse'?

Can reform in Mexican football break their FIFA World Cup 'curse'?

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Mexico have failed to progress beyond the Round of 16 for the last 32 years. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on home soil, they hope to finally end the 'quinto partido' curse.

Messi injury scare rocks Argentina before FIFA World Cup 2026

Messi injury scare rocks Argentina before FIFA World Cup 2026

Rediff.com25 May 2026

Lionel Messi sparked injury concerns after he left the field in the 73rd minute of Inter Miami CF's 6-4 victory over Philadelphia Union

FIFA World Cup: Mexico top group, coach refuses to celebrate early

FIFA World Cup: Mexico top group, coach refuses to celebrate early

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Mexico coach Javier Aguirre downplayed his team's achievement of topping their World Cup group, stating that true success would be measured later in the tournament. He highlighted the importance of playing at home and the team's improved maturity, while also reflecting on his own calmer coaching style. Aguirre expressed his ambition to guide Mexico into the world's top 10.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Brazil rally to edge Japan in Round of 32 thriller

FIFA World Cup 2026: Brazil rally to edge Japan in Round of 32 thriller

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Five-times champions Brazil came back strongly from a one goal deficit to beat Japan 2-1 in their FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash at the Houston Stadium on Monday.

FIFA World Cup: The Touching Ronaldo-Modric Moment Everyone Missed

FIFA World Cup: The Touching Ronaldo-Modric Moment Everyone Missed

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Luka Modri's illustrious international career concluded with Croatia's dramatic 2-1 defeat to Portugal in the World Cup. Despite a valiant effort, Croatia's hopes were dashed by a late Gonalo Ramos goal and a disallowed equaliser, marking an emotional exit for the 40-year-old football icon. Cristiano Ronaldo shared a poignant moment with his former teammate, acknowledging Modri's remarkable legacy.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Fired-up Mexico aim to extend dream run against England

FIFA World Cup 2026: Fired-up Mexico aim to extend dream run against England

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Mexico will bid to continue their remarkable World Cup run when they face England in the last 16 on Sunday, with Javier Aguirre's side standing one victory away from a first quarter-final appearance in 40 years.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Ancelotti's grit drives Brazil's comeback win over Japan

FIFA World Cup 2026: Ancelotti's grit drives Brazil's comeback win over Japan

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Carlo Ancelotti has spent weeks warning that grit and resilience would decide a long, complicated World Cup. On this evidence, Brazil have been listening -- even if, for much of the match against Japan, they seemed determined to test the theory to destruction.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Players with single yellow card to start knockouts on clean slate

FIFA World Cup 2026: Players with single yellow card to start knockouts on clean slate

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

For the expanded 2026 tournament, FIFA has gone a step further and introduced an extra amnesty for yellow cards, effectively wiping the slate clean twice.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Beccacece completes dramatic redemption as Ecuador reach last 32

FIFA World Cup 2026: Beccacece completes dramatic redemption as Ecuador reach last 32

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Ecuador's World Cup nightmare turned into a dream, as La Tri's once seemingly doomed campaign was resurrected against Germany in a remarkable conclusion to Group E on Thursday.

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.

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.

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.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Ivory Coast's Pepe rewrites his story with stunning return

FIFA World Cup 2026: Ivory Coast's Pepe rewrites his story with stunning return

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Nicolas Pepe justified his World Cup selection with two goals on Thursday, coming out of the cold to restore his reputation as a key striker for the Ivory Coast.

Toronto launches football-themed condoms ahead of FIFA World Cup

Toronto launches football-themed condoms ahead of FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Toronto will hand out free soccer-themed condoms during the FIFA World Cup as part of a public health campaign promoting safer sex and sexual health awareness.

FIFA World Cup 2026: England never accepted defeat against DR Congo, says coach Tuchel

FIFA World Cup 2026: England never accepted defeat against DR Congo, says coach Tuchel

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

England came close to making a premature and shock exit from the World Cup at the hands of the Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday, before Harry Kane rode to the rescue, and manager Thomas Tuchel was proud of how his players refused to accept the defeat staring them in the face.

FIFA World Cup: Turkey shocks USA with 99th-minute winner

FIFA World Cup: Turkey shocks USA with 99th-minute winner

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Turkey secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over the United States in their FIFA World Cup Group D encounter, scoring a 99th-minute winner. The USA twice came from behind, with goals from Auston Trusty and Sebastian Berhalter, but late heroics from Kaan Ayhan sealed the win for Trkiye after earlier goals from Arda Gler and Bar Alper Ylmaz. Despite the loss, the United States had already qualified for the knockout stage.

FIFA World Cup: Australia reaches knockouts after Paraguay draw

FIFA World Cup: Australia reaches knockouts after Paraguay draw

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Australia secured their spot in the World Cup's round of 32 after a 0-0 draw against Paraguay. The Socceroos finished second in Group D and will face the second-placed team from Group G. Paraguay now faces an anxious wait to see if they qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.

Lightning scare shuts FIFA World Cup party before opener

Lightning scare shuts FIFA World Cup party before opener

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The FIFA Fan Festival in Toronto was cancelled due to lightning risk, disappointing fans on the eve of Canada's first World Cup game.

FIFA World Cup: South Africa seek to silence critics against Czech Republic

FIFA World Cup: South Africa seek to silence critics against Czech Republic

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

South Africa will look to bounce after a 2-0 loss to co-hosts Mexico in their opening FIFA World Cup match.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Visa cleared, Cape Verde star Vozinha's mother ready for reunion

FIFA World Cup 2026: Visa cleared, Cape Verde star Vozinha's mother ready for reunion

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

The mother of Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha will finally get to watch her son play at the World Cup after receiving a visa to travel to the United States, following his tearful revelation that she missed his heroics against Spain due to travel issues.

FIFA World Cup: Historic Canada win overshadowed by Kone's horror injury

FIFA World Cup: Historic Canada win overshadowed by Kone's horror injury

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Canada secured its first-ever World Cup victory with a dominant 6-0 win, but the celebration was marred by a severe leg injury to midfielder Ismael Kone. Kone suffered a broken leg after a tackle from Qatar's Assim Madibo, an incident that left his teammates and coach Jesse Marsch deeply shaken. The injury is a significant blow to Canada's World Cup campaign, despite their strong position in Group B.

FIFA World Cup: 'Hydration breaks add nothing but take away a lot'

FIFA World Cup: 'Hydration breaks add nothing but take away a lot'

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa said the hydration breaks introduced in each half of matches at the World Cup add nothing to football while destroying the sport's cultural essence.

Visa drama leaves Ghana star out of FIFA World Cup opener

Visa drama leaves Ghana star out of FIFA World Cup opener

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey was denied entry into Canada for a FIFA World Cup qualifier against Panama due to ongoing criminal proceedings in the UK, where he faces rape and sexual assault charges. Canada's Federal High Court upheld the visa refusal, despite Ghana's government calling the decision "extremely unfair" and questioning the reliance on unproven allegations.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Klopp says sorry to Nagelsmann over controversial TV remark

FIFA World Cup 2026: Klopp says sorry to Nagelsmann over controversial TV remark

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Former Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp has apologised to Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann for a comment regarding the team's lineup ahead of their 7-1 World Cup Group E opening victory over Curacao on Sunday after it triggered a furore back home.

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.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Scandinavia split over Norway's signature Viking row celebration

FIFA World Cup 2026: Scandinavia split over Norway's signature Viking row celebration

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Norway's success at the World Cup has triggered euphoria at home, but the team's trademark "Viking row" celebration is beginning to test the patience of their Scandinavian neighbours, drawing shrugs from Sweden and envy from Denmark.

The story behind the music playing at FIFA World Cup stadiums

The story behind the music playing at FIFA World Cup stadiums

Rediff.com6 days ago

World Cup music isn't random; FIFA's 'Stadium Entertainment Team' curates over 750 songs, mixing global classics with country-specific favourites, with each team having signature, warm-up, and goal-scoring tracks.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Struggling Spain face another stubborn opponent in Saudi Arabia

FIFA World Cup 2026: Struggling Spain face another stubborn opponent in Saudi Arabia

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Spain arrive into their Group H clash against Saudi Arabia needing a sharper attacking display after being held to a shock 0-0 draw by World Cup debutants Cape Verde in their opening match in Atlanta.

Goal Fest! Messi, Mbappe, Haaland Light Up FIFA World Cup

Goal Fest! Messi, Mbappe, Haaland Light Up FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappe showcased their exceptional talent in recent World Cup matches, each scoring multiple goals. Despite recent dips in form or career stages, these football superstars proved their enduring prowess, with Mbappe becoming France's all-time top scorer and Messi achieving his first World Cup hat-trick.

FIFA World Cup: 'Messi's feats are no longer surprising'

FIFA World Cup: 'Messi's feats are no longer surprising'

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

With a dazzling hat-trick against Algeria, Lionel Messi once again defied age, expectations and logic at the World Cup, prompting coach Lionel Scaloni to call his performances "inexplicable" and admit he is simply no longer surprised by the Argentine legend's brilliance.