News for 'FIFA World Cup'

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.

Climate Change Threatens World Cup Match Safety

Climate Change Threatens World Cup Match Safety

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

A World Cup game between Paraguay and France in Philadelphia is at risk due to extreme heat and humidity, linked to climate change and fossil fuel use. A heat dome over the U.S. and Canada has pushed temperatures beyond safe play recommendations, raising concerns about player safety and future tournament scheduling.

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.com7 hours ago

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.

Neymar breaks down in tears after FIFA 2026 World Cup call-up

Neymar breaks down in tears after FIFA 2026 World Cup call-up

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Brazilian football star Neymar Jr. shares his emotional response to being included in the FIFA World Cup squad, expressing gratitude for the support he received during his journey.

Argentina's World Cup Resilience Tested Ahead of Switzerland Clash

Argentina's World Cup Resilience Tested Ahead of Switzerland Clash

Rediff.com4 days ago

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.

Cabo Verde Goalkeeper Vozinha's Mother Arrives For World Cup Match

Cabo Verde Goalkeeper Vozinha's Mother Arrives For World Cup Match

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Cabo Verde goalkeeper Josimar 'Vozinha' Dias's mother, Ana Candida Evora, was welcomed by FIFA in Miami, ahead of Cabo Verde's FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H clash against Uruguay. This heartwarming gesture followed Vozinha's emotional revelation about his family's visa issues preventing them from attending his historic 0-0 draw against Spain. US authorities, in coordination with the State Department, the Cape Verde government, and FIFA, facilitated her travel, allowing her to support her son and the 'Blue Sharks' in person.

Subrata Paul Highlights Goalkeepers' Pivotal Role In World Cup Success

Subrata Paul Highlights Goalkeepers' Pivotal Role In World Cup Success

Rediff.com2 days ago

Former India captain Subrata Paul asserts that goalkeepers were instrumental in the success of teams at the recent FIFA World Cup, often outshining attacking players. He highlights specific goalkeepers like Vozinha, Unai Simon, Emiliano Martinez, and Thibaut Courtois for their exceptional performances and discusses the evolving role of modern goalkeepers in tactical play.

Modric vs Ronaldo at FIFA World Cup: Legends set for epic battle

Modric vs Ronaldo at FIFA World Cup: Legends set for epic battle

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Portugal and Croatia face off in a high-stakes Round of 32 clash in Toronto on Thursday, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric both eyeing a deep World Cup run in what could be the final chapter of their legendary international careers.

FIFA World Cup: 'We go home with our chin up': Turkey coach

FIFA World Cup: 'We go home with our chin up': Turkey coach

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Turkey's coach Vincenzo Montella expressed pride in his team's character and performance at the World Cup, despite their elimination. Following a 3-2 victory over the United States, Montella acknowledged missed opportunities but remained optimistic about the future, hoping for an earlier return to the tournament.

Shreyas Iyer's World Cup Heart Beats for Brazil!

Shreyas Iyer's World Cup Heart Beats for Brazil!

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

India's newly appointed T20I captain Shreyas Iyer has showed his love for football, backing five-time FIFA World Cup champions Brazil in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026.

Egypt's Pharaohs get heroes' welcome after best-ever World Cup campaign

Egypt's Pharaohs get heroes' welcome after best-ever World Cup campaign

Rediff.com2 days ago

Thousands of ecstatic supporters welcomed the Egyptian national football team home after their historic World Cup campaign, which saw them reach the last 16 for the first time, despite a heartbreaking defeat to Argentina.

The dark truth behind Mexico's cute FIFA World Cup symbol

The dark truth behind Mexico's cute FIFA World Cup symbol

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

The smiling axolotl is everywhere at the World Cup in Mexico City. But behind the colorful murals and mascot statues lies a troubling reality: scientists say the critically endangered amphibian is becoming increasingly difficult to find in the wild.

'Injustice Is Clear!': Egypt's Zico Accuses FIFA Of 'Fixing' World Cup For Argentina

'Injustice Is Clear!': Egypt's Zico Accuses FIFA Of 'Fixing' World Cup For Argentina

Rediff.com5 days ago

Egypt's players and Coach Hossam Hassan blasted FIFA and accused the governing body of blatantly 'favouring' Lionel Messi and his team.

Iran blasts US after World Cup travel request denied

Iran blasts US after World Cup travel request denied

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Iran's Football Federation will lodge an official protest with FIFA after the United States reportedly denied the national team's request to travel to Los Angeles two days before their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G match against Belgium, citing geopolitical tensions and previous visa issues.

FIFA Confident Of Iran's World Cup Participation After 'Positive Meeting'

FIFA Confident Of Iran's World Cup Participation After 'Positive Meeting'

Rediff.com17 May 2026

FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom expressed confidence in Iran's participation in the upcoming World Cup after a meeting with Iran's FA President Mehdi Taj, despite concerns over visa issues and political tensions.

Neymar's heartfelt birthday post for daughter steals the spotlight at World Cup

Neymar's heartfelt birthday post for daughter steals the spotlight at World Cup

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

'May our Heavenly Father guide your paths and grant you lots of health so you can play more and more.'

FIFA World Cup: Can 'liberated' Messi lead Argentina to an encore?

FIFA World Cup: Can 'liberated' Messi lead Argentina to an encore?

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Inspirational Lionel Messi would like to end his glittering career on a high as Argentina begin their World Cup defence on June 17 against Algeria in their Group J encounter.

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.com1 days ago

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.

Ronaldo's sister hints this could be his last World Cup

Ronaldo's sister hints this could be his last World Cup

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo's sister, Katia Aveiro, has indicated that the FIFA World Cup 2026 could be the Portugal captain's final international tournament, referring to it as his "last dance" with the national team. She clarified her comments specifically referred to his Portugal career, not overall retirement.

The moment Lionel Messi's World Cup legend began

The moment Lionel Messi's World Cup legend began

Rediff.com6 days ago

Former Argentina coach Jose Pekerman reflects on Lionel Messi's 2006 World Cup debut, stating he always believed the then 18-year-old would become one of the game's defining figures and that every minute on the pitch was crucial for his development.

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.

Solbakken raises spider-cam controversy after Norway's World Cup exit

Solbakken raises spider-cam controversy after Norway's World Cup exit

Rediff.com1 days ago

FIFA rejects Norway coach Stale Solbakken's claim of spider-cam interference in Jude Bellingham's equaliser for England.

South Africa World Cup midfielder Jayden Adams dies aged 25

South Africa World Cup midfielder Jayden Adams dies aged 25

Rediff.com1 days ago

South Africa international midfielder Jayden Adams, who played a key role in his country's 2026 World Cup campaign, has died at the age of 25, with no cause of death immediately provided.

Canadian PM Carney Jokes About Recruiting Haaland For World Cup

Canadian PM Carney Jokes About Recruiting Haaland For World Cup

Rediff.com5 days ago

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney playfully attempted to recruit Norwegian football star Erling Haaland for Canada's World Cup squad during a NATO summit meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere, who humorously declined the offer.

Three people die during World Cup celebrations in Mexico

Three people die during World Cup celebrations in Mexico

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

The deaths of a 44-year-old man, a 48-year-old woman and a 19-year-old woman from suffocation have been confirmed by authorities.

80,000 fans roar as Mexico ends FIFA World Cup curse

80,000 fans roar as Mexico ends FIFA World Cup curse

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Mexico celebrated a historic 2-0 victory over South Africa in the opening match of the World Cup at the Azteca stadium, breaking a seven-game opening day curse.

Paraguay Declares National Holiday After Shock World Cup Win Over Germany

Paraguay Declares National Holiday After Shock World Cup Win Over Germany

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Paraguay's President Santiago Pena declared a national holiday to celebrate the country's stunning 4-3 penalty shootout victory over four-time world champions Germany in the World Cup round of 16.

FIFA under fire as 2026 World Cup heat risk grows

FIFA under fire as 2026 World Cup heat risk grows

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Football's global players' union has renewed concerns about the potential impact of heat on the 2026 World Cup, following a scientific analysis indicating a high likelihood of dangerous temperatures for both players and fans.

'Anything is possible': Cape Verde's fairytale run continues at World Cup

'Anything is possible': Cape Verde's fairytale run continues at World Cup

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Cape Verde, a tiny island nation, has made history by advancing to the round of 32 in the FIFA World Cup.

Like Father, Like Son: Norway Field Three Sons Of 1994 World Cup Stars

Like Father, Like Son: Norway Field Three Sons Of 1994 World Cup Stars

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Norway made history at the FIFA World Cup by fielding three sons of former World Cup players in the same match: Erling Haaland, Alexander Sorloth, and Kristian Thorstvedt. This mirrored a 1994 World Cup match where their fathers played together. Erling Haaland marked his debut with a brace, leading Norway to a 4-1 victory over Iraq.

World Cup 2026: Can Football Unite a Fractured World?

World Cup 2026: Can Football Unite a Fractured World?

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is set to be football's largest tournament but will unfold against a backdrop of significant geopolitical tensions, including conflicts, strained alliances, and complex immigration policies, challenging its traditional role as a symbol of global unity.

Ecuador Stuns Germany In World Cup Thriller, Exposing Defensive Flaws

Ecuador Stuns Germany In World Cup Thriller, Exposing Defensive Flaws

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Four-time champions Germany suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Ecuador in a FIFA World Cup group stage match, marking a historic upset. This loss highlighted Germany's persistent defensive issues, as they have now failed to keep a clean sheet in their last nine World Cup games. Despite an early lead, Germany succumbed to Ecuador's determined comeback, which secured Ecuador's progression to the round of 32.

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.

4 Indian-Origin Footballers At World Cup 2026

4 Indian-Origin Footballers At World Cup 2026

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

India may not be at FIFA World Cup 2026, but four players with Indian roots will represent their nations on football's biggest stage.

Protesters in US call on FIFA to kick Iran out of World Cup

Protesters in US call on FIFA to kick Iran out of World Cup

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Instead of pride, many Iranian-Americans feel shame about the Iran team's participation in the World Cup and are demanding that FIFA boots the country out of the competition, protesters said in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

Cristiano Ronaldo Cements Lasting Legacy Despite World Cup Exit

Cristiano Ronaldo Cements Lasting Legacy Despite World Cup Exit

Rediff.com6 days ago

Cristiano Ronaldo's illustrious World Cup career concluded with tears after Portugal's 1-0 defeat by Spain in the round of 16, marking the end of his sixth attempt to win the coveted trophy.

'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.

'Go Daddy' Family Cheers Harry Kane's World Cup Heroics

'Go Daddy' Family Cheers Harry Kane's World Cup Heroics

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Harry Kane struck in the closing stages to rescue England from a shock World Cup exit, sealing a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over DR Congo and a place in the Round of 16, as emotional scenes unfolded in the stands with his family celebrating his match-winning heroics.

Lightning Risk Delays Crucial World Cup Knockout Match

Lightning Risk Delays Crucial World Cup Knockout Match

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

The World Cup round-of-32 match between Mexico and Ecuador was delayed by one hour due to adverse weather conditions, including lightning risk, near Estadio Azteca. Both teams are vying for their first knockout stage victory, with Mexico entering after a flawless group stage and Ecuador having a more challenging path.

FIFA World Cup: How South Korea pulled off a stunning win

FIFA World Cup: How South Korea pulled off a stunning win

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

South Korea's football team, coached by Hong Myung-bo, secured a 2-1 comeback victory against the Czech Republic in their World Cup Group A opener.