News for 'FIFA World Cup'

Underdog Cape Verde Confident Of Defying Odds Against Messi's Argentina

Underdog Cape Verde Confident Of Defying Odds Against Messi's Argentina

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Cape Verde, despite being a significant underdog, is confident of challenging Argentina and Lionel Messi in their World Cup knockout match.

De Ketelaere double as Belgium thrash USA to make last 8

De Ketelaere double as Belgium thrash USA to make last 8

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

The United States' World Cup dreams came to a crashing halt in the last 16 against Belgium on Monday as Charles De Ketelaere scored twice in a 4-1 win, overshadowed by FIFA's controversial decision to suspend US forward Folarin Balogun's ban.

Coach rues missed opportunities against Iran

Coach rues missed opportunities against Iran

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Belgium, who missed a slew of scoring chances against Iran on Sunday, have taken only two points from their opening two matches despite entering the tournament as favourites to progress from the group.

Ivory Coast's Elye Wahi Misses Germany Match Amid Betting Probe

Ivory Coast's Elye Wahi Misses Germany Match Amid Betting Probe

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

Ivory Coast forward Elye Wahi will not participate in the upcoming World Cup match against Germany in Canada.

Why Sweden's Yasin Ayari Didn't Celebrate His Goal Against Tunisia

Why Sweden's Yasin Ayari Didn't Celebrate His Goal Against Tunisia

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Yasin Ayari -- the son of a Tunisian father and a Moroccan mother -- chose not to celebrate his opener, briefly raising his hands in acknowledgement rather than joining the jubilant scenes around him.

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.

FIFA World Cup: Indian engineer proud of stadium he's help build

FIFA World Cup: Indian engineer proud of stadium he's help build

Rediff.com22 Nov 2022

The working used to be so tough that they were given breaks every 20 minutes and adequate arrangements for labourers like fans and glucose water was made available.

An Indian at the FIFA World Cup

An Indian at the FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com16 Nov 2022

The 48-year-old has previously also worked with Chelsea FC, one of the top clubs in Europe; he has also played an important role in fine-tuning the Chelsea squads that won the UEFA Champions League in the 2011-12 and 2020-21 seasons.

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.

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.

Kane focused on England team, not Haaland or Golden Boot

Kane focused on England team, not Haaland or Golden Boot

Rediff.com7 days ago

England captain Harry Kane addressed comparisons with Norwegian striker Erling Haaland ahead of their World Cup quarter-final match, downplaying direct comparisons while praising Haaland's physical prowess and finishing. Kane emphasised his priority is team success in the World Cup over individual accolades like the Golden Boot, despite being in contention. He also spoke about equalling Wayne Rooney's cap record and received high praise from coach Thomas Tuchel.

FIFA World Cup PIX: Japan STUN Spain, both teams advance

FIFA World Cup PIX: Japan STUN Spain, both teams advance

Rediff.com2 Dec 2022

IMAGES from the FIFA World Cup Group E match played between Spain and Japan on Thursday.

13 Life Lessons from FIFA World Cup

13 Life Lessons from FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com12 Dec 2022

The stadiums at Qatar offer plenty of wisdom and chutzpah on how to take our own lives forward.

FIFA mulls 64-team format for 2030 centenary World Cup?

FIFA mulls 64-team format for 2030 centenary World Cup?

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

Should FIFA approve the 64-team format, it would be a one-off birthday bash, with the tournament expected to shrink back to 48 in 2034.

FIFA World Cup: Sterling to rejoin England camp after robbery

FIFA World Cup: Sterling to rejoin England camp after robbery

Rediff.com8 Dec 2022

Sterling did not play a part in England's 3-0 win over Senegal in the last 16, leaving Qatar last weekend to return to his family.

T20 World Cup: Jasprit Bumrah Unlikely To Be Rested For Netherlands Match

T20 World Cup: Jasprit Bumrah Unlikely To Be Rested For Netherlands Match

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak indicated that Jasprit Bumrah is unlikely to be rested for the final Group A match against the Netherlands, despite India having already qualified for the Super 8 stage.

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.

Ukraine-Russia ceasefire during FIFA World Cup?

Ukraine-Russia ceasefire during FIFA World Cup?

Rediff.com15 Nov 2022

FIFA boss Infantino urges World Cup ceasefire in Ukraine

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.

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.

'Despicable woman': Mbappe hits back at Paraguayan senator

'Despicable woman': Mbappe hits back at Paraguayan senator

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

France striker Kylian Mbappe hit back at a Paraguayan senator, describing her as a "despicable woman" on Monday after she launched a racist attack on him following Paraguay's elimination from the World Cup.

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.

How Argentina pounced on window of opportunity gifted by England

How Argentina pounced on window of opportunity gifted by England

Rediff.com2 days ago

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.

Austria Coach Rangnick Acknowledges Messi's Brilliance But Questions First Goal

Austria Coach Rangnick Acknowledges Messi's Brilliance But Questions First Goal

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Austria coach Ralf Rangnick praised Lionel Messi's exceptional scoring ability after his team's 2-0 loss to Argentina, where Messi netted twice. However, Rangnick expressed frustration over Argentina's first goal, believing a foul on Xaver Schlager was overlooked. Despite the defeat, Rangnick was largely satisfied with his team's performance and their World Cup campaign.

How Orlando Gill Inspired Paraguay's Stunning Shootout Win Over Germany

How Orlando Gill Inspired Paraguay's Stunning Shootout Win Over Germany

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

In one of the biggest upsets ever seen at the World Cup, Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill saved the efforts of Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade before Jonathan Tah fired over the bar, paving the way for Jose Canale to blast home the decisive spot kick.

LaLiga slams FIFA's World Cup format change

LaLiga slams FIFA's World Cup format change

Rediff.com15 Mar 2023

The world governing body approved a 32-team Club World Cup which will be played every four years from June 2025, apart from the increase in World Cup matches to 104.

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.

Infantino Eyes Fourth Term as FIFA President

Infantino Eyes Fourth Term as FIFA President

Rediff.com1 May 2026

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

Magic Mortal Messi Scripts Argentina's Miracle Rescue

Magic Mortal Messi Scripts Argentina's Miracle Rescue

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Lionel Messi experienced an emotional rollercoaster in Argentina's World Cup last-16 tie against Egypt, missing a penalty but ultimately scoring a vital late equaliser to save his team's World Cup dream after being two goals down.

FIFA World Cup: When is the opening ceremony, who is performing?

FIFA World Cup: When is the opening ceremony, who is performing?

Rediff.com19 Nov 2022

Here's what you need to know about the opening ceremony of the Nov. 20-Dec. 18 World Cup in Qatar

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.

Haaland Brace Guides Norway Past Senegal into Last 32

Haaland Brace Guides Norway Past Senegal into Last 32

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Erling Haaland scored two goals, leading Norway to a 3-2 victory over Senegal in a World Cup match. This win puts Norway level on points with France at the top of Group I, setting up a decisive final group game.

Can Ronaldo Spark Portugal's Revival Against Uzbekistan?

Can Ronaldo Spark Portugal's Revival Against Uzbekistan?

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Portugal's football team faces Uzbekistan in their next World Cup match, needing a significant improvement in their attacking performance after a disappointing 1-1 draw with DR Congo.

Mexico to kick-off 2026 World Cup against South Africa

Mexico to kick-off 2026 World Cup against South Africa

Rediff.com6 Dec 2025

The 2026 World Cup will kick off-on June 11 with joint-hosts Mexico playing South Africa at the Azteca Stadium - iconic venue of the 1970 and 1986 finals - followed by South Korea against a play-off winner after the complex draw was made on Friday.

'I am back': Record-breaker Ronaldo silences critics in style!

'I am back': Record-breaker Ronaldo silences critics in style!

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo silenced his critics in spectacular fashion, becoming the first player to score in six World Cups.

Revealed! The True Origin Of Maradona's $9 million 'Hand of God' Jersey

Revealed! The True Origin Of Maradona's $9 million 'Hand of God' Jersey

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Before Diego Maradona's famous blue shirt became a $9.28 million auction item, it may have had a humbler beginning in Tepito, Mexico City's market district.

Senegal Coach Thiaw Declares Knockout Stage A New Competition

Senegal Coach Thiaw Declares Knockout Stage A New Competition

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Senegal coach Pape Bouna Thiaw expressed confidence in his team's ability to overcome their group-stage struggles as they prepare to face Belgium in the World Cup round of 32. Despite a shaky start with two losses, Senegal qualified as a best third-placed team after a decisive win against Iraq. Thiaw emphasised that the knockout phase is a fresh start, dismissing past results and individual errors, while also confirming goalkeeper Edouard Mendy's injury and temporary absence from play.

'Russia's FIFA World Cup a success'

'Russia's FIFA World Cup a success'

Rediff.com2 Jul 2018

Alexei Sorokin, the head of Russia's World Cup local organising committee, said on Sunday the tournament had so far been a success and that organisers were receiving positive feedback from participants.

Cape Verde... and Messi magic to Argentina's rescue again

Cape Verde... and Messi magic to Argentina's rescue again

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

The noise at the Miami Stadium belonged to one nation, but the occasion belonged to one man as Lionel Messi scooped up another Man of the Match trophy.

FIFA World Cup Preview: Why France is wary England

FIFA World Cup Preview: Why France is wary England

Rediff.com9 Dec 2022

The focus has very much been on the game between two countries that share a sporting rivalry.