News for 'FIFA World Cup'

Heard Shakira's New FIFA World Cup Song Yet?

Heard Shakira's New FIFA World Cup Song Yet?

Rediff.com6 days ago

Colombian singer Shakira has released 'Dai Dai', the official song for the 2026 World Cup, featuring Nigerian singer Burna Boy.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Opening Ceremonies in Mexico, Canada, US

FIFA World Cup 2026: Opening Ceremonies in Mexico, Canada, US

Rediff.com5 days ago

FIFA has announced that the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the United States, will feature separate opening ceremonies in each of the three countries. The ceremonies will feature a diverse lineup of musical performers and cultural showcases.

Shakira, Madonna, BTS To Headline 2026 FIFA World Cup Halftime Show

Shakira, Madonna, BTS To Headline 2026 FIFA World Cup Halftime Show

Rediff.com13 hours ago

Global pop stars Shakira, Madonna and Korean sensation BTS will headline the first-ever halftime show at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final with proceeds going towards a global education initiative.

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.

Toronto launches football-themed condoms ahead of FIFA World Cup

Toronto launches football-themed condoms ahead of FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com1 days ago

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.

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.

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.

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.com4 May 2026

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.

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.

FIFA World Cup: Australia coach wants Trump at USA match

FIFA World Cup: Australia coach wants Trump at USA match

Rediff.com4 May 2026

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.

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.

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.

Heat, transitions and tactics: FIFA experts predict World Cup trends

Heat, transitions and tactics: FIFA experts predict World Cup trends

Rediff.com1 days ago

FIFA's Technical Study Group believes set-pieces are unlikely to dominate the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Gilberto Silva predicting tighter, transition-based football due to limited preparation time for national teams.

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.

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.

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 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.

Algeria qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup

Algeria qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com10 Oct 2025

This is the fifth time that the Algerians will be at the World Cup

FIFA under fire as 2026 World Cup heat risk grows

FIFA under fire as 2026 World Cup heat risk grows

Rediff.com11 hours ago

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.

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.

'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.

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.

T20 World Cup, India vs Netherlands: 'Bigger Than FIFA World Cup': Dutch Excited For India Clash

T20 World Cup, India vs Netherlands: 'Bigger Than FIFA World Cup': Dutch Excited For India Clash

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

The Netherlands cricket team is excited to play against India in their final T20 World Cup league fixture at the world's largest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad.

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."

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.

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.

2026 FIFA World Cup draw: Check out the groups

2026 FIFA World Cup draw: Check out the groups

Rediff.com6 Dec 2025

Next year's 48-team World Cup will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

Thousands Rally For Iran's World Cup Team Amid Visa Concerns

Thousands Rally For Iran's World Cup Team Amid Visa Concerns

Rediff.com8 hours ago

Iran hosted a large send-off rally for its World Cup team in Tehran, despite ongoing concerns about visa issues for entry into the United States, where the team is scheduled to play its group matches.

Flawless Morocco qualify for FIFA World Cup

Flawless Morocco qualify for FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com6 Sep 2025

Meanwhile, Egypt and South Africa also took significant steps towards following the Atlas Lions, moving closer to featuring in the marquee event, which will be played across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

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.

Top seeds to be kept apart in FIFA World Cup '26 draw

Top seeds to be kept apart in FIFA World Cup '26 draw

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

Spain cannot meet Argentina and France will not face England before the World Cup final - provided they win their groups - after FIFA on Tuesday announced the draw procedure.

2026 FIFA World Cup draw to be held at Kennedy Center

2026 FIFA World Cup draw to be held at Kennedy Center

Rediff.com23 Aug 2025

FIFA boss Infantino also presented President Trump with the very first ticket to the tournament's grand finale.

Lego teams up with Messi, Ronaldo for FIFA World Cup 2026

Lego teams up with Messi, Ronaldo for FIFA World Cup 2026

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Lego is collaborating with football stars Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe, and Vinicius Jr. to release new sets ahead of the 2026 World Cup, featuring letter-shaped designs, display models, and a 3D wall art piece of Messi.

India's women still dream of FIFA World Cup

India's women still dream of FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

Ashalata -- who has earned over 100 international caps and captained the national side on multiple occasions -- said the (senior) team has made steady progress but is still short of world-class standards.

Mexico legend Ochoa closes in on historic sixth World Cup appearance

Mexico legend Ochoa closes in on historic sixth World Cup appearance

Rediff.com2 days ago

Guillermo Ochoa said he has entered his final Mexico training camp as the veteran goalkeeper closes in on a historic sixth FIFA World Cup appearance in 2026.

Infantino: World Cup 2026 on track despite Iran uncertainty

Infantino: World Cup 2026 on track despite Iran uncertainty

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino says the 2026 World Cup will proceed as scheduled despite uncertainty over Iran's participation due to security and geopolitical tensions.

Indian U17 Women One Win Away From World Cup Spot

Indian U17 Women One Win Away From World Cup Spot

Rediff.com4 days ago

The Indian U17 women's team is set to play China in the quarter-finals of the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup, with a spot in the 2026 FIFA U17 Women's World Cup at stake.

Italy's Football Chief Resigns After World Cup Failure

Italy's Football Chief Resigns After World Cup Failure

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Italian Football federation chief Gabriele Gravina resigned on Thursday, after the national team failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third time in a row.

Xavi Simons suffers ACL injury, set to miss World Cup

Xavi Simons suffers ACL injury, set to miss World Cup

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Tottenham Hotspur on Monday confirmed that midfielder Xavi Simons will require surgery on his right knee after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament.

The Smallest Nation To Qualify For FIFA World Cup

The Smallest Nation To Qualify For FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com19 Nov 2025

With a population of 156,000, Curacao is the least populous country to go to the World Cup, beating the previous record held by Iceland with its 350,000 inhabitants.