News for 'FIFA'

Maradona's legendary 'Hand of God' match ball awaits new keeper

Maradona's legendary 'Hand of God' match ball awaits new keeper

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

The match ball from Argentina's 1986 World Cup quarterfinal against England - made famous by Diego Maradona's "Hand of God" goal - is set to go up for auction with a $2.5-million opening bid, Heritage Auctions said.

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.

Broken jaw, protective mask: Spence ready for FIFA World Cup

Broken jaw, protective mask: Spence ready for FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

England defender Djed Spence will play in the upcoming World Cup wearing a protective mask after sustaining a broken jaw in a recent Premier League match. The Tottenham Hotspur player confirmed he will need to wear the mask for three months.

France coach Deschamps to miss final group game to attend mother's funeral

France coach Deschamps to miss final group game to attend mother's funeral

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Didier Deschamps is flying back to France to attend his mother's funeral and will not coach the team's last Group I game at the World Cup against Norway, the French federation said on Tuesday.

England ready for altitude, hostile crowd in Mexico World Cup clash

England ready for altitude, hostile crowd in Mexico World Cup clash

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

England say they are relishing the challenge of facing hosts Mexico at the high-altitude Azteca Stadium, with Morgan Rogers and Marcus Rashford insisting the hostile atmosphere will motivate the team in their FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash.

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.

France's World Cup run fuelled by player-led analysis and strong team bonds

France's World Cup run fuelled by player-led analysis and strong team bonds

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

France's journey to the World Cup semi-finals is not just about star players like Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, but also a deep-seated unity and player-led analysis forged in private conversations and hotel rooms, according to midfielders Adrien Rabiot and defender Jules Kounde.

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.

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.

De la Fuente backs Lamine Yamal to deliver in crucial World Cup semi-final

De la Fuente backs Lamine Yamal to deliver in crucial World Cup semi-final

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has expressed confidence in teenager Lamine Yamal, stating that the forward's most significant World Cup performance is yet to come, potentially in the semi-final against France or the final.

FIFA WC: South Korea stun Czech Republic with late comeback win

FIFA WC: South Korea stun Czech Republic with late comeback win

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

South Korea have come from behind to beat the Czech Republic 2-1 in their Group A opener at the 2026 World Cup, sealing a vital three points to start their campaign in style.

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.

Historic! Messi first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches

Historic! Messi first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Lionel Messi has achieved a new World Cup milestone, becoming the first player to score in seven consecutive matches.

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.

Salah Stars as Egypt Rewrite History With Maiden World Cup Victory

Salah Stars as Egypt Rewrite History With Maiden World Cup Victory

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Mohamed Salah scored and assisted as Egypt came from behind to beat New Zealand 3-1 in Vancouver, securing the country's first-ever FIFA World Cup victory and moving top of Group G.

Cristiano Ronaldo Cements Lasting Legacy Despite World Cup Exit

Cristiano Ronaldo Cements Lasting Legacy Despite World Cup Exit

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

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.

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.

Morocco offer France first real test of World Cup credentials

Morocco offer France first real test of World Cup credentials

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The meeting is a rematch of the 2022 World Cup semi-final, when France ended Morocco's historic run in Qatar.

'I Went to the Locker Room and Cried': Neymar on Emotional Brazil Return

'I Went to the Locker Room and Cried': Neymar on Emotional Brazil Return

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Neymar admitted he shed tears after making his first Brazil appearance in 981 days during the World Cup 2026. The Brazil star returned from injury as the Selecao secured a knockout-stage spot with a 3-0 win over Scotland.'

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.

Why Mexicans Feel Left Out of Their Own World Cup After 40 Years

Why Mexicans Feel Left Out of Their Own World Cup After 40 Years

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

Despite the World Cup returning to their country for the first time in four decades, many in Mexico said they feel excluded, priced out of stadiums, forced to pay for expensive TV subscriptions and constrained by strict licensing rules.

Sara, Kareena, Samantha's Exotic Vacations

Sara, Kareena, Samantha's Exotic Vacations

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

If it's raining, it's a great time for a holiday. If it isn't, even better. No wonder, many celebs just hop on a plane and jet off for quick getaways around this season.

'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.

Excited to bring world's biggest sporting spectacles to Indian audiences: Zee CEO

Excited to bring world's biggest sporting spectacles to Indian audiences: Zee CEO

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

"Excited to bring world's biggest sporting spectacles to Indian audiences": Zee CEO Punit Goenka after securing FIFA broadcasting rights till 2034

Deschamps' golden France era ends in defeat, but legacy intact

Deschamps' golden France era ends in defeat, but legacy intact

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

The end of coach Didier Deschamps' Midas-like reign turned into a Tantalus torment as France suffered a comprehensive World Cup semi-final defeat by Spain before losing 6-4 to England in a wild third-place playoff, but those disappointments will not tarnish his legacy.

Keeper Room's 15 Saves Helps Curacao Earn Historic First World Cup Point

Keeper Room's 15 Saves Helps Curacao Earn Historic First World Cup Point

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Tiny Curacao battled to a 0-0 draw with Ecuador to earn the first World Cup point in the Caribbean island's history on Saturday after an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Eloy Room.

The Muppets join Madonna, Shakira, Bieber in World Cup halftime show

The Muppets join Madonna, Shakira, Bieber in World Cup halftime show

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Superstars Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber, and Shakira delivered a high-energy musical medley during the first-ever halftime show at a World Cup final, a new American-style addition to the tournament.

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.

Kane focused on England team, not Haaland or Golden Boot

Kane focused on England team, not Haaland or Golden Boot

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

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.

Is This The Save Of The World Cup?

Is This The Save Of The World Cup?

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Alireza Beiranvand produced seven saves, including a stunning contender for save of the tournament, as Iran held Belgium to a 0-0 draw at the FIFA World Cup.
The performance capped an extraordinary journey from poverty and homelessness to national hero.

Haaland scores twice as Norway shock Brazil to make World Cup quarter-finals

Haaland scores twice as Norway shock Brazil to make World Cup quarter-finals

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Erling Haaland scored two crucial late goals to lead Norway to a stunning 2-1 victory over five-times champions Brazil in the World Cup Round of 16, securing their place in the quarter-finals. Neymar's late penalty was not enough for Brazil, who also missed an earlier spot-kick.

Rocafonda's Pride: Lamine Yamal's Journey To World Cup Final

Rocafonda's Pride: Lamine Yamal's Journey To World Cup Final

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Lamine Yamal's working-class neighbourhood, Rocafonda, is filled with pride as the Spanish forward prepares for the World Cup final against Lionel Messi's Argentina. The story highlights Yamal's deep connection to his roots, his admiration for Messi, and how he honours his community through gestures like his "304" hand sign and wearing a Rocafonda headband.

Iran, Egypt face crunch World Cup game in shadow of geopolitics

Iran, Egypt face crunch World Cup game in shadow of geopolitics

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

A first World Cup win for seven-times African champions Egypt, 92 years after their debut, put them in charge though Iran's dogged performances in draws with Belgium and New Zealand means victory could also see them top Group G.

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.

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.

Gurpreet talks pressure of goalkeeping role

Gurpreet talks pressure of goalkeeping role

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

India's national football team goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu discusses the immense mental pressure of his position, the importance of resilience, and his admiration for Argentina's Emiliano Martinez. He also shares his predictions for the FIFA World Cup 2026, backing traditional powerhouses and hoping for an Asian team's strong performance.

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.

Iran thank Los Angeles with locker room note

Iran thank Los Angeles with locker room note

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

'Thank you Los Angeles for your hospitality'

Brazil's fan mourn yet another early World Cup exit

Brazil's fan mourn yet another early World Cup exit

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Brazil's national football team, the 'Selecao', suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Norway in the World Cup last 16, marking their sixth consecutive early exit and extending their title drought to 24 years. Fans criticised missed opportunities and manager Carlo Ancelotti's defensive tactics.

Neymar set to miss FIFA World Cup opener

Neymar set to miss FIFA World Cup opener

Rediff.com28 May 2026

The 34-year-old Neymar faces two to three more weeks on the sidelines.