News for 'FIFA'

Fans go wild! Fireworks, tears as Spain wins World Cup

Fans go wild! Fireworks, tears as Spain wins World Cup

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Thousands of fans across Spain erupted in joyous celebrations, dancing in the streets, setting off fireworks, and launching red flares, after La Roja secured their second World Cup title with a 1-0 victory over Argentina.

Car Rams Into World Cup Celebration Crowd In Mexico

Car Rams Into World Cup Celebration Crowd In Mexico

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

A car rammed into a crowd celebrating Mexico's World Cup victory in Cabo San Lucas, injuring 17 people. The driver was arrested, and authorities are investigating the violent incident that marred the festivities in the popular tourist resort.

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.

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.

How Rodri Bossed France and Powered Spain into World Cup Final

How Rodri Bossed France and Powered Spain into World Cup Final

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Rodri delivered a midfield masterclass against France, anchoring Spain's 2-0 victory and securing their place in the World Cup final. His performance marked a significant return to his pre-injury form, reminiscent of his dominant displays for Manchester City, as he frustrated France's attacking efforts and dictated play.

Australian-Born Ryan Williams Poised For India Debut After FIFA Clearance

Australian-Born Ryan Williams Poised For India Debut After FIFA Clearance

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Australian-born forward Ryan Williams is set to make his debut for India in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier against Hong Kong after FIFA cleared his change of association.

Gakpo's Tears: A World Cup Story Beyond Football

Gakpo's Tears: A World Cup Story Beyond Football

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Dutch footballer Cody Gakpo scored a goal at the World Cup against Morocco, immediately breaking down in tears due to the recent loss of his unborn baby boy. His emotional reaction, understood by teammates and visible to his parents in the stands, highlighted the profound personal grief he carried while competing on the global stage, overshadowing the team's eventual defeat.

UNICEF hands Goodwill Ambassador role to Spain's rising star Lamine Yamal

UNICEF hands Goodwill Ambassador role to Spain's rising star Lamine Yamal

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Spain winger Lamine Yamal has been appointed as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, becoming one of the youngest footballers to take on the global role ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

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.

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.

Quinones, Jimenez fire Mexico into last 16 with historic World Cup win

Quinones, Jimenez fire Mexico into last 16 with historic World Cup win

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Mexico ended a 40-year wait for a FIFA World Cup knockout victory as Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez scored in a 2-0 win over Ecuador, sending the co-hosts into the last 16 amid emotional scenes at the Azteca Stadium.

France coach Deschamps backs Mbappe to break World Cup scoring record

France coach Deschamps backs Mbappe to break World Cup scoring record

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

'Every time he beats his own record, he does have the capacity to up his ante.'

'This Is My Last World Cup': Cristiano Ronaldo

'This Is My Last World Cup': Cristiano Ronaldo

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the current World Cup will be his last, expressing no regrets about his illustrious career.

Iran Coach Criticises Travel Restrictions After 2-2 World Cup Draw

Iran Coach Criticises Travel Restrictions After 2-2 World Cup Draw

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei said travel restrictions and visa-related disruptions hampered his team's World Cup preparations after a 2-2 draw with New Zealand, claiming Iran had become the tournament's "most oppressed" side.

England Receive Saka Boost Before High-Stakes World Cup Test Against Ghana

England Receive Saka Boost Before High-Stakes World Cup Test Against Ghana

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

England coach Thomas Tuchel confirmed Bukayo Saka is fully fit and available for the World Cup clash against Ghana, while also voicing concerns that FIFA's mandatory hydration breaks are disrupting the flow and identity of football.

Expanded World Cup boosts India's qualification hopes: Bhutia

Expanded World Cup boosts India's qualification hopes: Bhutia

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia says FIFA's expanded 48-team World Cup format significantly improves India's chances of qualification while creating new opportunities for emerging football nations across Asia and beyond.

Argentina's title defence faces first test against fearless Algeria

Argentina's title defence faces first test against fearless Algeria

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Argentina start their bid for back-to-back World Cups on Tuesday with a side full of familiar faces from Qatar 2022, facing an Algerian team buoyed by warm-up wins and featuring a 20-year-old rising star nicknamed after Diego Maradona.

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: 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.

Arias takes Colombia past Ghana to World Cup Round of 16

Arias takes Colombia past Ghana to World Cup Round of 16

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Colombia defeated Ghana 1-0 in a crucial World Cup Round-of-32 match, with Jhon Arias scoring the decisive goal in the 14th minute. This victory propels Colombia into the last 16, where they will face Switzerland.

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.

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.

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.

Neymar returns for Brazil but there's a new Junior in town

Neymar returns for Brazil but there's a new Junior in town

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Neymar Junior returned to international football after a 981-day absence, playing 20 minutes as a substitute in Brazil's 3-0 World Cup victory over Scotland.

Mexico stay perfect and bounce Czechs out of World Cup

Mexico stay perfect and bounce Czechs out of World Cup

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Mexico continued their perfect start to the World Cup with a 3-0 romp against the Czech Republic on Wednesday, finishing their group-stage campaign with a flourish.

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.

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.

A Day of Deadlocks: History rewritten at World Cup With Four Draws

A Day of Deadlocks: History rewritten at World Cup With Four Draws

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Four matches, four draws and a slice of World Cup history.

FIFA to lead $75m project to build football ecosystem in Gaza

FIFA to lead $75m project to build football ecosystem in Gaza

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

FIFA and Board of Peace to support Gaza reconstruction through football

Austria, Algeria in knockouts after thrilling draw; Iran out

Austria, Algeria in knockouts after thrilling draw; Iran out

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Austria and Algeria played out a dramatic 3-3 draw in their final World Cup Group J match, with two stoppage-time goals ensuring both teams progressed to the Round of 32, while eliminating Iran. Argentina topped the group, with Austria finishing second and Algeria advancing as a best third-placed side.

Spain Turn Back the Clock to 2010: One Win From World Cup Glory

Spain Turn Back the Clock to 2010: One Win From World Cup Glory

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente attributes his team's commanding 2-0 victory over France and progression to the World Cup final to a revived "spirit of 2010" and strong team unity. He praised the squad's commitment, solidarity, and talent, highlighting their collective goal-oriented approach and humility. Spain has now equalled Italy's unbeaten record and looks forward to the final, with De la Fuente emphasising the team's continuous potential for growth.

World Cup Sees First Red Card Under Controversial Rule

World Cup Sees First Red Card Under Controversial Rule

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Prestianni Law enforced for the first time at FIFA World Cup as Almiron sees red.

Dutch Masterclass: How Netherlands Secured A Resounding World Cup Victory

Dutch Masterclass: How Netherlands Secured A Resounding World Cup Victory

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

The Netherlands secured a dominant 5-1 victory over Sweden in a World Cup match, with Brian Brobbey scoring an early double and Cody Gakpo adding two more in the second half. Crysencio Summerville sealed the rout with a late goal, despite Anthony Elanga pulling one back for Sweden. This win places the Netherlands at the top of Group F.

Kylian Mbappe's penalty takes France into World Cup quarter-finals

Kylian Mbappe's penalty takes France into World Cup quarter-finals

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Kylian Mbappe scored a penalty in the 70th minute to give France a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the World Cup last 16, setting up a quarter-final clash with Morocco. The goal also brought Mbappe level with Lionel Messi as the tournament's top scorer.

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.

The Cornish connection: How English miners shaped Mexican football

The Cornish connection: How English miners shaped Mexican football

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Ahead of England's World Cup clash in Mexico, discover the remarkable 200-year-old story of how Cornish miners introduced football and the famous Cornish pasty to the country, shaping Mexico's sporting and cultural identity.

World Cup 2026: Watch Out For These 6 Dark Horses!

World Cup 2026: Watch Out For These 6 Dark Horses!

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Morocco, Norway, Turkey, Colombia, Mexico and Japan are among the leading dark horses for FIFA World Cup 2026, with each side possessing the talent and momentum to challenge football's traditional powers.

England and Ghana eye knockout round in crucial World Cup clash

England and Ghana eye knockout round in crucial World Cup clash

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

England and Ghana, both coming off opening wins, are set to clash in a crucial Group L World Cup match in Boston.

Messi's March Through History Continues With World Cup Goals Record

Messi's March Through History Continues With World Cup Goals Record

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Lionel Messi, nearing 39, has broken the World Cup all-time goal-scoring record with 18 goals, surpassing Marta and Miroslav Klose. This latest achievement adds to his illustrious career, which includes numerous club and international titles, cementing his status as one of football's greatest players.

Portugal overcome Croatia in thriller to make World Cup last 16

Portugal overcome Croatia in thriller to make World Cup last 16

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Portugal defeated Croatia 2-1 in a dramatic World Cup match, with Goncalo Ramos scoring the winning goal in stoppage time after Cristiano Ronaldo had equalised from a penalty. The victory ends Luka Modric's fifth World Cup bid, and Portugal now advances to face Spain in the round of 16.