News for 'FRANCE'

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.

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.

'Some players will be wiped off': Gopichand warns

'Some players will be wiped off': Gopichand warns

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

India's chief badminton coach Pullela Gopichand believes the sport's upcoming shift to a 15x3 scoring system will lead to some players being 'wiped off' due to the increased premium on speed, power, and mental strength.

F1's surprise move! Bahrain GP heads to Malaysia

F1's surprise move! Bahrain GP heads to Malaysia

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

Malaysia's Sepang circuit will host the rescheduled 'Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia' on October 4, Formula One announced, stepping in after the original April races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were cancelled due to the Iran war and Middle East situation.

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.com13 Jul 2026

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.

Japan vs Tunisia marks 1,000th FIFA World Cup match

Japan vs Tunisia marks 1,000th FIFA World Cup match

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Japan v Tunisia marks 1,000th FIFA World Cup match

Indian Grandmaster Praggnanandhaa Dominates In Zagreb

Indian Grandmaster Praggnanandhaa Dominates In Zagreb

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa began his Zagreb Grand Chess Tour campaign with an aggressive victory over top seed Vincent Keymer, showcasing a masterclass performance. While Praggnanandhaa holds a strong position, World Champion D Gukesh experienced mixed results, and Firouzja Alireza currently leads the tournament.

Kylian Mbappe Faces Immense Pressure Ahead Of World Cup Opener

Kylian Mbappe Faces Immense Pressure Ahead Of World Cup Opener

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

Kylian Mbappe is under immense pressure and facing criticism regarding his recent performances and leadership ahead of France's World Cup opener. Despite a trophy-less season with Real Madrid, his teammates Ousmane Dembele and Lucas Hernandez defend him, highlighting his leadership within the French squad and his focus on the tournament. Mbappe has a strong World Cup record and aims to silence critics by performing well in the upcoming matches.

TasteAtlas 2025/2026: Italy Tops Cuisine List, India Ranks 13

TasteAtlas 2025/2026: Italy Tops Cuisine List, India Ranks 13

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

TasteAtlas has released its 2025 list of the world's 100 best cuisines, with Italy taking the top spot, followed by Greece and Peru, while India secured the 13th position globally.

Moments That Defined 2026 World Cup

Moments That Defined 2026 World Cup

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

From Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to Cape Verde's fairytale run, VAR controversies and unforgettable fan moments, relive the memories that made the 2026 FIFA World Cup the biggest and most dramatic tournament in history.

Can Senegal Stop Haaland? Thiaw Faces Major Selection Dilemma

Can Senegal Stop Haaland? Thiaw Faces Major Selection Dilemma

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Senegal face a major defensive selection dilemma ahead of their World Cup clash with Norway as coach Pape Bouna Thiaw weighs whether to drop Kalidou Koulibaly in a bid to stop Erling Haaland and keep knockout hopes alive.

Firouzja Storms Into Lead; Praggnaandhaa, Gukesh Slip

Firouzja Storms Into Lead; Praggnaandhaa, Gukesh Slip

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Alireza Firouzja has established a dominant lead in the Croatian leg of the Grand Chess Tour after a stellar performance in the blitz section, accumulating 20 points.

Praggnanandhaa holds Gukesh; joint second after opening day of Grand Chess Tour Croatia

Praggnanandhaa holds Gukesh; joint second after opening day of Grand Chess Tour Croatia

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa began his campaign in the Zagreb leg of the Grand Chess Tour with a victory over top seed Vincent Keymer of Germany before drawing his next two games.

The World No. 1 Who Lost A Leg In Combat

The World No. 1 Who Lost A Leg In Combat

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Subedar Hokato Sema lost his leg in a mine blast on the Line of Control. Today he is a champion para shot-putter and among the most decorated para soldier-athletes.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Argentina vs Spain final brings tutor and former ward face to face

FIFA World Cup 2026: Argentina vs Spain final brings tutor and former ward face to face

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

It happened in 2017, two years after Scaloni ended his playing career. De la Fuente, then in charge of Spain's youth teams, was among the figures who helped guide a recently retired player taking his first steps towards management.

Priyanka Chopra Nails Wimbledon Fashion

Priyanka Chopra Nails Wimbledon Fashion

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Priyanka Chopra Jonas made headlines at Wimbledon, not only for her impeccable courtside fashion but also for a heartwarming FaceTime call with husband Nick Jonas.

Saptak Talwar In Contention For Top-10 At Blot Play9

Saptak Talwar In Contention For Top-10 At Blot Play9

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Indian golfer Saptak Talwar is currently tied for 12th place at the Blot Play9 tournament in France after an even par third round. Talwar, a leader on the DP World PGTI Tour, is aiming for a top-10 finish, which could secure him a spot on the prestigious DP World Tour. He is also well-positioned in the Hotel Planner rankings, known as the Road to Mallorca.

India and France Elevate Ties to 'Special Global Strategic Partnership'

India and France Elevate Ties to 'Special Global Strategic Partnership'

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

India and France have elevated their relationship to a 'special global strategic partnership,' with increased cooperation in defense, trade, and technology. The leaders also inaugurated a helicopter assembly line in Karnataka.

How super-sub Merino delivers when Spain needs him most...

How super-sub Merino delivers when Spain needs him most...

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

Mikel Merino, the Arsenal midfielder, has once again proven to be Spain's late-game hero, scoring an 88th-minute winner against Belgium to send his team into the World Cup semi-finals. This follows his stoppage-time goal against Portugal in the last 16. Merino attributes his consistent clutch performances to thorough preparation, embodying the collective spirit praised by coach Luis de la Fuente.

BCCI Secretary Saikia To Head ICC's Governance Review Committee

BCCI Secretary Saikia To Head ICC's Governance Review Committee

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

The International Cricket Council (ICC) concluded its Annual Meetings, establishing a new Governance Review Committee headed by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia.

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.

Anahat Singh Puts Academics Dreams on Hold To Chase Olympic Glory

Anahat Singh Puts Academics Dreams on Hold To Chase Olympic Glory

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

Anahat Singh has deferred her college admission to focus entirely on her squash career, with an eye on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

India's Sangram Singh Battles Pakistan's Abid Ali For MMA Championship

India's Sangram Singh Battles Pakistan's Abid Ali For MMA Championship

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Indian MMA fighter Sangram Singh is set to face Pakistan's Mohammed Abid Ali for the prestigious STRIKE Asia Champion Title in Kuala Lumpur. This highly anticipated fight marks a significant step in Singh's transition from professional wrestling to MMA, where he holds an unbeaten 3-0 record.

Macron calls for India-France push on responsible AI

Macron calls for India-France push on responsible AI

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

French President Emmanuel Macron announced that India and France will collaborate to develop an artificial intelligence framework that combines innovation with responsibility and technology with humanity, addressing the need for inclusive digital tools amid rising geopolitical tensions.

Special Olympics Bharat Hails Football Team's Gothia Cup Bronze

Special Olympics Bharat Hails Football Team's Gothia Cup Bronze

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

The Indian Special Olympics football team secured a bronze medal at the Gothia Cup in Sweden, marking their third consecutive podium finish. Special Olympics Bharat president Malika Nadda praised the team's resilience and determination, while coaches highlighted the challenges of adapting to artificial turf and expressed ambitions for future gold medals.

Special Olympics Bharat Hails Football Team's Gothia Cup Bronze

Special Olympics Bharat Hails Football Team's Gothia Cup Bronze

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

The Indian Special Olympics football team secured a bronze medal at the Gothia Cup in Sweden, marking their third consecutive podium finish. Special Olympics Bharat president Malika Nadda praised the team's resilience and determination, while coaches highlighted the challenges of adapting to artificial turf and expressed ambitions for future gold medals.

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.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Argentina's passion faces Spain's precision in final showdown

FIFA World Cup 2026: Argentina's passion faces Spain's precision in final showdown

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

The World Cup final offers football's grandest stage a deliciously odd pairing: Argentina, all pulse, fire and Lionel Messi, against Spain, the European champions who appear to treat chaos as an administrative error and have turned control into something close to an art form.

Can Senegal pull off a miracle FIFA World Cup escape?

Can Senegal pull off a miracle FIFA World Cup escape?

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Senegal's coach Pape Bouna Thiaw insists his team's World Cup hopes are not over despite two consecutive defeats to France and Norway. The team needs to beat Iraq in their final group game to have a chance at qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams.

Ivory Coast Gear Up For Haaland Challenge In World Cup Clash

Ivory Coast Gear Up For Haaland Challenge In World Cup Clash

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Ivory Coast is set to face Norway in a World Cup Round of 32 match, with much attention on Norway's star striker Erling Haaland. While Ivory Coast's defence, featuring Ousmane Diomande, will focus on containing Haaland, their coach Emerse Fae also plans to unleash their own array of attacking talent, including Yan Diomande and Nicolas Pepe, to challenge Norway.

Manolo Marquez: World Cup expansion dilutes quality, India needs grassroots focus

Manolo Marquez: World Cup expansion dilutes quality, India needs grassroots focus

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Spanish football coach Manolo Marquez has criticised the expansion of the FIFA World Cup, arguing it compromises quality and that countries like India should prioritise grassroots development over relying on increased qualification slots. He also highlighted the impact of naturalised players on international competition, citing his experience with the Indian team.

India's first hydrogen train rolls out with leak detection, auto shut-off

India's first hydrogen train rolls out with leak detection, auto shut-off

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

India's first hydrogen-powered train, to be flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Haryana's Jind railway station on Friday, is equipped with multi-layer safety systems capable of detecting hydrogen leaks, heat, flames and smoke.

Bhaichung Bhutia: Messi needs another World Cup to match Maradona's legacy

Bhaichung Bhutia: Messi needs another World Cup to match Maradona's legacy

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia believes Lionel Messi needs to win the 2026 World Cup to truly equal Diego Maradona's legendary status, despite Messi's 2022 triumph. Bhutia rates Maradona higher due to his single-handed 1986 World Cup victory, while also tipping Spain as slight favourites over Argentina in the upcoming final.

Canada Open Badminton: Srikanth retires; Aakarshi, Tanya advance

Canada Open Badminton: Srikanth retires; Aakarshi, Tanya advance

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Kidambi Srikanth retired early from his opening match due to fitness issues even as Tanya Hemnath and Aakarshi Kashyap emerged as the only Indian shuttlers to progress to the women's singles second round at the Canada Open.

India, France seal Hammer missile deal, renew defence ties

India, France seal Hammer missile deal, renew defence ties

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

India and France have renewed their 10-year defence cooperation agreement and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the joint manufacturing of Hammer missiles in India, marking a significant step in strengthening their strategic partnership.

FIFA World Cup final marks full-circle moment for Messi and Yamal

FIFA World Cup final marks full-circle moment for Messi and Yamal

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal will face-off as defending champions Argentina meet reigning European champions Spain in the FIFA World Cup final, in New York on Saturday.

Goal Fest! Messi, Mbappe, Haaland Light Up FIFA World Cup

Goal Fest! Messi, Mbappe, Haaland Light Up FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappe showcased their exceptional talent in recent World Cup matches, each scoring multiple goals. Despite recent dips in form or career stages, these football superstars proved their enduring prowess, with Mbappe becoming France's all-time top scorer and Messi achieving his first World Cup hat-trick.

Hollywood Superstar Tom Cruise arrives for FIFA World Cup final

Hollywood Superstar Tom Cruise arrives for FIFA World Cup final

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final sees Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, take on a strong Spanish unit featuring teenage star Lamine Yamal, with Messi aiming for back-to-back titles at a venue holding past painful memories.

Subrata Paul Highlights Goalkeepers' Pivotal Role In World Cup Success

Subrata Paul Highlights Goalkeepers' Pivotal Role In World Cup Success

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

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.

Indian Grandmaster Praggnanandhaa Secures Third Spot In Croatia

Indian Grandmaster Praggnanandhaa Secures Third Spot In Croatia

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa secured a tied third-place finish at the Croatian leg of the Grand Chess Tour, bouncing back with a strong performance on the final day. France's Firouzja Alireza claimed the top honours after a tie-break, while Praggnanandhaa shared his position with Maxime Vachier-Lagrave. Compatriot D Gukesh finished sixth.