News for 'First World'

Moments That Defined 2026 World Cup

Moments That Defined 2026 World Cup

Rediff.com5 days ago

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.

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.

PCB confirms five-ODI England tour before World Cup

PCB confirms five-ODI England tour before World Cup

Rediff.com4 days ago

The Pakistan Cricket Board has finalised a five-match One-Day International series against England in May 2025, serving as vital preparation for both teams ahead of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup later that year.

India Eyes Maiden Gold At FISU World University Squash Championship

India Eyes Maiden Gold At FISU World University Squash Championship

Rediff.com5 days ago

India is set to host the FISU World University Squash Championship in Mumbai from August 3, aiming for its first-ever gold medal. With home advantage and a bronze medallist from the previous edition, Suraj Chand, the team carries high expectations.

Solbakken raises spider-cam controversy after Norway's World Cup exit

Solbakken raises spider-cam controversy after Norway's World Cup exit

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

FIFA rejects Norway coach Stale Solbakken's claim of spider-cam interference in Jude Bellingham's equaliser for England.

Minerva Academy FC makes history, lifts U-12 World Youth Cup

Minerva Academy FC makes history, lifts U-12 World Youth Cup

Rediff.com7 days ago

India's Minerva Academy FC has been crowned the World Youth Cup 2026 Champions, defeating Brazil's RS Sports 2-1 in the Under-12 final in Gothenburg, Sweden, marking their third youth world title and becoming the first Indian academy to achieve this feat.

Spain's coach shares World Cup secret: 'One family'

Spain's coach shares World Cup secret: 'One family'

Rediff.com7 days ago

Spain's coach Luis de la Fuente attributed his team's second World Cup victory to their strong team-first mentality, unity, and shared values, establishing them as a dominant force in international football.

Trump hails 'GREAT player' Harry Kane after England's World Cup win

Trump hails 'GREAT player' Harry Kane after England's World Cup win

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

United States President Donald Trump has praised England captain Harry Kane as a 'GREAT player' following his pivotal role in England's 3-2 FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 victory over co-hosts Mexico, where Kane scored his sixth goal of the tournament.

Spain's 2nd Title in 8 Nations World Cup Club

Spain's 2nd Title in 8 Nations World Cup Club

Rediff.com7 days ago

Since the FIFA World Cup's inaugural tournament in 1930, 23 competitions have occurred up to 2026. Interestingly, only 8 countries have succeeded in claiming the famous trophy and on Sunday, Spain added their second title.

Karnataka announces India's first govt-driven AI university

Karnataka announces India's first govt-driven AI university

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar announced the establishment of India's first government-driven Artificial Intelligence University and an AI Hub in Bengaluru. This initiative aims to position Karnataka as a global leader in responsible AI innovation, fostering talent, research, and collaboration. The state seeks to become an AI-native state, leveraging AI to improve governance and daily life across various sectors.

'We lived up to the hype': Solbakken proud of Norway's World Cup

'We lived up to the hype': Solbakken proud of Norway's World Cup

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

An emotional Stale Solbakken praised Norway's historic FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign after a 2-1 extra-time defeat to England ended their dream run in the quarter-finals.

Donald And Lowry Lead Stellar Field At DP World India Championship

Donald And Lowry Lead Stellar Field At DP World India Championship

Rediff.com4 days ago

European Ryder Cup Captain Luke Donald and Major winner Shane Lowry are confirmed to participate in the second edition of the DP World India Championship in October. They will join a strong field of international golf stars, including other Ryder Cup heroes and Open Champion Ryan Fox, at the Delhi Golf Club for the USD 4,000,000 event.

'Total disgrace': Argentina slammed after World Cup

'Total disgrace': Argentina slammed after World Cup

Rediff.com7 days ago

Argentina's conduct after their World Cup final defeat to Spain has come under fire, with players and fans facing criticism for their actions during the trophy presentation and post-match celebrations.

Historic Feat: Indian Women Epee Fencers Qualify For World Championships Main Draw

Historic Feat: Indian Women Epee Fencers Qualify For World Championships Main Draw

Rediff.com5 days ago

Indian fencers Taniksha Khatri and Prachi Lohan have made history by becoming the first Indian women's epee players to qualify for the main table of 64 at the Senior World Fencing Championships in Hong Kong. They advanced through the preliminary rounds and will compete in the direct elimination draw on July 25, marking a significant milestone for Indian fencing.

Egypt's Pharaohs get heroes' welcome after best-ever World Cup campaign

Egypt's Pharaohs get heroes' welcome after best-ever World Cup campaign

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Thousands of ecstatic supporters welcomed the Egyptian national football team home after their historic World Cup campaign, which saw them reach the last 16 for the first time, despite a heartbreaking defeat to Argentina.

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.

Esports World Cup: LYON, Vitality, Dplus KIA, PVISION Win Titles

Esports World Cup: LYON, Vitality, Dplus KIA, PVISION Win Titles

Rediff.com6 days ago

Four champions were crowned during the second week of the Esports World Cup in Paris. LYON won the Free Fire title, Team Vitality secured the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Women's International crown, Dplus KIA emerged victorious in League of Legends, and PVISION triumphed in Dota 2, with several teams also making strides in the Club Championship standings.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Champions To Receive Bespoke Rings

FIFA World Cup 2026 Champions To Receive Bespoke Rings

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

For the first time, winners of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will receive bespoke championship rings, a tradition inspired by American sports. These custom-designed rings, featuring the World Cup trophy and team identity, will be awarded to the champions and also made available to fans.

Unbeaten Spain eye Italy's all-time record in World Cup semi-final vs France

Unbeaten Spain eye Italy's all-time record in World Cup semi-final vs France

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Spain take a 36-match unbeaten run into their FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final against France, with Lamine Yamal calling it the biggest match of his career as La Roja chase Italy's all-time record.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Fired-up Mexico aim to extend dream run against England

FIFA World Cup 2026: Fired-up Mexico aim to extend dream run against England

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Mexico will bid to continue their remarkable World Cup run when they face England in the last 16 on Sunday, with Javier Aguirre's side standing one victory away from a first quarter-final appearance in 40 years.

Haaland plays the underdog card against England ahead of FIFA World Cup quarter-final clash

Haaland plays the underdog card against England ahead of FIFA World Cup quarter-final clash

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Norway's star striker Erling Haaland is attempting to pile pressure on England ahead of their World Cup quarter-final clash, labelling them 'clear favourites' and urging the media to amplify expectations on the English squad.

FIFA World Cup semis: Tuchel reveals England's plan to stop Messi

FIFA World Cup semis: Tuchel reveals England's plan to stop Messi

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

England manager Thomas Tuchel insists his players are not focusing on the historical rivalry with Argentina ahead of their World Cup semi-final, stating the occasion itself is significant enough and their preparation centres on the game at hand.

Kylian Mbappe is World Cup's all-time leading scorer

Kylian Mbappe is World Cup's all-time leading scorer

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

France striker Kylian Mbappe has become the World Cup's all-time leading scorer with 22 goals, surpassing Lionel Messi's 21 goals, after netting twice in France's third-place play-off match against England.

FIFA World Cup watch party ends in tragedy in Jordan

FIFA World Cup watch party ends in tragedy in Jordan

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

A stampede occurred in central Amman during a crowded gathering of fans watching Jordan's World Cup match against Algeria, resulting in one death and eight injuries. The incident took place at Hashemite Square due to heavy congestion and crowd movement.

Louis Vuitton's World Cup Trophy Trunk Unveiled

Louis Vuitton's World Cup Trophy Trunk Unveiled

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Louis Vuitton has once again designed the bespoke trunk for the FIFA World Cup trophy, marking the fifth consecutive tournament. The luxury travel case, featuring a golden V and the brand's monogram, will transport the coveted prize to the New York-New Jersey stadium. This partnership highlights the growing presence of luxury brands in professional sports, with Louis Vuitton also crafting trunks for Formula 1 and Tiffany & Co. for the Super Bowl trophy.

Jude Bellingham's brace takes England past Norway to World Cup semis

Jude Bellingham's brace takes England past Norway to World Cup semis

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

Jude Bellingham scored twice as England fought back to defeat Norway 2-1 in the third World Cup quarter-final at Miami Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida, on Saturday.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Ronaldo ends World Cup drought, creates history in Portugal's must-win clash

FIFA World Cup 2026: Ronaldo ends World Cup drought, creates history in Portugal's must-win clash

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo silenced his critics in emphatic fashion by scoring in Portugal's crucial FIFA World Cup Group K match against Uzbekistan in Houston on Tuesday, becoming the first player in history to score at six different editions of a FIFA World Cup.

Dan Burn: From Rejection to World Cup Hero at 34

Dan Burn: From Rejection to World Cup Hero at 34

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

England defender Dan Burn, 34, has emerged as an unlikely hero at the World Cup, making crucial clearances and blocks in high-pressure matches against Mexico and Norway, defying a career path that saw him released by Newcastle as a boy and playing in lower divisions.

Sonam, Elavenil Reach 10m Air Rifle Final At World Cup But Miss Out On Medals

Sonam, Elavenil Reach 10m Air Rifle Final At World Cup But Miss Out On Medals

Rediff.com2 days ago

Indian shooters Sonam Uttam Maskar and Elavenil Valarivan reached the women's 10m air rifle final at the ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou, finishing fifth and sixth respectively.

Could a 64-team World Cup put Asian football at FIFA's mercy?

Could a 64-team World Cup put Asian football at FIFA's mercy?

Rediff.com6 days ago

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has acknowledged the possibility of expanding the World Cup to 64 teams, a move that could significantly alter the sport's economics and logistics, despite opposition from major confederations like UEFA and AFC.

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.

Brand USA Unveils 'More To Love' Campaign After World Cup

Brand USA Unveils 'More To Love' Campaign After World Cup

Rediff.com7 days ago

Brand USA, the destination marketing organisation for the United States, has launched a new social-first series called 'More to Love'. This campaign aims to thank international fans who visited the US during the FIFA World Cup and encourage them to return to explore more of the country's diverse attractions, including its national parks and landmarks. The campaign is being amplified globally, including in India.

Can Harmanpreet end India's 50-year hockey World Cup medal drought?

Can Harmanpreet end India's 50-year hockey World Cup medal drought?

Rediff.com5 days ago

Indian men's hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh believes his side is capable of ending the country's five-decade-long World Cup medal drought, drawing parallels with the team's success at the Tokyo Olympics.

Anahat Singh Leads Indian Charge At World Junior Squash Championships

Anahat Singh Leads Indian Charge At World Junior Squash Championships

Rediff.com6 days ago

Indian top seed Anahat Singh and three male players, Aryaveer Dewan, Yusha Nafees, and Gurveer Singh, have advanced in their respective categories at the World Squash Junior Individual Championships in Ontario, Canada, showcasing a strong start for the Indian contingent.

Spain Vs Argentina FIFA World Cup Final Shatters US Viewership Records

Spain Vs Argentina FIFA World Cup Final Shatters US Viewership Records

Rediff.com5 days ago

The FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina garnered nearly 63 million viewers in the United States, setting new viewership records and highlighting football's increasing popularity in the country.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Entertainment takes centre stage as final halftime gets extended

FIFA World Cup 2026: Entertainment takes centre stage as final halftime gets extended

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

The halftime interval in Sunday's World Cup final between Spain and Argentina is set to last more than 15 minutes because of the installation required for the tournament's first halftime entertainment show, broadcasting sources said on Friday.

Norway's wild FIFA World Cup party leaves Oslo in chaos

Norway's wild FIFA World Cup party leaves Oslo in chaos

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Thousands of Norwegian fans celebrated their team's first World Cup knockout-round win against Ivory Coast with a massive "Viking row" through Oslo. The jubilant celebrations, however, led to minor damage to city streets and metro trains, prompting transit authorities to take carriages out of service for repairs.

Prithika Pradeep Stuns World No 11 Burun To Win Archery World Cup Bronze

Prithika Pradeep Stuns World No 11 Burun To Win Archery World Cup Bronze

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

Teenage Indian archer Prithika Pradeep secured her first individual World Cup bronze medal in Madrid, overcoming world No. 11 Hazal Burun of Turkey.

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.

Spain back on top of FIFA rankings after World Cup glory

Spain back on top of FIFA rankings after World Cup glory

Rediff.com7 days ago

World Cup champions Spain climbed back to the top of the FIFA men's rankings released on Monday, while runners-up Argentina slipped to second following their defeat in the final.