News for 'Football'

India U20 face Pakistan in crucial SAFF Championship match

India U20 face Pakistan in crucial SAFF Championship match

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

India U20 team prepares to face Pakistan in their opening match of the SAFF U20 Championship, aiming for a strong start and a place in the semifinals.

First Khelo India Tribal Games to Spotlight 1300 Athletes

First Khelo India Tribal Games to Spotlight 1300 Athletes

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games are set to begin in Chhattisgarh, featuring nearly 1300 athletes from across India competing in nine disciplines. The event aims to provide a platform for tribal athletes to showcase their talent and promote sports at the grassroots level.

Ryan Williams scores on debut as India beat Hong Kong in Asian Cup qualifier

Ryan Williams scores on debut as India beat Hong Kong in Asian Cup qualifier

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Ryan Williams scored on his India debut as the team defeated Hong Kong 2-1 in an Asian Cup qualifying match. Akash Mishra added another goal for India, while Everton Camargo scored for Hong Kong.

India U-20 Women Face Japan in AFC Asian Cup Opener with World Cup Qualification at Stake

India U-20 Women Face Japan in AFC Asian Cup Opener with World Cup Qualification at Stake

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

The Indian Under-20 women's football team begins their AFC U-20 Women's Asian Cup campaign against Japan, aiming for a spot in the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Poland 2026.

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.

India U20 Women's Team Finalises Squad for AFC Asian Cup Thailand 2026

India U20 Women's Team Finalises Squad for AFC Asian Cup Thailand 2026

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

Joakim Alexandersson, the head coach of the Indian U20 women's team, has announced the 23-member squad for the AFC U20 Asian Cup Thailand 2026. India will face Japan, Australia, and Chinese Taipei in the group stage, aiming for a quarter-final spot and a chance to qualify for the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup Poland 2026.

World's Richest Football Club Eyes Stake Sale!

World's Richest Football Club Eyes Stake Sale!

Rediff.com23 Nov 2025

Real Madrid are considering creating a subsidiary that would allow external investors to buy a stake of around 5% in the world's most valuable football club.

Aizawl FC Defeats Rajasthan United in I-League Clash

Aizawl FC Defeats Rajasthan United in I-League Clash

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Aizawl FC secured their first victory of the Indian Football League 2025-26 season by defeating Rajasthan United FC 3-1. Zomuasanga opened the scoring, followed by goals from Vincent Lalduhawma and Lalhriatpuia, while Pedro Astray scored for Rajasthan United. Gokulam Kerala FC and Chanmari FC are set to play their respective matches on Saturday.

FA Cup: Southampton stun Arsenal; Manchester City rout Liverpool

FA Cup: Southampton stun Arsenal; Manchester City rout Liverpool

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

Southampton upset Arsenal in the FA Cup quarter-finals, while Manchester City and Chelsea secured comfortable victories to advance to the semi-finals.

'Nehru And Patel Were Like Jai And Veeru'

'Nehru And Patel Were Like Jai And Veeru'

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

'Gandhi was Thakur and Gabbar was Jinnah.'

Young Tigresses Overwhelmed by Japan in AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup

Young Tigresses Overwhelmed by Japan in AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

India's U20 women's football team faced a tough start in the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup, suffering a 6-0 defeat against Japan. Despite a promising start, Japan's dominance, particularly in the second half, proved too much for the Young Tigresses.

Namdhari Sports Club Secures First Victory Against Real Kashmir in I-League

Namdhari Sports Club Secures First Victory Against Real Kashmir in I-League

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Namdhari Sports Club defeated Real Kashmir FC 1-0 in the Indian Football League, securing their first win of the season thanks to a second-half goal by Seilenthang Lotjem.

How football shaped this young Indian's hockey career

How football shaped this young Indian's hockey career

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

The 21-year-old goalkeeper from Batala in Punjab has been one of India's standout performers at the ongoing FIH Junior World Cup

ISL on hold: Govt calls emergency talks to save football

ISL on hold: Govt calls emergency talks to save football

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

The latest crisis emerged after the All India Football Federation (AIFF) could not find a new commercial partner for the conduct of domestic league, including the top-tier Indian Super League.

Lost Boy Returns: Jharkhand Teen Reunited with Family After 13 Years

Lost Boy Returns: Jharkhand Teen Reunited with Family After 13 Years

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

A boy from Jharkhand, India, who was separated from his family and ended up in Kerala after boarding the wrong train, has been reunited with them after 13 years. Raja Gope, now a footballer in Kerala, was found with the help of NGOs and police.

Diamond Harbour FC Secures Maiden IFL Win in Thrilling Encounter

Diamond Harbour FC Secures Maiden IFL Win in Thrilling Encounter

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

Diamond Harbour FC secured their first-ever Indian Football League (IFL) victory, defeating Dempo SC 2-1 in a thrilling match at the Kalyani Stadium. Antonio Moyano and Hugo Diaz scored for Diamond Harbour, while Marcus Joseph netted Dempo's only goal.

Rajasthan United Snatch Victory with Late Goal in I-League Thriller

Rajasthan United Snatch Victory with Late Goal in I-League Thriller

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Rajasthan United secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Namdhari Sports Academy in the I-League, while Real Kashmir FC and Aizawl FC played out a 2-2 draw.

GFA Charges 14 Players In Goa Match-Fixing Scandal

GFA Charges 14 Players In Goa Match-Fixing Scandal

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

Goa Football Association charges 14 players, mostly from Chapora Yuvak Sangh, over alleged match-fixing in Goa Professional League 2025-26 season.

AIFF Defends Women's Asian Cup Preparations After Group Stage Exit

AIFF Defends Women's Asian Cup Preparations After Group Stage Exit

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

The AIFF defends its preparation for the AFC Women's Asian Cup despite India's group-stage exit, citing extensive overseas exposure and matches. An inquiry has been ordered into a kit controversy.

IPL 2026: 'Hang up boots'! Aakash Chopra's brutal take on Dhoni

IPL 2026: 'Hang up boots'! Aakash Chopra's brutal take on Dhoni

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra believes MS Dhoni should retire if he's relegated to an 'Impact Player' role for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), suggesting it's time for the veteran to consider hanging up his boots.

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.

Jharkhand Athletes Dominate Inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games

Jharkhand Athletes Dominate Inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Jharkhand sprinters Shiv Kumar Soren and Prithvi Oraon emerged as the fastest athletes at the inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games, while hosts Chhattisgarh secured medals in shot put and discus throw.

Authorities send kits made for junior teams to senior squad at AFC Asian Cup

Authorities send kits made for junior teams to senior squad at AFC Asian Cup

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

The Indian women's national football team has lodged a formal complaint with the AIFF regarding ill-fitting kits received just before their opening AFC Women's Asian Cup match in Australia, citing a lack of professionalism and disruption to their preparations.

Pep Munoz to Lead Bengaluru FC Until 2027

Pep Munoz to Lead Bengaluru FC Until 2027

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Bengaluru FC has appointed Spaniard Pep Munoz as their new head coach, signing him until the end of the 2026-27 season. Munoz brings experience from FC Barcelona's youth setup and a successful stint in Cambodia.

La Liga Title Race: Barcelona Extends Lead, Real Madrid Suffers Setback

La Liga Title Race: Barcelona Extends Lead, Real Madrid Suffers Setback

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

Barcelona defeated Atletico Madrid, extending their lead in La Liga after Real Madrid's loss to Mallorca. Key goals from Lewandowski and Rashford secured Barcelona's victory, while Muriqi's late goal sealed Mallorca's win against Real.

National Defence Academy to Host Sabhikhi Cup 2026, Emphasising Sportsmanship and Jointmanship

National Defence Academy to Host Sabhikhi Cup 2026, Emphasising Sportsmanship and Jointmanship

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

The National Defence Academy (NDA) will host the Sabhikhi Cup 2026, a prestigious sports event featuring cadets from India's top military training institutions, promoting athletic excellence, teamwork, and inter-service cooperation.

Tribal Athletes Get National Platform at Khelo India Tribal Games

Tribal Athletes Get National Platform at Khelo India Tribal Games

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) commenced in Chhattisgarh, providing a national stage for tribal athletes to showcase their abilities. Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya highlighted the event's significance in promoting sports culture and identifying talent from remote areas.

'Welcome to the White House': US President Donald Trump Celebrates Lionel Messi

'Welcome to the White House': US President Donald Trump Celebrates Lionel Messi

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

US President Donald Trump welcomed Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami team to the White House on Thursday as he boasted about the United States' ongoing operation in Iran.

Omang Dodum's Brace Propels India U20 to SAFF Championship Semifinals

Omang Dodum's Brace Propels India U20 to SAFF Championship Semifinals

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

India U20 secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Pakistan in their opening Group B match of the SAFF U20 Championship, earning them a semifinal berth. Omang Dodum scored a brace, while Vishal Yadav added another goal for the Blue Colts.

Chelsea fined 10.75 million pounds, given suspended transfer ban, after Premier League rule breaches

Chelsea fined 10.75 million pounds, given suspended transfer ban, after Premier League rule breaches

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Chelsea have been fined a record total of 10.75 million pounds ($14.3 million) for historical breaches of the Premier League's regulations, the league said on Monday.

Final 2026 World Cup Teams Confirmed: See Who's In

Final 2026 World Cup Teams Confirmed: See Who's In

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

The final teams have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Find out which teams have qualified and their group stage assignments.

TMC's Banerjee Alleges BJP Plot to Alter Bengal's Demography Ahead of Elections

TMC's Banerjee Alleges BJP Plot to Alter Bengal's Demography Ahead of Elections

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee accuses the BJP of attempting to alter West Bengal's demography by importing voters from other states ahead of the 2026 assembly elections, alleging a conspiracy to undermine the democratic rights of local residents.

ISL: Mohun Bagan to play behind closed doors after spectator misconduct

ISL: Mohun Bagan to play behind closed doors after spectator misconduct

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

The All India Football Federation has fined Mohun Bagan Super Giants and ordered their next Indian Super League (ISL) match to be played in an empty stadium due to alleged spectator misconduct.

East Bengal urges PM Modi to save Indian football

East Bengal urges PM Modi to save Indian football

Rediff.com20 Nov 2025

Concerned about Indian football's "decline for many years", East Bengal, one of the country's oldest clubs, on Thursday sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's urgent intervention to address the "unprecedented crisis"

Cristiano Ronaldo secures 25% of Spanish side Almeria

Cristiano Ronaldo secures 25% of Spanish side Almeria

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo has expanded his footprint in football, securing a 25 percent stake in Spanish second-tier side UD Almeria, representatives confirmed on Thursday.

From 102 to 142: Indian football hits new low

From 102 to 142: Indian football hits new low

Rediff.com20 Nov 2025

Indian football team drops six places to 142nd in FIFA rankings after 0-1 loss to Bangladesh

AIFF Opens Bidding for Club Competition Commercial Rights

AIFF Opens Bidding for Club Competition Commercial Rights

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has invited bids for the commercial rights of men's and women's club competitions, offering two packages for a minimum of 15 years starting from the 2026-2027 season.

Why Sanju Samson's Hindi/Punjabi/Tamil Is Fluent...

Why Sanju Samson's Hindi/Punjabi/Tamil Is Fluent...

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Sanju Samson surprised fans with his fluent Hindi and revealed how growing up in Delhi and near the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border helped him learn multiple languages and connect with Indian teammates.

Onus now on SAI to resolve football crisis

Onus now on SAI to resolve football crisis

Rediff.com13 Nov 2025

Sports Minister hears out I-League representatives; urges constructive dialogue

'The sooner ISL starts, the better for Indian football'

'The sooner ISL starts, the better for Indian football'

Rediff.com29 Nov 2025

India have slumped to 142 in the FIFA rankings -- their lowest in nearly a decade.