News for 'Football'

FIFA World Cup: Iran's players granted visas to enter the US

FIFA World Cup: Iran's players granted visas to enter the US

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Iran's World Cup football team has finally received visas to enter the United States, just days before their first match in Los Angeles.

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.

America set to catch 'Lamine Fever' as Spain chase another WC title

America set to catch 'Lamine Fever' as Spain chase another WC title

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Lamine Yamal exploded into view at 16 and became an integral part of Spain's record fourth European Championship triumph in 2024.

Nightclub row: Graeme Swann slams ECB, says board focused on policing, not celebrating

Nightclub row: Graeme Swann slams ECB, says board focused on policing, not celebrating

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Former England spinner Graeme Swann has questioned ECB's imposition of midnight curfew on players, and termed Ben Stokes a victim of the culture more interested in policing than celebrating an achievement.

Haaland scores twice as Norway whip Iraq on World Cup return

Haaland scores twice as Norway whip Iraq on World Cup return

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Norway's prolific striker Erling Haaland wasted no time in opening his World Cup account as he found the net twice in a 4-1 defeat of Iraq in Group I on Tuesday that sent a warning to defenders in the rest of the tournament.

Iran footballers return home after asylum U-turn by players

Iran footballers return home after asylum U-turn by players

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Members of Iran women's football team returned home after five players withdrew asylum claims in Australia, ending a tense journey amid safety concerns.

Iran fight back to hold New Zealand in Group G thriller

Iran fight back to hold New Zealand in Group G thriller

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Iran twice came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw with New Zealand in their opening World Cup match on Monday after an end-to-end contest played against the backdrop of Iranian fan protests against the government in Tehran.

Isak-Gyokeres Strike Force Faces Tunisia's Iron Defence in World Cup Opener

Isak-Gyokeres Strike Force Faces Tunisia's Iron Defence in World Cup Opener

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Sweden's star strike partnership of Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres faces a stern challenge against Tunisia's rock-solid defence as the two sides begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F campaign.

Iran Begin World Cup Campaign Amid Diaspora Protests in LA

Iran Begin World Cup Campaign Amid Diaspora Protests in LA

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Iran launched their World Cup campaign in Los Angeles amid protests by Iranian-Americans, highlighting deep divisions over Tehran's government even as Team Melli drew passionate support from fans in the stands.

Messi returns, scores and sends strong FIFA World Cup warning

Messi returns, scores and sends strong FIFA World Cup warning

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Lionel Messi led Argentina to a dominant 3-0 victory over Iceland in a FIFA World Cup 2026 warm-up friendly, scoring a penalty and contributing to another goal after recovering from muscle fatigue.

Fresh blow to Mamata: TMC's Rs 675-cr war chest becomes new battleground

Fresh blow to Mamata: TMC's Rs 675-cr war chest becomes new battleground

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

The internecine war within the Trinamool Congress took a new turn on Thursday with "party treasurer" Aroop Biswas writing to a bank seeking restrictions on the operation of the party's accounts, citing uncertainty over its legitimate leadership amid rebellions by MLAs and MPs.

India down Bangladesh challenge to win SAFF Women's Championship 2026

India down Bangladesh challenge to win SAFF Women's Championship 2026

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

India beat defending champion Bangladesh 3-1 to win their first SAFF title in seven years.

Nora Fatehi drops FIFA World Cup anthem track

Nora Fatehi drops FIFA World Cup anthem track

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Canadian singer Nora Fatehi has released her latest international collaboration, "Siir Siir," which is part of the FIFA World Cup 2026 music programme, marking another significant global milestone in her career. The track, featuring Vegedream, blends pop and R&B, celebrating her multicultural journey and expanding her international fan base.

Sooryavanshi's Next Challenge Isn't Batting, It's Handling the Mind Games

Sooryavanshi's Next Challenge Isn't Batting, It's Handling the Mind Games

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

As Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's profile continues to soar, experts believe mental conditioning and "situation management" training will be crucial in helping the teenage batting sensation handle sledging, pressure and rising expectations.

Injury-riddled Brazil face Morocco test in World Cup opener

Injury-riddled Brazil face Morocco test in World Cup opener

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Carlos Ancelotti's Brazil commence their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against plucky Morocco, who come into the mega event on the back of some pre-tournament turbulence.

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.

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.

The perfect pitch is the goal for World Cup grass growers

The perfect pitch is the goal for World Cup grass growers

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

From Mexico to Canada, across 16 stadiums in wildly different climates, the continental tournament is putting turf science to its ultimate test. The goal: creating living surfaces that can withstand kicks, studs, tackles and scorching summer heat.

Football Legend I.M. Vijayan Rejects Political Bids, Considers Rajya Sabha Seat

Football Legend I.M. Vijayan Rejects Political Bids, Considers Rajya Sabha Seat

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Former Indian football captain I.M. Vijayan has declined offers from multiple political parties to contest in the upcoming elections, but would consider a Rajya Sabha nomination.

Ganguly hails East Bengal after historic maiden ISL title triumph

Ganguly hails East Bengal after historic maiden ISL title triumph

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Sourav Ganguly congratulated East Bengal after the Kolkata giants won their first-ever Indian Super League title, ending a 22-year wait for top-tier league glory.

Indian Super League moves to club-led model as September 4 kick-off confirmed

Indian Super League moves to club-led model as September 4 kick-off confirmed

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has agreed "in principle" to the club-led model of running the Indian Super League (ISL) for two years and has conveyed it to the sports minister, a top official said on Tuesday.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Players with single yellow card to start knockouts on clean slate

FIFA World Cup 2026: Players with single yellow card to start knockouts on clean slate

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

For the expanded 2026 tournament, FIFA has gone a step further and introduced an extra amnesty for yellow cards, effectively wiping the slate clean twice.

Ronaldo and Portugal chase elusive FIFA World Cup title

Ronaldo and Portugal chase elusive FIFA World Cup title

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo, playing his 6th FIFA World Cup, headlines the Portugal squad that has a glittering supporting cast that includes Vitinha, Joao Neves, Bruno Fernandes and Nuno Mendes.

Messi to lead Argentina's Qatar heroes at 2026 FIFA World Cup

Messi to lead Argentina's Qatar heroes at 2026 FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com29 May 2026

Lionel Messi will lead defending champions Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after coach Lionel Scaloni named a 26-man squad featuring 17 players from the 2022 title-winning team.

Magnus Carlsen Grapples With Ageing And Chess Challenges

Magnus Carlsen Grapples With Ageing And Chess Challenges

Rediff.com31 May 2026

Magnus Carlsen reflects on the challenges of ageing and memory as he struggles at the Norway Chess tournament, revealing his reliance on coffee and longing for a distraction with the Champions League final.

Lewis Hamilton silences retirement rumours in style

Lewis Hamilton silences retirement rumours in style

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Lewis Hamilton dismisses retirement speculation, confirming his commitment to Ferrari with a contract extending to 2027. He also shared his support for Arsenal's Premier League title win, while other drivers discussed their football allegiances ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix.

FIFA World Cup: Germany crush debutants Curacao 7-1 to win opener

FIFA World Cup: Germany crush debutants Curacao 7-1 to win opener

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Germany gave debutants Curacao a reality check, as the former champions won 7-1 to kick-start their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a big win.

Nepal-born Abneet Bharti Called Up To Indian Football Camp

Nepal-born Abneet Bharti Called Up To Indian Football Camp

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Nepal-born defender Abneet Bharti has joined the Indian senior men's team camp in Kochi ahead of the AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Hong Kong, pending FIFA clearance.

Delhi FC, Bengaluru United Secure Promotion To IFL

Delhi FC, Bengaluru United Secure Promotion To IFL

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Delhi Football Club and FC Bengaluru United have secured promotion to the I-League after drawing their respective matches in the I-League 2. Delhi FC drew 1-1 with United SC, while FC Bengaluru United also drew 1-1 with GMSC, Mumbai.

Iraq striker Hussein questioned for hours on arrival in US for FIFA World Cup

Iraq striker Hussein questioned for hours on arrival in US for FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Iraq striker Aymen Hussein was questioned for nearly seven hours at Chicago's O'Hare Airport before being allowed into the United States, while the team's photographer was denied entry ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

Qatar hail first World Cup point after late goal stuns Switzerland

Qatar hail first World Cup point after late goal stuns Switzerland

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

Qatar celebrated their first World Cup point after a late own goal forced a 1-1 draw against Switzerland and sent the Gulf nation into jubilation on Saturday.

Pep Guardiola set for emotional Manchester City farewell

Pep Guardiola set for emotional Manchester City farewell

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Reports suggest Pep Guardiola will leave Manchester City after a decade, with Enzo Maresca tipped as his replacement. Guardiola's contract expires in 2027.

Iran Seeks FIFA Clarification On World Cup Visas

Iran Seeks FIFA Clarification On World Cup Visas

Rediff.com30 May 2026

Iran's football federation has requested FIFA to clarify the timeline for issuing tournament visas after relocating their World Cup training camp from Arizona to Tijuana due to diplomatic friction and visa complications.

BCCI eyes 94-match IPL, refuses to intervene in foreign player availability disputes

BCCI eyes 94-match IPL, refuses to intervene in foreign player availability disputes

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

The BCCI has no plans to act as a bridge between overseas players and their respective teams over their availability for the IPL despite concerns being raised by franchises in the recently concluded edition.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Co-hosts Mexico kickstart campaign with dominant win over South Africa

FIFA World Cup 2026: Co-hosts Mexico kickstart campaign with dominant win over South Africa

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Julian Quinones gave hosts Mexico a dream start as he scored in the ninth minute in the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening match against South Africa.

FIFA World Cup: 'Make the hearts of the people of Iran happy'

FIFA World Cup: 'Make the hearts of the people of Iran happy'

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Dropped Iran striker Sardar Azmoun has posted a heartfelt message on social media proclaiming his love for his country and wishing the World Cup squad well at the tournament without him.

World Cup reignites complex emotions among Iranian-Americans

World Cup reignites complex emotions among Iranian-Americans

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Iran's World Cup campaign has left many Iranian-Americans torn between supporting Team Melli and opposing the country's leadership, highlighting deep divisions within Los Angeles' influential Iranian diaspora.

Kyle Walker quits international football four caps short of century

Kyle Walker quits international football four caps short of century

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

Kyle Walker hung up his England boots on Tuesday, four matches shy of a landmark 100 caps, bringing the curtain down on a 14-year international career that saw him twice finish as a European Championship runner-up.

Phrangki Buam's brace propels Shillong Lajong to victory in Indian Football League

Phrangki Buam's brace propels Shillong Lajong to victory in Indian Football League

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Shillong Lajong FC defeated Chanmari FC 2-1, with Phrangki Buam scoring twice, to move to the top of the Indian Football League table.

Sreenidi Deccan FC Edge Chanmari FC In I-League

Sreenidi Deccan FC Edge Chanmari FC In I-League

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Sreenidi Deccan FC defeated Chanmari FC 2-1 in a closely contested Indian Football League match, maintaining their chances of winning the title.