The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be broadcast live in India after FIFA and 'Z' group reached an agreement. The tournament will be co-hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be broadcast live in India after FIFA and 'Z' group reached an agreement. The tournament will be co-hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) recently conducted an AFC Fitness Course (Level 1A) at the Inspire Institute of Sport, aiming to strengthen coach education and fitness training standards within the Indian football ecosystem.
Khalid Jamil's rise can't exactly be termed as meteoric but the last eight years has been nothing less than extraordinary for the 48-year-old, who on Friday took over reins of the national men's football team.
AIFF and ISL clubs have reached a landmark agreement that hands commercial rights to clubs while the federation retains regulatory control, paving the way for a club-led Indian Super League from the 2026-27 season.
The Sports Ministry, led by Mansukh Mandaviya, has announced stringent selection criteria for the upcoming Asian Games, capping the contingent at 600 athletes. The policy prioritises medal prospects, stating that the Games are not for "exposure tours" or securing jobs. This includes a "realistic chance of winning a medal" and being in the top six continental rankings. The ministry will scrutinise recommendations from National Sports Federations, with specific cases like equestrian Anush Agarwalla and table tennis player Manika Batra highlighting the new approach.
Mizoram has declared a full holiday for educational institutions and a half-day for government offices to allow residents to watch the FIFA World Cup final. Chief Minister Lalduhoma highlighted the state's passion for football and the importance of the sport to its youth.
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.
India's women's football team secured their sixth SAFF Women's Championship title, and their first in seven years, by defeating defending champions Bangladesh 3-1 in the final. The team maintained an all-win record throughout the tournament, scoring 18 goals and conceding only one, showcasing a dominant performance.
East Bengal ended a 22-year wait to win the national league crown, defeating Inter Kashi in a thrilling final. Under coach Oscar Bruzon, the team overcame early setbacks and showed resilience to secure the title, marking a defining moment for the club and Indian football.
Several Indian Super League (ISL) clubs have hinted at uncertainty regarding their participation in the 2026-27 season due to ongoing issues surrounding the domestic top-tier competition. The clubs are reviewing their commitment beyond the current season amid disagreements with the AIFF over commercial partnerships and league structure.
Experienced India international defender Rahul Bheke has signed a one-year contract with Mohun Bagan Super Giant. The versatile 34-year-old, who has previously played for Bengaluru FC, Mumbai City FC, and Kerala Blasters, expressed his excitement about joining the "best club in the country" and aims to win trophies, including the Kolkata derby.
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.
East Bengal secured the Indian Super League title after a dramatic season, defeating Inter Kashi in the final. AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey has assured a full-fledged format next season despite ongoing uncertainties surrounding the league's structure.
India's senior men's team head coach, Khalid Jamil, has announced a 28-member preliminary squad for the Unity Cup in London, featuring four goalkeepers and eight forwards.
The West Bengal government plans to remove the football-themed sculpture outside Salt Lake Stadium, designed by former chief minister Mamata Banerjee, and upgrade the venue's infrastructure.
Indian Super League club Punjab FC has announced the appointment of Greek tactician Pavlos Dermitzakis as their new head coach for the 2026-27 season. Dermitzakis brings over two decades of coaching experience from the Greek football pyramid, joining from Panionios FC on a two-year contract.
West Bengal Sports Minister Nisith Pramanik has announced an investigation into Diamond Harbour FC, a football club linked to TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee. The probe will examine complaints regarding the club's formation, funding sources, expenditure, and alleged illegal occupation of training grounds. The Sports department is collaborating with the Indian Football Association on the inquiry.
Crispin Chettri is expected to be reappointed as the head coach of the Indian women's football team, succeeding Amelia Valverde, following a recommendation from the AIFF's Technical Committee.
When I planned my 27th birthday trip to Kerala, I had a very clear vision in mind. There would be beaches. There would be the backwaters. There would be long boat rides, cute cafs and perhaps a fancy dinner overlooking the water. What I did not anticipate was celebrating my birthday with Lionel Messi.
Nearly 150 Indian Super League players, including national team members, face an uncertain future as their contracts expire amid ongoing disputes between the AIFF and clubs over the league's structure.
Sreenidi Deccan FC defeated Chanmari FC 2-1 in a closely contested Indian Football League match, maintaining their chances of winning the title.
India's national football team played out a 1-1 draw against Tajikistan in their second international friendly. Vikram Partap Singh scored for India, but a late penalty conceded by a defensive lapse allowed Tajikistan to equalise. This match, following a 1-3 loss in the first friendly, is part of India's preparations for future international assignments.
The season-opening Super Cup will kick off from October 25 in Goa, an official of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) said on Tuesday.
The Indian women's football team is set to compete against Kenya in the semifinal of the FIFA Series 2026 in Nairobi, while Australia will face Malawi. The matches are scheduled for April 11, with the final and third-place play-off on April 15.
Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj shared an emotional tribute to football icon Cristiano Ronaldo after Portugal's exit from the FIFA World Cup. Siraj, a long-time admirer, stated that Ronaldo's greatness transcends a single game and thanked him for inspiring millions globally, including himself, often using Ronaldo's mindset and celebration as motivation.
"Excited to bring world's biggest sporting spectacles to Indian audiences": Zee CEO Punit Goenka after securing FIFA broadcasting rights till 2034
The Indian women's football team is set to compete in the FIFA Series 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya, facing hosts Kenya in their opening match. Coach Crispin Chettri emphasises building for the future, focusing on the 2029 AFC Women's Asian Cup and the 2031 World Cup qualifiers.
Kolkata's iconic 'FIFA Gully' has transformed a small neighbourhood lane into a colourful World Cup attraction, with murals and giant cut-outs of Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar and other football stars celebrating the city's enduring love for the beautiful game.
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.
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.
No headway in meeting between AIFF and FSDL
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.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday accused the Samajwadi Party of allowing the ancestral house of eminent hockey player KD Singh 'Babu' in Barabanki to go on sale, asserting that his government intervened to prevent it.
Peak performances in football begin years before kick-off. From Kylian Mbapp, Lionel Messi to Erling Haaland, the sport's biggest names follow ultra-disciplined routines to stay fit throughout the season.
The AIFF has approved a September 4 start for the 2026-27 Indian Super League but deferred a final decision on the league's governance structure, with further discussions set to continue between the federation and ISL clubs.
Veteran Indian hockey midfielder Manpreet Singh, despite numerous accolades including Olympic medals, is determined to win a World Cup medal before concluding his illustrious career after the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
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.
