News for 'International Football'

'Super grateful for the joy he gave us': Argentina reacts as Messi bids emotional farewell

'Super grateful for the joy he gave us': Argentina reacts as Messi bids emotional farewell

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Lionel Messi, who captained Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022, has announced his retirement from the national team, a decision he described as 'a decision that hurts the soul.'

Indian Footballers Urge Tata Group To Reconsider ISL Exit

Indian Footballers Urge Tata Group To Reconsider ISL Exit

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Jamshedpur FC players, including senior India footballers, have made an emotional appeal to the Tata Group to reverse its decision to withdraw the club from the Indian Super League (ISL) and dismantle the senior team, citing the impact on young players and the future of Indian football.

Mbappe's Double Propels Real Madrid To Dominant Win Over Sevilla

Mbappe's Double Propels Real Madrid To Dominant Win Over Sevilla

Rediff.com7 days ago

Kylian Mbappe scored two goals to lead Real Madrid to a convincing 4-1 victory over Sevilla, narrowing the gap on LaLiga leaders Barcelona to six points ahead of their crucial upcoming encounter.

Adebayor quits international football

Adebayor quits international football

Rediff.com13 Apr 2010

Manchester City and Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor has announced his retirement from international football.

Coach Jorge Jesus broke his word twice, prompting Portugal exit: Ronaldo

Coach Jorge Jesus broke his word twice, prompting Portugal exit: Ronaldo

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo has publicly accused Portugal coach Jorge Jesus of twice breaking agreements, leading to his departure from the national team camp. Ronaldo stated that Jesus failed to honour a plan for him to miss matches for fitness management and later reneged on an agreement to clarify the situation publicly.

Messi's rocky road to becoming Argentina's greatest hero

Messi's rocky road to becoming Argentina's greatest hero

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

Lionel Messi's final appearance for Argentina marks the end of a two-decade international career. Initially unknown to Argentine football authorities and facing skepticism, Messi's bond with his home country strengthened over time, culminating in World Cup glory. This retrospective explores his challenging journey from a Barcelona prodigy to an undisputed national icon.

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.com21 Jul 2026

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.

'Brutal day': Why Man City's Anfield trip could be unlike any other

'Brutal day': Why Man City's Anfield trip could be unlike any other

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

Manchester City's highly anticipated Premier League clash against Liverpool at Anfield is set to be overshadowed by the fallout from the club's landmark financial verdict, with City appealing the guilty decision for over 100 breaches of financial rules.

Olympic Medallists Among Top Contenders For IOA Athletes Commission

Olympic Medallists Among Top Contenders For IOA Athletes Commission

Rediff.com2 days ago

Olympic medallists PV Sindhu and Mirabai Chanu are among 12 prominent sportspersons vying for a spot on the Indian Olympic Association's (IOA) Athletes Commission. The elections, scheduled for November 3, will select 10 members for the 2026-2030 term. The article also details the electoral process, eligibility criteria, and mentions the upcoming election for eight Sportspersons of Merit (SOMs).

IFA Shield Final: East Bengal Seek Revenge Against Mohun Bagan In Derby Clash

IFA Shield Final: East Bengal Seek Revenge Against Mohun Bagan In Derby Clash

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

East Bengal FC and Mohun Bagan are set to clash in the IFA Shield final on Thursday, a highly anticipated Kolkata derby. East Bengal aims to avenge last year's defeat and secure their 30th title, while Mohun Bagan seeks to retain the Shield and claim their 22nd. The match comes amidst a demanding schedule for both teams, particularly Mohun Bagan, with players returning from national duty, adding to the tactical challenges for coaches Panagiotis Dilmperis and Antonio Habas.

Ronaldo breaks rivalry silence with message to Messi

Ronaldo breaks rivalry silence with message to Messi

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo paid tribute to Lionel Messi following Messi's emotional international retirement from Argentina's national team. Messi played his final game, a 3-0 friendly win over Benin, and expressed how much he would miss representing his country after an extraordinary 21-year career, thanking his clubs and remembering Diego Maradona.

ISL 2026-27 Kicks Off With New Hope: Bengaluru FC Take On Delhi In Opener

ISL 2026-27 Kicks Off With New Hope: Bengaluru FC Take On Delhi In Opener

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

The Indian Super League 2026-27 season is set to begin with renewed optimism after a turbulent previous season.

Smaller Indian Contingent Faces Hurdles At Asian Para Games

Smaller Indian Contingent Faces Hurdles At Asian Para Games

Rediff.com17 Oct 2026

India faces a challenging Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya with a significantly smaller contingent of 168 athletes, down from 303. While aiming to build on its record 111-medal haul from the last Games, selection disputes in para-shooting and para-cycling, coupled with reduced athlete numbers in key disciplines like para-athletics, pose hurdles. Despite these challenges, star athletes across para-athletics, archery, para-badminton, shooting, and table tennis are expected to lead India's medal charge.

Indian Men's Football Team Set For Historic New Zealand Tour

Indian Men's Football Team Set For Historic New Zealand Tour

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

The Indian men's football team will embark on its first-ever tour of New Zealand in November for two international friendlies. This historic visit, part of '100 Years of Unity Through Sport' initiatives, marks India's return to an Oceania Football Confederation nation after nearly two decades and offers a valuable challenge against a FIFA World Cup-experienced side.

India-Uruguay Friendly Interrupted By Lightning In Kolkata

India-Uruguay Friendly Interrupted By Lightning In Kolkata

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

An international friendly football match between India and Uruguay in Kolkata was halted for 34 minutes due to lightning and thunder. The score was 1-1 when play was suspended, with Anirudh Thapa scoring for India and Darwin Nunez for Uruguay.

Ronaldo leaves Portugal camp: Jesus, FPF chief chase him to airport

Ronaldo leaves Portugal camp: Jesus, FPF chief chase him to airport

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo abruptly left Portugal's training camp in Copenhagen, plunging his international future into doubt, shortly after coach Jorge Jesus acknowledged tensions between them. Ronaldo stated he would reveal the reasons for his departure 'in due course'.

'We have to be careful': Jamil's Uruguay warning

'We have to be careful': Jamil's Uruguay warning

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

India's head coach Khalid Jamil and left-back Akash Mishra discuss the team's short recovery time and the significant challenge posed by two-time world champions Uruguay, following their 0-4 defeat to Brazil. Despite the demanding schedule, the team remains focused on performing well in the upcoming friendly, with players acknowledging the importance of competitive football.

India Coach Khalid Jamil Takes Responsibility For Uruguay Defeat

India Coach Khalid Jamil Takes Responsibility For Uruguay Defeat

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

India's head coach Khalid Jamil took full responsibility for the national football team's heavy 1-6 defeat to Uruguay, refusing to blame the weather interruption or player concentration lapses. This loss, following a 0-4 defeat to Brazil, concluded India's FIFA international window with two significant losses. Jamil acknowledged his own mistakes and stressed the need for greater concentration and immediate problem-solving, while Uruguay coach Diego Forlan praised his team's adaptation and India's initial pressing.

Raphinha Set for Barcelona Start as Defensive Woes Mount Ahead of PSG Clash

Raphinha Set for Barcelona Start as Defensive Woes Mount Ahead of PSG Clash

Rediff.com6 days ago

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has confirmed that Raphinha is set to return to the starting XI for the Champions League clash against Paris St Germain on Tuesday, as the club grapples with a significant defensive injury crisis.

Indian Football Team Receives Rousing Welcome In London

Indian Football Team Receives Rousing Welcome In London

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The Indian men's football team, participating in the Unity Cup in the UK, was warmly welcomed at India House in London ahead of their match against Zimbabwe. The team interacted with fans and shared insights during a reception hosted by the High Commission of India.

La Liga's Tebas: FIFA's Infantino 'Should Quit' Over 'Destroying Football Industry'

La Liga's Tebas: FIFA's Infantino 'Should Quit' Over 'Destroying Football Industry'

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

La Liga president Javier Tebas has called for FIFA president Gianni Infantino to resign, accusing the global governing body of 'destroying the football industry' through the expansion of international competitions at the expense of domestic leagues and clubs. Tebas also criticised the handling of a US player's ban and the proposed expansion of the men's World Cup.

Afghan women footballers get FIFA boost after exile

Afghan women footballers get FIFA boost after exile

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

FIFA has approved a rule change allowing Afghan women footballers, many exiled since the Taliban's return, to play official international matches in FIFA competitions.

Mohanlal@World Cup Final: 'Thank You, Football'

Mohanlal@World Cup Final: 'Thank You, Football'

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

The 2026 FIFA World Cup Final saw a galaxy of stars on the field and off it.

FIFA advisor quits, calls World Cup stake sale 'bad deal for football'

FIFA advisor quits, calls World Cup stake sale 'bad deal for football'

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Carlos Cordeiro, senior advisor to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, has resigned with immediate effect, protesting a proposal to sell a stake in the World Cup, which he labelled 'a bad deal for football'.

'Cristiano Ronaldo is the one who will decide on his return to Portugal team'

'Cristiano Ronaldo is the one who will decide on his return to Portugal team'

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has stated that Cristiano Ronaldo can return to the national team if he chooses to, following the captain's abrupt departure from the squad last week after being an unused substitute.

Mamata faction reveals new symbol for upcoming bypolls

Mamata faction reveals new symbol for upcoming bypolls

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

The Mamata Banerjee-led faction of the Trinamool Congress has unveiled a new logo featuring a football player as its interim election symbol. This move comes after the Election Commission froze the party's original name and symbol due to an internal dispute. The new symbol, along with the name 'Mamata All India Trinamool Congress', will be used in the upcoming October 6 bypolls, with the faction actively publicising it to familiarise voters.

FIFA friendly: India secure impressive draw against 44th ranked Panama

FIFA friendly: India secure impressive draw against 44th ranked Panama

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

The Indian football team, ranked 138th, achieved a commendable 1-1 draw against world No. 44 Panama in a FIFA International friendly. Ryan Williams scored for India, while Omar Valencia equalised for Panama. This result is considered a significant achievement under coach Khalid Jamil and provides a morale boost ahead of upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Uruguay.

World Cup Players Drive Record $3.3 Billion in Transfer Fees

World Cup Players Drive Record $3.3 Billion in Transfer Fees

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

Players who participated in the 2026 World Cup generated over $3.3 billion in international transfer fees during the recent mid-year transfer window, contributing to a record $9.89 billion spent in men's football, FIFA announced.

Indian Teqball Pair Exits Asian Games After Group Stage Losses

Indian Teqball Pair Exits Asian Games After Group Stage Losses

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

Indian Teqball players Declan Marshall Gonsalves and Mohamed Anas Imran Beg were eliminated from the men's doubles medal race at the Asian Games in Nagoya after losing both their group matches. Despite strong domestic and some international success, the duo could not secure a win in their debut Asian Games appearance for the sport.

Asian Games: Who is Quimcy D'Souza?

Asian Games: Who is Quimcy D'Souza?

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

Quimcy Dsouza has taken an unusual route to the Asian Games, moving from athletics and football to becoming one of India's leading Teqball players.

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.

England Footballer Ivan Toney Faces Assault Charge Over Nightclub Incident

England Footballer Ivan Toney Faces Assault Charge Over Nightclub Incident

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

England international footballer Ivan Toney has been charged with assault causing actual bodily harm following an incident at a Soho nightclub in December last year.

Kareena's Hearts For Messi

Kareena's Hearts For Messi

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

'I gave everything I had, and I don't have anything more to give.'

Klopp's Germany have one win in four, but coach sees progress

Klopp's Germany have one win in four, but coach sees progress

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

Germany coach Juergen Klopp acknowledges that while his team's results in the initial four international matches have been mixed, with only one win, he sees clear progress since their disappointing World Cup exit, particularly in their aggressive, high-tempo play.

Germany's Mueller retires from international football

Germany's Mueller retires from international football

Rediff.com15 Jul 2024

Germany's Thomas Mueller has called time on his 14-year international career after their European Championship exit, the Bayern Munich forward said on Monday.

War Veterans Call For Football Focus Ahead Of Argentina-England Semi-Final

War Veterans Call For Football Focus Ahead Of Argentina-England Semi-Final

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

An Argentine war veterans federation has urged football fans to prioritise the World Cup semi-final against England as a sporting event, rather than using it to reignite sovereignty claims over the Falkland/Malvinas Islands. They emphasised diplomacy for territorial disputes and called for respect for fallen soldiers without promoting hatred.

Super League Kerala Unveils New Financial Model And DFB Technical Roadmap

Super League Kerala Unveils New Financial Model And DFB Technical Roadmap

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

Super League Kerala is implementing a new financial model to ensure franchise sustainability and has partnered with the German Football Association (DFB) for a five-year technical roadmap. This includes establishing a residential Centre of Excellence to nurture young football talent while integrating formal education.

'This was my final match': Mahrez ends Algeria career

'This was my final match': Mahrez ends Algeria career

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Riyad Mahrez, the Algerian football star, has announced his retirement from international football following Algeria's elimination from the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 by Switzerland. Mahrez confirmed his decision after Algeria's 2-0 defeat, concluding a distinguished career with 119 appearances, 40 goals, and 45 assists, including a pivotal role in Algeria's 2019 Africa Cup of Nations victory.

Russian Athletes Closer To Full Return In International Sports

Russian Athletes Closer To Full Return In International Sports

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has provisionally lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee, easing restrictions on Russian athletes. This move, welcomed by the Kremlin, allows Olympic sports bodies to consider reintegrating Russian athletes as neutrals, though some sports like track and field are not following suit.