News for 'Kick'

PIX: FIFA World Cup Opening Night Belongs to Fans

PIX: FIFA World Cup Opening Night Belongs to Fans

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The World Cup began with exciting victories for Mexico and South Korea, who secured three points each in their opening matches. Fans played a crucial role in creating a vibrant atmosphere, making the first day a memorable spectacle.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Football Fever Grips Cricket-Mad India!

FIFA World Cup 2026: Football Fever Grips Cricket-Mad India!

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The 23rd FIFA World Cup, to be staged across the Americas from June 11 to July 19, has once again ignited excitement across the globe. India, despite its national football team languishing at 139th in the FIFA rankings, has been swept up in the tournament's magic.

FIFA World Cup: USA crush Australia to seal last-32 spot

FIFA World Cup: USA crush Australia to seal last-32 spot

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

The United States football team secured its place in the World Cup knockout stage with a convincing 2-0 victory over Australia. An early own goal and an Alex Freeman header sealed the win, despite the absence of key player Christian Pulisic. The team's depth was highlighted as they dominated the match, moving to six points in Group D.

Australia spoil Turkey's return to World Cup stage with tense win

Australia spoil Turkey's return to World Cup stage with tense win

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

Australia defeated Turkey 2-0 in their Group D World Cup opener, with goals from Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe, placing them second in the group.

Maha minister calls Operation Blue Star a 'black day', sparks row

Maha minister calls Operation Blue Star a 'black day', sparks row

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Maharashtra minister Girish Mahajan has ignited a political controversy by labelling Operation Blue Star a 'black day' and referring to those killed as 'martyrs', while criticising former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and likening the military action to an invasion.

World Cup 2026: Can Football Unite a Fractured World?

World Cup 2026: Can Football Unite a Fractured World?

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is set to be football's largest tournament but will unfold against a backdrop of significant geopolitical tensions, including conflicts, strained alliances, and complex immigration policies, challenging its traditional role as a symbol of global unity.

9 Cocktails That Belong On The Naughty List

9 Cocktails That Belong On The Naughty List

Rediff.com26 May 2026

What exactly makes a cocktail unforgettable the flavour, the booze, or the outrageously naughty name?

FIFA World Cup 2026: Switzerland unlock Bosnia defence, boost qualification hopes

FIFA World Cup 2026: Switzerland unlock Bosnia defence, boost qualification hopes

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Switzerland found the keys to break down a resolute Bosnia and Herzegovina defence with four late goals in a 4-1 win thanks to a brace from Johan Manzambi and further strikes from fellow substitute Ruben Vargas and captain Granit Xhaka with a penalty.

Tajikistan thrash India in international friendly

Tajikistan thrash India in international friendly

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

The Indian football team suffered a 1-3 defeat against higher-ranked Tajikistan in an international friendly match. Despite a late goal from Farukh Choudhary, India could not overcome Tajikistan's lead, marking their third consecutive loss in recent friendlies as they prepare for continental assignments.

Argentina sweats over Messi hamstring injury before World Cup

Argentina sweats over Messi hamstring injury before World Cup

Rediff.com26 May 2026

Lionel Messi is dealing with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring less than three weeks before the start of the World Cup, Inter Miami said on Monday after the Argentine forward was forced off in his final club match before the tournament.

David Beckham honoured with Walk of Fame star

David Beckham honoured with Walk of Fame star

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

Sir David Beckham, the first English player to win league titles in four countries, was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Friday.

Japan vs Tunisia marks 1,000th FIFA World Cup match

Japan vs Tunisia marks 1,000th FIFA World Cup match

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Japan v Tunisia marks 1,000th FIFA World Cup match

Fake World Cup Jerseys Worth C$3.5m Seized in Canada

Fake World Cup Jerseys Worth C$3.5m Seized in Canada

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Toronto is expecting more than 300,000 visitors during the World Cup with six matches to be played in the city.

FIFA World Cup: How Messi changed soccer in North America

FIFA World Cup: How Messi changed soccer in North America

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

The study, covering audience trends across the three host nations, found that Lionel Messi's debut for Inter Miami CF in the 2023 Leagues Cup drove a 173% leap in linear viewership compared with the tournament average.

New Book Celebrates Indian Sporting Heroes' Resilience

New Book Celebrates Indian Sporting Heroes' Resilience

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

A new book, "Heroes: The Changemakers of Indian Sports" by journalist-author Thirumoy Banerjee, chronicles the inspiring journeys of 15 Indian athletes, including Manu Bhaker, C A Bhavani Devi, Nikhat Zareen, Aman Kumar Kadyan, and Sumit Antil. It highlights their determination, resilience, and triumphs over setbacks, offering insights into their paths to success and celebrating their unwavering spirit.

The Silent Storm: Mercedes-Benz Launches Its First Ever Plug-In Hybrid S-Class in India

The Silent Storm: Mercedes-Benz Launches Its First Ever Plug-In Hybrid S-Class in India

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Say hello to the S 450 e Launch Edition. Priced at 2.20 crore upwards.

Japan score late to hold Netherlands in Texas thriller

Japan score late to hold Netherlands in Texas thriller

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Japan showed their battling qualities to eke out a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands in their World Cup Group F opener on Sunday, as Hajime Moriyasu's side backed up their desire to make an impact at the tournament with a gritty display.

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.

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.

Domestic Violence: Man Arrested After Unborn Child Dies

Domestic Violence: Man Arrested After Unborn Child Dies

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

A man has been arrested in Uttarakhand for allegedly assaulting his eight-month pregnant wife, which resulted in the death of their unborn child. The wife is in critical condition, and police are investigating whether the dispute stemmed from a land deal or an alleged illegal sex determination test.

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.

Heer Sara Review: This Road Trip Needed More Danger!

Heer Sara Review: This Road Trip Needed More Danger!

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Heer Sara needed a lot more fizz, humour, and maybe even some stranger danger, suggests Deepa Gahlot.

Shock Defeats Mark 360 One Masters Chess Tournament Start

Shock Defeats Mark 360 One Masters Chess Tournament Start

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The opening round of the Rs 35 lakh 360 One Masters Chess tournament saw several upsets, with higher-rated players, including second and third seeds, suffering defeats. While top seed GM Iniyan Pa secured a win, many Grandmasters faced unexpected challenges from lower-rated opponents and rising stars.

Shock Defeats Mark 360 One Masters Chess Tournament Start

Shock Defeats Mark 360 One Masters Chess Tournament Start

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The opening round of the Rs 35 lakh 360 One Masters Chess tournament saw several upsets, with higher-rated players, including second and third seeds, suffering defeats. While top seed GM Iniyan Pa secured a win, many Grandmasters faced unexpected challenges from lower-rated opponents and rising stars.

Don 3 To Hera Pheri 3: 10 'Cursed' Sequels

Don 3 To Hera Pheri 3: 10 'Cursed' Sequels

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Bollywood has announced plenty of high-profile sequels with fanfare, only for a few of them to vanish into endless delays, casting chaos and development hell.

Messi injury scare rocks Argentina before FIFA World Cup 2026

Messi injury scare rocks Argentina before FIFA World Cup 2026

Rediff.com25 May 2026

Lionel Messi sparked injury concerns after he left the field in the 73rd minute of Inter Miami CF's 6-4 victory over Philadelphia Union

Despite Hurdles, World Cup Fans Find Unique Charm In Toronto

Despite Hurdles, World Cup Fans Find Unique Charm In Toronto

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Despite initial challenges like unsold tickets and a rained-out fan festival, visitors are flocking to Toronto for the first-ever World Cup soccer match in Canada. Fans are drawn by factors such as lower drinking age compared to the US, cultural similarities, and Canada's diverse immigrant population, creating a unique and determined atmosphere for the tournament.

Ahead of World Cup 2026, Pope Leo XIV throws his support behind team USA

Ahead of World Cup 2026, Pope Leo XIV throws his support behind team USA

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

Pope Leo may have traded his life in Chicago for the ornate apartments at the Vatican's apostolic palace, but he still plans to root for his old national team at the World Cup this month.

England not World Cup favourites but can dare to dream

England not World Cup favourites but can dare to dream

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

England manager Thomas Tuchel believes they are in good shape heading into the FIFA World Cup and can "dare to dream" about lifting the trophy.

Somali soccer referee denied US entry, will miss FIFA World Cup

Somali soccer referee denied US entry, will miss FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Somali football referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, expected to be the first Somali to officiate at a World Cup match, was denied entry into the United States due to "vetting concerns" by US Customs and Border Protection.

FIFA World Cup: Vinicius Jr rescues draw for Brazil against Morocco

FIFA World Cup: Vinicius Jr rescues draw for Brazil against Morocco

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

Brazil and Morocco played to a 1-1 draw in their World Cup Group C opening match. Morocco took an early lead through Ismael Saibari, but Vinicius Jr's brilliant goal brought Brazil level before halftime. Despite Brazil's second-half improvements, Morocco's strong defence held them to a point.

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.

FIFA World Cup: Bellingham Has To Earn World Cup Starting Spot

FIFA World Cup: Bellingham Has To Earn World Cup Starting Spot

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

England manager Thomas Tuchel has stated that Jude Bellingham faces significant competition for a starting position in the upcoming World Cup, despite being considered a potential starter.

MLS Kicks Off Pivotal Season With Messi, Son In Spotlight

MLS Kicks Off Pivotal Season With Messi, Son In Spotlight

Rediff.com21 Feb 2026

MLS begins a transformative season with Lionel Messi, Son Heung-min and record transfers as North America prepares to host the World Cup.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Balogun brace as US prove too good for Paraguay

FIFA World Cup 2026: Balogun brace as US prove too good for Paraguay

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

The United States men's national team secured a dominant 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their World Cup Group D opener, with Folarin Balogun scoring two goals and Giovanni Reyna adding another.

Ronaldo fires Al Nassr to Saudi league title

Ronaldo fires Al Nassr to Saudi league title

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Al Nassr defeated Damac 4-1 to clinch the Saudi Pro League title, securing the club's first league crown since 2019 and Ronaldo's maiden Saudi triumph.

'We want to unite the world': FIFA chief Infantino defends visa handling, ticket prices

'We want to unite the world': FIFA chief Infantino defends visa handling, ticket prices

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino addressed various issues ahead of the World Cup, defending the body's handling of visa challenges, stressing its inability to override government decisions, and highlighting efforts to ensure participation from all nations, including Iran. He also defended ticket pricing and expressed optimism for a competitive tournament focused on unity.

The Furious Review: Best Action Film Of The Decade?

The Furious Review: Best Action Film Of The Decade?

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

The Furious's jaw-dropping action scenes are so ferocious and inventive that they leave you gasping for breath, commends Sreeju Sudhakaran.

Pollution curbs in Delhi-NCR as AQI turns 'poor' in May

Pollution curbs in Delhi-NCR as AQI turns 'poor' in May

Rediff.com19 May 2026

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented stage one measures in Delhi-NCR under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) as air quality declined to the 'poor' category.

Why US denied Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan entry for World Cup

Why US denied Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan entry for World Cup

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

The Trump administration said on Tuesday the United States had denied Somali soccer referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan entry for the World Cup because of his links to "suspected members of terror organizations".