News for 'Portugal'

Spain back on top of FIFA rankings after World Cup glory

Spain back on top of FIFA rankings after World Cup glory

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

World Cup champions Spain climbed back to the top of the FIFA men's rankings released on Monday, while runners-up Argentina slipped to second following their defeat in the final.

Modric vs Ronaldo at FIFA World Cup: Legends set for epic battle

Modric vs Ronaldo at FIFA World Cup: Legends set for epic battle

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Portugal and Croatia face off in a high-stakes Round of 32 clash in Toronto on Thursday, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric both eyeing a deep World Cup run in what could be the final chapter of their legendary international careers.

TasteAtlas 2025/2026: Italy Tops Cuisine List, India Ranks 13

TasteAtlas 2025/2026: Italy Tops Cuisine List, India Ranks 13

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

TasteAtlas has released its 2025 list of the world's 100 best cuisines, with Italy taking the top spot, followed by Greece and Peru, while India secured the 13th position globally.

Why Croatia's late equaliser was ruled out: Martinez backs VAR decision

Why Croatia's late equaliser was ruled out: Martinez backs VAR decision

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez defended the VAR decisions that helped his side beat Croatia 2-1, while FIFA explained how Connected Ball Technology confirmed the stoppage-time offside call that ended Croatia's World Cup campaign.

'This Is My Last World Cup': Cristiano Ronaldo

'This Is My Last World Cup': Cristiano Ronaldo

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the current World Cup will be his last, expressing no regrets about his illustrious career.

The Outsider Who Went On To Helm Tata Sons

The Outsider Who Went On To Helm Tata Sons

Rediff.com6 hours ago

Natarajan Chandrasekaran, credited with stabilising Tata Sons after a boardroom coup and overseeing significant expansion, has announced his resignation as chairman, capping a nearly decade-long tenure marked by both successes and escalating tensions with the group's controlling charitable trusts.

Veteran Midfielder Luka Modric Signs AC Milan Extension

Veteran Midfielder Luka Modric Signs AC Milan Extension

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

AC Milan midfielder Luka Modric has signed a contract extension, committing his future to the Serie A club until June 2027. The 40-year-old Croatian international, who joined Milan last year, has made 37 appearances and scored two goals.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Schedule/Results

FIFA World Cup 2026 Schedule/Results

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

The complete schedule and all the results of FIFA World Cup 2026 in IST.

Moments That Defined 2026 World Cup

Moments That Defined 2026 World Cup

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

From Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to Cape Verde's fairytale run, VAR controversies and unforgettable fan moments, relive the memories that made the 2026 FIFA World Cup the biggest and most dramatic tournament in history.

Ronaldo injury shock: Portugal friendlies in doubt

Ronaldo injury shock: Portugal friendlies in doubt

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo will travel to Spain for rehabilitation after sustaining a hamstring injury, according to Al-Nassr's coach Jorge Jesus.

Solbakken raises spider-cam controversy after Norway's World Cup exit

Solbakken raises spider-cam controversy after Norway's World Cup exit

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

FIFA rejects Norway coach Stale Solbakken's claim of spider-cam interference in Jude Bellingham's equaliser for England.

Ronaldo Ignores Messi Question After Record-Breaking Night

Ronaldo Ignores Messi Question After Record-Breaking Night

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo led Portugal to a 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan at the FIFA World Cup 2026, scoring two goals. His performance was overshadowed by a viral post-match moment where he appeared to ignore a question about Lionel Messi. Ronaldo also made history by becoming the first player to score in six different World Cups and surpassed Eusebio as Portugal's all-time leading scorer in the tournament.

'I am back': Record-breaker Ronaldo silences critics in style!

'I am back': Record-breaker Ronaldo silences critics in style!

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo silenced his critics in spectacular fashion, becoming the first player to score in six World Cups.

Big change? FIFA plans 64-team for 2030 World Cup

Big change? FIFA plans 64-team for 2030 World Cup

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has announced that the governing body will discuss expanding the World Cup to 64 teams for the 2030 edition, following the already planned increase to 48 teams in 2026. Infantino believes a larger tournament encourages smaller nations and highlights the success of previous expansions, with the 2030 event already set to be hosted across six nations on three continents.

FIFA World Cup: Ronaldo Taunted With 'Messi' Chants

FIFA World Cup: Ronaldo Taunted With 'Messi' Chants

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, were held to a surprising 1-1 draw by DR Congo in their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener. Ronaldo had a quiet game, failing to score, and was met with "Messi" chants from fans after the match, raising questions about the team's early performance.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Spain's smooth machine faces Belgium's thunder in last-eight clash

FIFA World Cup 2026: Spain's smooth machine faces Belgium's thunder in last-eight clash

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

Spain face Belgium on Friday in a World Cup quarterfinal that pits one of the tournament's smoothest operators against a side emboldened by a thunderous 4-1 win over the United States that followed one of football's most bizarre political interventions.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Ruben Dias backs Cristiano Ronaldo amid growing scrutiny

FIFA World Cup 2026: Ruben Dias backs Cristiano Ronaldo amid growing scrutiny

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The Portugal squad are shutting out criticism of the team and captain Cristiano Ronaldo following an underwhelming draw in their World Cup opener against Democratic Republic of Congo, defender Ruben Dias said on Friday.

Why Siraj's Ronaldo Post Has Fans Emotional

Why Siraj's Ronaldo Post Has Fans Emotional

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

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.

Confident Belgium Plot Spain Upset In FIFA World Cup Quarter-Final

Confident Belgium Plot Spain Upset In FIFA World Cup Quarter-Final

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

Thibaut Courtois, Belgium's goalkeeper, expresses confidence in his team's ability to surprise Spain in the upcoming World Cup quarter-final. Despite a shaky group stage, Belgium has shown improved form, and Courtois believes they have the qualities to challenge the European champions. He acknowledges Spain's strengths but highlights Belgium's potential for an upset, drawing on his personal experience playing in Spain.

How Spain Threw a Party for Their World Champions...

How Spain Threw a Party for Their World Champions...

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Spain's national football team celebrated their second World Cup victory with a massive parade through Madrid, drawing nearly two million ecstatic fans. The players, fresh from their 1-0 win over Argentina, were also greeted by King Felipe and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who praised their achievement and looked forward to future successes.

Indian Goalkeeper Reflects On Ronaldo And Neymar's World Cup Heartbreak

Indian Goalkeeper Reflects On Ronaldo And Neymar's World Cup Heartbreak

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Legendary Indian goalkeeper Brahmananda Sankhwalkar reflects on the emotional FIFA World Cup exits of Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar Junior. He discusses their unfulfilled World Cup dreams, their rivalry with Lionel Messi, and the circumstances of their respective team's eliminations, highlighting their enduring legacy despite the absence of a World Cup trophy.

How super-sub Merino delivers when Spain needs him most...

How super-sub Merino delivers when Spain needs him most...

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

Mikel Merino, the Arsenal midfielder, has once again proven to be Spain's late-game hero, scoring an 88th-minute winner against Belgium to send his team into the World Cup semi-finals. This follows his stoppage-time goal against Portugal in the last 16. Merino attributes his consistent clutch performances to thorough preparation, embodying the collective spirit praised by coach Luis de la Fuente.

Inside Kolkata's FIFA Gully, India's unique tribute to the FIFA World Cup

Inside Kolkata's FIFA Gully, India's unique tribute to the FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

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.

FIFA World Cup: 'Team Must Score, Not You': Henry Blasts Ronaldo

FIFA World Cup: 'Team Must Score, Not You': Henry Blasts Ronaldo

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo had a quiet start to the FIFA World Cup 2026 as Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in their opening Group K match.

'We have to accept this defeat': Morocco coach reacts

'We have to accept this defeat': Morocco coach reacts

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Morocco's coach Mohamed Ouahbi expressed disappointment after their 2-0 World Cup quarter-final loss to France, acknowledging they faced a better team but stressing the need for self-criticism and progress despite leaving a 'good image'.

Wimbledon: Jannik Sinner Eases Past Borges To Reach Round 3

Wimbledon: Jannik Sinner Eases Past Borges To Reach Round 3

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Defending Wimbledon champion Jannik Sinner secured a relatively straightforward victory against Nuno Borges in the second round, winning 7-6(4), 7-6(2), 6-4.

Spain's World Cup party turns tragic, 13-YO boy dies

Spain's World Cup party turns tragic, 13-YO boy dies

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

A 13-year-old boy was killed and two others injured in Ciudad Rodrigo, Spain, when a fountain collapsed during celebrations for Spain's FIFA World Cup 2026 victory. The tragic incident cast a shadow over nationwide festivities after Spain secured its second World Cup title with a 1-0 win over Argentina.

FIFA World Cup: What Did Messi and Ronaldo Post Before Big Matches?

FIFA World Cup: What Did Messi and Ronaldo Post Before Big Matches?

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Football superstars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have taken to social media to share their preparations for crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage matches. Messi, fresh off a hat-trick, is fine-tuning for Argentina's clash against Austria, while Ronaldo, after a frustrating draw, is refocusing for Portugal's game against Uzbekistan.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Kounde answers Yamal as favourite debate fuels war of words

FIFA World Cup 2026: Kounde answers Yamal as favourite debate fuels war of words

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

France defender Jules Kounde has brushed aside Spain star Lamine Yamal's comments that Les Bleus are not favourites ahead of La Roja at the FIFA World Cup 2026, saying the remarks do not bother him.

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic steps down after nine years in charge

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic steps down after nine years in charge

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic has stepped down after nine years in charge, the Croatian Football Federation said on Wednesday, less than a week after his side's exit from the 2026 World Cup following a 2-1 loss to Portugal in the Round of 32.

Hollywood Superstar Tom Cruise arrives for FIFA World Cup final

Hollywood Superstar Tom Cruise arrives for FIFA World Cup final

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final sees Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, take on a strong Spanish unit featuring teenage star Lamine Yamal, with Messi aiming for back-to-back titles at a venue holding past painful memories.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Ronaldo, Modric eye one last act at tournament's tiniest venue

FIFA World Cup 2026: Ronaldo, Modric eye one last act at tournament's tiniest venue

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Portugal and Croatia's World Cup last-32 clash on Thursday could be Cristiano Ronaldo or Luka Modric's final game on soccer's biggest stage, and the massive moment will unfold at the tournament's smallest venue.

Munoz strike sends Colombia into World Cup Round of 32

Munoz strike sends Colombia into World Cup Round of 32

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Daniel Munoz fired Colombia into the World Cup Round of 32 on Tuesday, sealing a 1-0 win over DR Congo in Group K.

Historic! DR Congo Qualify for FIFA World Cup Knockouts After 52 Years

Historic! DR Congo Qualify for FIFA World Cup Knockouts After 52 Years

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

The Democratic Republic of Congo has made a historic return to the World Cup knockout stages, 52 years after a disastrous debut.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Haaland, Messi mania hits Peru as parents name babies after stars

FIFA World Cup 2026: Haaland, Messi mania hits Peru as parents name babies after stars

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

In Peru, there is a wave of new baby Haalands. In Argentina, Lionel has raced up the rankings, and in Mexico a girl was reportedly named after three soccer players. Parents in Latin America are already christening a new generation of babies after the stars of the World Cup.

I Celebrated My Birthday With Messi. No, Really.

I Celebrated My Birthday With Messi. No, Really.

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

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.

Spain Vs Argentina FIFA World Cup Final Shatters US Viewership Records

Spain Vs Argentina FIFA World Cup Final Shatters US Viewership Records

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

The FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina garnered nearly 63 million viewers in the United States, setting new viewership records and highlighting football's increasing popularity in the country.

How Pedro Porro Became Spain's Indispensable Right-Back

How Pedro Porro Became Spain's Indispensable Right-Back

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Pedro Porro has emerged as a pivotal player for Spain in the World Cup, transforming the right-back position into a strength. His exceptional performance against France in the semi-final, where he scored and was named MVP, has solidified his place, drawing parallels to Marc Cucurella's rise. Porro's defensive prowess and attacking contributions have been crucial for Spain's journey to the final against Argentina.

Oyarzabal double powers Spain past Austria to World Cup last 16

Oyarzabal double powers Spain past Austria to World Cup last 16

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Spain secured their spot in the World Cup Round of 16 with a convincing 3-0 win over Austria, featuring two goals from Mikel Oyarzabal. The dominant performance saw Spain maintain their perfect defensive record, setting up a clash with either Portugal or Croatia in the next stage.

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.