News for 'Soccer City'

Local clubs hope World Cup fuels soccer growth in the United States

Local clubs hope World Cup fuels soccer growth in the United States

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup comes to the United States, Bay Area soccer clubs and supporters hope the tournament will inspire a new generation of fans and strengthen the region's thriving grassroots football culture.

FIFA World Cup: Balls, boots among items stolen from England team vehicle in Kansas City

FIFA World Cup: Balls, boots among items stolen from England team vehicle in Kansas City

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

England have suffered a theft of training equipment ahead of their arrival in Kansas City, local police said, after a vehicle transporting the gear to their World Cup base was broken into.

Hong Kong seizes World Cup fakes worth $20 million

Hong Kong seizes World Cup fakes worth $20 million

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Wayne Chung, senior investigator at the city's Intellectual Property Investigation Bureau, told reporters on Thursday that 230,000 items had been seized.

FIFA World Cup: Mexico, where every patch of ground becomes a football pitch

FIFA World Cup: Mexico, where every patch of ground becomes a football pitch

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Across World Cup co-host Mexico, soccer pitches are laid out wherever communities can find the space. On the edges of towns, on highway underpasses, and even in a volcano crater, spaces are cleared that allow the young and the old to share in the dream of the beautiful game.

End of an era: Pep Guardiola to leave Manchester City after decade-long reign

End of an era: Pep Guardiola to leave Manchester City after decade-long reign

Rediff.com22 May 2026

'Don't ask me the reasons I'm leaving. There is no reason, but deep inside, I know it's my time.'

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.com7 days ago

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.

World Cup bus set alight as chaotic celebrations erupt in Manhattan after Knicks win

World Cup bus set alight as chaotic celebrations erupt in Manhattan after Knicks win

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

A World Cup bus was set alight and a teenager suffered a gunshot wound during chaotic scenes in Midtown Manhattan as thousands of basketball fans poured into the streets late on Saturday to celebrate the New York Knicks' historic win in the NBA Finals.

FIFA World Cup brings back bitter memories for Mexico's missing families

FIFA World Cup brings back bitter memories for Mexico's missing families

Rediff.com23 hours ago

Mexico counts more than 135,000 missing people, a figure that has surged since 2006 when then-President Felipe Calderon launched a war against the country's drug cartels.

It's Goooooooaaaal!!!! Time!

It's Goooooooaaaal!!!! Time!

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

As the World Cup kicks off, sports enthusiasts are witnessing a fascinating transition from the familiar rhythms of cricket to the exhilarating dynamics of football, bringing with it new terminology, fan reactions, and game rules to master.

FIFA World Cup: Seattle's LGBTQ community to turn Egypt-Iran tie into pride statement

FIFA World Cup: Seattle's LGBTQ community to turn Egypt-Iran tie into pride statement

Rediff.com18 hours ago

Seattle's LGBTQ community members say they hope that this Friday's World Cup "Pride Match" between Egypt and Iran, two countries where homosexuality is criminalised, can be an opportunity to change minds.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Trump factor, political heat sour Canada's excitement

FIFA World Cup 2026: Trump factor, political heat sour Canada's excitement

Rediff.com6 days ago

US president Donald Trump in recent weeks has renewed threats to make Canada the 51st US state, and said he might not renew the trilateral trade agreement between the US, Canada and Mexico -- the co-hosts of this year's World Cup.

As Drones Hover Overhead, Displaced Gazans Gather to Watch the World Cup

As Drones Hover Overhead, Displaced Gazans Gather to Watch the World Cup

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Displaced Palestinians in Gaza are overcoming power cuts, poor internet and ongoing insecurity to follow the FIFA World Cup, finding brief moments of joy and escape amid the hardships of war and displacement.

SEE: How K-Pop, Cuisine and Football United South Korea and Mexico

SEE: How K-Pop, Cuisine and Football United South Korea and Mexico

Rediff.com6 days ago

Thanks to major companies like Kia, Mexico has seen a huge influx of South Korean population in places like Monterrey, with Korean cuisine and K-Pop becoming major influences in the country.

The dark truth behind Mexico's cute FIFA World Cup symbol

The dark truth behind Mexico's cute FIFA World Cup symbol

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

The smiling axolotl is everywhere at the World Cup in Mexico City. But behind the colorful murals and mascot statues lies a troubling reality: scientists say the critically endangered amphibian is becoming increasingly difficult to find in the wild.

England Football Team Suffers Major Equipment Theft Ahead Of World Cup

England Football Team Suffers Major Equipment Theft Ahead Of World Cup

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

The England football team's training equipment, including players' boots and manager Thomas Tuchel's tactical gear, was reportedly stolen in Kansas City ahead of their World Cup opener against Croatia. The Football Association and local police are investigating, with two arrests already made.

New York Knicks Victory Leads To Chaotic Celebrations, Bus Fire, And Shooting

New York Knicks Victory Leads To Chaotic Celebrations, Bus Fire, And Shooting

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

Thousands of New York Knicks fans celebrated their NBA Finals victory in Midtown Manhattan, leading to chaotic scenes including a World Cup bus being set alight and a teenager suffering a gunshot wound in Times Square. Police eventually intervened to disperse the unruly crowds.

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.

FIFA World Cup: Haaland Walked Through Times Square and Nobody Recognised Him

FIFA World Cup: Haaland Walked Through Times Square and Nobody Recognised Him

Rediff.com6 days ago

After a stellar performance in the World Cup, Norwegian striker Erling Haaland enjoyed an incognito break in New York City with his partner. Despite his global fame, he managed to explore Times Square and Katz's Deli largely unnoticed, attributing his disguise to a baseball cap and sunglasses. His team, Norway, is preparing for an upcoming match against Senegal.

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.

Australia's African diaspora takes centre stage at World Cup

Australia's African diaspora takes centre stage at World Cup

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Born in African refugee camps and raised in Australia, Mohamed Toure, Nestory Irankunda and Awer Mabil are carrying the Socceroos' World Cup hopes while showcasing the nation's increasingly diverse football identity.

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.

Premier League 2015-16 champions Leicester City relegated to third division

Premier League 2015-16 champions Leicester City relegated to third division

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Leicester City were relegated to the third tier of English soccer on Tuesday, a decade on from their astonishing run to the Premier League title, while Coventry City made sure they will go up to the top flight as champions.

Premier League 2015-16 champions Leicester City relegated to third division

Premier League 2015-16 champions Leicester City relegated to third division

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Leicester City were relegated to the third tier of English soccer on Tuesday, a decade on from their astonishing run to the Premier League title, while Coventry City made sure they will go up to the top flight as champions.

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.

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.

England Receive Saka Boost Before High-Stakes World Cup Test Against Ghana

England Receive Saka Boost Before High-Stakes World Cup Test Against Ghana

Rediff.com2 days ago

England coach Thomas Tuchel confirmed Bukayo Saka is fully fit and available for the World Cup clash against Ghana, while also voicing concerns that FIFA's mandatory hydration breaks are disrupting the flow and identity of football.

Hospitals Ready as World Cup Organisers Monitor Ebola Concerns

Hospitals Ready as World Cup Organisers Monitor Ebola Concerns

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Pan American Health Organization and the World Health Organization have all described the risk of Ebola to World Cup host countries as low, citing measles, COVID-19 and influenza -- which spread when large crowds gather -- as the most likely threats.

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.

The World Cup Is Here, But Where Are the Fans?

The World Cup Is Here, But Where Are the Fans?

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

High costs, visa hurdles, and logistics for the World Cup are deterring fans, leading to a disappointing boost for US hotels, airlines, and the travel industry.

Canada Goes Wild After Historic FIFA World Cup Victory

Canada Goes Wild After Historic FIFA World Cup Victory

Rediff.com6 days ago

Canadians and tourists at Niagara Falls celebrated Canada's historic first-ever win at the FIFA World Cup against Qatar. The euphoric victory, witnessed by hundreds at a special viewing event, sparked widespread joy and a renewed interest in football across the nation.

Toronto launches football-themed condoms ahead of FIFA World Cup

Toronto launches football-themed condoms ahead of FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Toronto will hand out free soccer-themed condoms during the FIFA World Cup as part of a public health campaign promoting safer sex and sexual health awareness.

FIFA World Cup: 'Messi's feats are no longer surprising'

FIFA World Cup: 'Messi's feats are no longer surprising'

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

With a dazzling hat-trick against Algeria, Lionel Messi once again defied age, expectations and logic at the World Cup, prompting coach Lionel Scaloni to call his performances "inexplicable" and admit he is simply no longer surprised by the Argentine legend's brilliance.

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.

FIFA World Cup 2026: England open Group L campaign against old foes Croatia

FIFA World Cup 2026: England open Group L campaign against old foes Croatia

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

England begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia in Arlington, Texas on Wednesday, a heavyweight Group L opener that could set the tone for both teams' tournament ambitions.

'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.

Spying scandal rocks English football as Southampton expelled from world's richest match

Spying scandal rocks English football as Southampton expelled from world's richest match

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Southampton have been expelled from the Championship play-offs after being found guilty of spying on opponents. Middlesbrough have been reinstated and will face Hull City in the final.

Iran's World Cup team arrives in Tijuana amid US tensions

Iran's World Cup team arrives in Tijuana amid US tensions

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

For Iran's team, the FIFA World Cup has been marred by fraught politics at home, the war with the US, and tensions over whether they would actually be able to set foot on US soil to play their games.

FIDE Suspends Russia's Membership For Ukraine Violations

FIDE Suspends Russia's Membership For Ukraine Violations

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has suspended Russia's membership for up to three years due to its failure to comply with a ruling to stop holding events in Russian-controlled Ukrainian territories. This decision follows Russia's continued organisation of chess events in annexed regions, violating a Court of Arbitration for Sport order.

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.

Iran to commute to FIFA World Cup games from Mexico after US refusal

Iran to commute to FIFA World Cup games from Mexico after US refusal

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Iran's national soccer team will sleep in Mexico and travel to the US on the days of its three FIFA World Cup matches after Washington declined to host the squad for the tournament.