News for 'World 2026'

France not afraid of Spain ahead of World Cup semi-final, says Konate

France not afraid of Spain ahead of World Cup semi-final, says Konate

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

France defender Ibrahima Konate says Les Bleus fear no one ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final against Spain, while acknowledging the challenge posed by Lamine Yamal and the tournament's best defence.

What Brings Cristiano Ronaldo's Sister To Kerala?

What Brings Cristiano Ronaldo's Sister To Kerala?

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

'An experience I will never forget, what a welcoming, friendly, and welcoming people.'

Birthday Boy Shami Eyes India Test Comeback

Birthday Boy Shami Eyes India Test Comeback

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Mohammed Shami, despite being out of international contention since 2025, is making a strong case for a Test team comeback through his exceptional performances in domestic cricket.

Age fraud scandal: BCCI bans India U-19 spinner

Age fraud scandal: BCCI bans India U-19 spinner

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

The BCCI has banned Bengal leg-spinner Rohit Yadav for two years due to age misrepresentation, following discrepancies found in his birth certificates and Aadhaar records. This ban comes after he had already represented India's U-19 team. The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has also declared 62 other players, including former U-19 World Cup winner Ravi Kumar, ineligible for similar age-related issues, highlighting a wider crackdown on age fraud in junior cricket.

How Messi's Collective Genius Propelled Argentina To World Cup Final

How Messi's Collective Genius Propelled Argentina To World Cup Final

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

Lionel Messi's profound influence, marked by crucial assists and strategic play, was instrumental in Argentina's victory over England, securing their spot in a second successive World Cup final. Despite not scoring, his collective contribution and energy preservation were key to the team's success, culminating in two late assists for the equaliser and winning goal.

Can Neeraj Chopra beat Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem at CWG 2026?

Can Neeraj Chopra beat Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem at CWG 2026?

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

India's Neeraj Chopra will face reigning Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan and Sri Lanka's Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage in a highly anticipated men's javelin clash at the Commonwealth Games, as India aims to surpass its previous medal tally in athletics.

'Understanding Your Body Is Very Important'

'Understanding Your Body Is Very Important'

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

'God has incredible plans for me and we'll see where that takes me.'

Shafali Verma fastest and youngest to 3000 runs in WT20Is

Shafali Verma fastest and youngest to 3000 runs in WT20Is

Rediff.com6 Sep 2026

India's Shafali Verma has become the fastest and youngest player to reach 3,000 runs in Women's T20 International cricket during a match against Pakistan in Dubai.

Who Will Lift The FIFA World Cup Trophy? Meet The Final 8 Teams

Who Will Lift The FIFA World Cup Trophy? Meet The Final 8 Teams

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

The FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals are set, featuring a diverse lineup of one South American, one African, and six European teams, including defending champions Argentina and France, alongside surprise packages like Morocco and Norway, all vying for football's ultimate prize.

Argentina's World Cup Resilience Tested Ahead of Switzerland Clash

Argentina's World Cup Resilience Tested Ahead of Switzerland Clash

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Defending champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, have shown remarkable resilience in the World Cup knockout stages, overcoming a 2-0 deficit against Egypt and needing extra time against Cape Verde to reach the quarter-finals against Switzerland.

India sounds alarm over security, navigation risks amid Red Sea tensions

India sounds alarm over security, navigation risks amid Red Sea tensions

Rediff.com2 days ago

India has once again raised alarms over the escalation in the security situation in the Red Sea area and strongly condemned Houthi strikes targeting Saudi Arabian territory, "including on civilians and economic assets."

IPL 2026 Dream XI: Sooryavanshi Opener; Patidar Captain

IPL 2026 Dream XI: Sooryavanshi Opener; Patidar Captain

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi stole the limelight in his first full season of IPL with some dazzling performances for the Rajasthan Royals.

Climate Change Threatens World Cup Match Safety

Climate Change Threatens World Cup Match Safety

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

A World Cup game between Paraguay and France in Philadelphia is at risk due to extreme heat and humidity, linked to climate change and fossil fuel use. A heat dome over the U.S. and Canada has pushed temperatures beyond safe play recommendations, raising concerns about player safety and future tournament scheduling.

Iran 'will play' at 2026 World Cup, says Infantino amid concerns

Iran 'will play' at 2026 World Cup, says Infantino amid concerns

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirms Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup despite geopolitical tensions, urging that sport remain separate from politics.

Modi-Pezeshkian meet: India calls for dialogue in West Asia, safe navigation

Modi-Pezeshkian meet: India calls for dialogue in West Asia, safe navigation

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in New Delhi for talks focusing on the West Asia situation, bilateral relations, and BRICS cooperation. The meeting, Pezeshkian's first visit to India as president, comes amidst heightened tensions in West Asia due to new US sanctions on Iran and concerns over global oil supplies from the Strait of Hormuz. Both leaders emphasised regional stability and economic resilience.

FYERS American Gambits Extend Lead In Global Chess League Standings

FYERS American Gambits Extend Lead In Global Chess League Standings

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

FYERS American Gambits defeated Triveni Continental Kings to retain their top position in the Global Chess League standings, ahead of Alpine APL Pipers. Other matches saw Ganges Grandmasters secure a dominant win over Continental Kings, while Mumba Masters suffered two defeats, including a loss to PBG Alaskan Knights. The Gambits, Pipers, and Grandmasters have all won four matches, with Gambits having played one more round.

FIFA World Cup: Messi's Last Dance? Argentina Boss Breaks Silence

FIFA World Cup: Messi's Last Dance? Argentina Boss Breaks Silence

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Defending champions Argentina are motivated by their passionate fans to win the World Cup again, with manager Lionel Scaloni and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez highlighting the emotional connection with supporters as a key driver ahead of their final clash with Spain.

'Rs 12 Lakh Crore Disappeared from India's GDP'

'Rs 12 Lakh Crore Disappeared from India's GDP'

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

'The fundamental issue that I have raised, how come India's GDP in current prices went down from Rs 86 lakh crore down to Rs 80 lakh crore -- a staggering erasure of Rs 6 lakh crore. This disappearance of Rs 6 lakh crore has not been answered by anyone.'

Canadian PM Carney Jokes About Recruiting Haaland For World Cup

Canadian PM Carney Jokes About Recruiting Haaland For World Cup

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney playfully attempted to recruit Norwegian football star Erling Haaland for Canada's World Cup squad during a NATO summit meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere, who humorously declined the offer.

Rohit Speculation Raises Agarkar Questions

Rohit Speculation Raises Agarkar Questions

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

Why should the Hitman of Indian cricket walk into every ODI carrying a retirement question on his shoulders? He should be carrying only his bat to the crease, not a suitcase full of speculation about his future, asserts K R Nayar.

France Sets New FIFA World Cup Scoring Record

France Sets New FIFA World Cup Scoring Record

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

France has become the first team in FIFA World Cup history to score three or more goals in five consecutive matches, a milestone confirmed after their 3-0 victory over Sweden. Captain Kylian Mbappe's double secured their spot in the Round of 16 and set new personal records, surpassing Ronaldo and Leonidas in knockout stage goals and nearing Lionel Messi's overall World Cup goal tally.

Sebastian Vettel's Emotional Tribute To Michael Schumacher At Monza

Sebastian Vettel's Emotional Tribute To Michael Schumacher At Monza

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

Four-time Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel drove Michael Schumacher's legendary Ferrari F2002 at Monza, paying an emotional tribute to his childhood idol.

FIFA World Cup final marks full-circle moment for Messi and Yamal

FIFA World Cup final marks full-circle moment for Messi and Yamal

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal will face-off as defending champions Argentina meet reigning European champions Spain in the FIFA World Cup final, in New York on Saturday.

BRICS should be non-Western, not anti-Western: Tharoor

BRICS should be non-Western, not anti-Western: Tharoor

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has articulated India's position on BRICS, advocating for it to be a "non-West, but not anti-West" platform, a stance he believes is crucial for India's national interest. He highlighted the prestige of hosting the BRICS summit, India's responsibility to represent the Global South, and the significance of bilateral meetings, particularly with China and Russia. Tharoor also addressed the strained India-China relations, citing border issues and trade leverage, and discussed the challenges within BRICS, including difficulties in achieving consensus on global issues and trade imbalances, while also considering the need for diversified international relations amidst unpredictable US sanctions.

Indian lawn bowlers secure key wins at Commonwealth Games 2026

Indian lawn bowlers secure key wins at Commonwealth Games 2026

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

India has made a confident start to their Commonwealth Games campaign in Glasgow, with Putul Sonowal stunning 2023 world champion Ryan Bester in the Men's Singles Lawn Bowls. Additionally, the Indian Women's Pairs team, comprising Rupa Rani Tirkey and Pinki Singh, secured a hard-fought victory against Malta. These early wins highlight India's strong presence in the Lawn Bowls competition.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Why Spain is a threat against Saudi Arabia

FIFA World Cup 2026: Why Spain is a threat against Saudi Arabia

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

A champions' mentality, a new generation of fearless players are some of the qualities that will have Saudi Arabia wary of the former champions in their upcoming Group H match on Sunday.

Xi arrives in Delhi for BRICS summit, talks with Modi at 6 pm

Xi arrives in Delhi for BRICS summit, talks with Modi at 6 pm

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping's first visit to India in seven years for the BRICS Summit and bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address crucial aspects of India-China relations, including trade, investment, and persistent border tensions.

PM Modi calls for global UPI expansion to cut remittance costs

PM Modi calls for global UPI expansion to cut remittance costs

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged the fintech sector to expand the global reach of India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI), connecting it with local systems in other countries to help the diaspora save on remittance costs.

India-Afghanistan cricketing bond celebrated at 'Koh-E-Zafar'

India-Afghanistan cricketing bond celebrated at 'Koh-E-Zafar'

Rediff.com3 days ago

The Afghanistan Cricket Board hosted 'Koh-E-Zafar' in New Delhi to celebrate the strong cricketing friendship between India and Afghanistan.

Argentina Players Display Political Banner After World Cup Victory, Spark Row

Argentina Players Display Political Banner After World Cup Victory, Spark Row

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Argentina's football players displayed a political banner claiming "The Falklands are Argentine" after their World Cup semi-final win against England, potentially violating FIFA's code of conduct.

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.

Thierry Henry: Messi 'Not Human' in World Cup Comeback; Beckham, Rivaldo Also Praise Star

Thierry Henry: Messi 'Not Human' in World Cup Comeback; Beckham, Rivaldo Also Praise Star

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Football legends Thierry Henry, David Beckham, and Rivaldo have lauded Lionel Messi's extraordinary performance in Argentina's dramatic FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 comeback against Egypt, with Henry stating Messi is 'not human' for his ability to elevate his game when it matters most.

How FIFA Prepares Referees For The Ultimate World Cup Challenge

How FIFA Prepares Referees For The Ultimate World Cup Challenge

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

FIFA has transformed its referee preparation for the World Cup, treating officials like elite athletes. This rigorous training includes physical assessments, game-like simulations, and advanced data tracking to ensure referees can perform optimally under challenging conditions like extreme humidity and high altitude, minimising errors due to fatigue.

Ancelotti Vows Brazil Will Use World Cup Exit As Motivation

Ancelotti Vows Brazil Will Use World Cup Exit As Motivation

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Brazil's head coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed disappointment after the team's FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 defeat to Norway, but stated the team would use the exit as motivation for future improvements. He highlighted the need for new midfield talent as key players like Neymar are expected to retire from international football.

How India Is Integrating Payment Systems In Global Trade Deals

How India Is Integrating Payment Systems In Global Trade Deals

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

India is actively integrating payment system harmonisation into its Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, especially with countries hosting a large Indian diaspora. This strategy aims to leverage India's growing fintech ecosystem, facilitate cross-border financial services, and position India as a global hub for financial services exports, particularly through platforms like GIFT City.

Why Are National Chess Champions Ignored?

Why Are National Chess Champions Ignored?

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

If winning the National Championship does not help a player make the national team, what exactly is the value of becoming India's national champion?

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.

Guru Purnima 2026: 7 Gurus And Their Famous Pupils

Guru Purnima 2026: 7 Gurus And Their Famous Pupils

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

On Guru Purnima, we revisit 7 legendary guru-shishya duos, whose extraordinary bonds left a lasting mark on India.

Players' Union Slams FIFA's 'Disturbing' $20 Billion World Cup Investment Plan

Players' Union Slams FIFA's 'Disturbing' $20 Billion World Cup Investment Plan

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Australia's players union has joined global criticism of FIFA's proposal to bring private investors into the World Cup and other events, citing a lack of transparency and pressure on member associations to approve the $20 billion plan.

Wars, tariffs test BRICS unity as leaders gather in Delhi

Wars, tariffs test BRICS unity as leaders gather in Delhi

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

The BRICS summit in New Delhi brings together leaders from major emerging economies to address global challenges like trade disputes, geopolitical upheavals, and the economic impact of conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia. India, as chair, aims to position BRICS as an economic growth engine, focusing on the Global South's food, energy, and supply chain security. The summit also highlights the grouping's expansion and its growing influence in global governance.