News for 'World Cup Opener'

FIFA World Cup: Five-star Sweden rout Tunisia in opener

FIFA World Cup: Five-star Sweden rout Tunisia in opener

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Sweden trio Yasin Ayari, Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres were all on target as they cruised to a 5-1 victory over Tunisia in Monterrey on Sunday.

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.

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.

Indian Women's Compound Team Clinches Silver At Archery World Cup

Indian Women's Compound Team Clinches Silver At Archery World Cup

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

India's women's compound archery team, comprising Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Prithika Pradeep, and Chikitha Taniparthi, secured a silver medal at the Archery World Cup Stage 4 after losing to Colombia in the final. Despite the team's struggle, teenager Prithika Pradeep emerged as a standout performer, and India remains in contention for more medals in both compound and recurve categories.

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.com18 Jun 2026

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.

FIFA World Cup: Can Qatar erase 2022 nightmare against Switzerland?

FIFA World Cup: Can Qatar erase 2022 nightmare against Switzerland?

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Qatar take on Switzerland in their World Cup opener on Saturday eager to shake off the pressure of expectation, coming in as back-to-back Asian champions with an urgent need to make amends for a dismal debut as hosts of the 2022 tournament.

India's Skeet Shooters Show Promise At Lonato World Cup

India's Skeet Shooters Show Promise At Lonato World Cup

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Indian skeet shooters Bhavtegh Singh Gill and Mairaj Ahmad performed strongly on the opening day of the ISSF World Cup (Shotgun) in Lonato, Italy, finishing joint 14th. Parinaaz Dhaliwal also impressed in the women's section, placing tied-11th. The performances offer hope for India's first medal of the season and serve as crucial preparation for the upcoming Asian Games, despite other Olympians facing challenges.

Indian Women's Hockey Team Secures World Cup Berth Despite Final Loss

Indian Women's Hockey Team Secures World Cup Berth Despite Final Loss

Rediff.com1 days ago

The Indian women's hockey team secured a silver medal at the FIH Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship in Muscat, losing 2-4 to China in the final. Despite the loss, their strong performance, including an 8-1 semi-final win against Kazakhstan, earned them a qualification spot for the FIH Youth Hockey5s World Cup. Hockey India also announced cash prizes for the team and support staff.

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.

FIFA World Cup: Mbappe becomes France's record scorer

FIFA World Cup: Mbappe becomes France's record scorer

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

France captain Kylian Mbappe became his country's all-time leading scorer with a double against Senegal at the World Cup on Tuesday.

Women's T20 World Cup: India's opening balance the key against Pakistan

Women's T20 World Cup: India's opening balance the key against Pakistan

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

India, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, will rely heavily on openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma to perform against a challenging Pakistan side in their ICC Women's T20 World Cup campaign opener.

Rain Halts Archery World Cup Stage 4 Qualification

Rain Halts Archery World Cup Stage 4 Qualification

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

India's Sahil Jadhav was placed third in the men's compound qualification at the Archery World Cup Stage 4 in Madrid before persistent rain forced the suspension of play. Other Indian archers, including Rishabh Yadav and women compound archers like Prithika Pradeep and Jyothi Surekha Vennam, also competed, with their qualification rounds impacted by the weather.

Dan Burn: From Rejection to World Cup Hero at 34

Dan Burn: From Rejection to World Cup Hero at 34

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

England defender Dan Burn, 34, has emerged as an unlikely hero at the World Cup, making crucial clearances and blocks in high-pressure matches against Mexico and Norway, defying a career path that saw him released by Newcastle as a boy and playing in lower divisions.

Egypt's Pharaohs get heroes' welcome after best-ever World Cup campaign

Egypt's Pharaohs get heroes' welcome after best-ever World Cup campaign

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Thousands of ecstatic supporters welcomed the Egyptian national football team home after their historic World Cup campaign, which saw them reach the last 16 for the first time, despite a heartbreaking defeat to Argentina.

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.

FIFA World Cup: 'We were second best': France coach's honest verdict

FIFA World Cup: 'We were second best': France coach's honest verdict

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

France coach Didier Deschamps conceded his side were 'outclassed' by Spain in their 2-0 World Cup semi-final defeat, highlighting technical, tactical, and physical shortcomings that ended their quest for a third title.

Tunisia Coach Lamouchi Joins FIFA World Cup's Infamous List

Tunisia Coach Lamouchi Joins FIFA World Cup's Infamous List

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Sabri Lamouchi's dismissal as Tunisia coach after a single game at the World Cup places him on an ignominious list that includes one of the most successful coaches in tournament history.

FIFA World Cup: 'Impossible' done! Ecuador stuns Germany

FIFA World Cup: 'Impossible' done! Ecuador stuns Germany

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Ecuador's World Cup nightmare turned into a dream, as La Tri's once seemingly doomed campaign was resurrected against Germany in a remarkable conclusion to Group E on Thursday.

Neeru Dhanda wins women's trap gold in Shotgun World Cup

Neeru Dhanda wins women's trap gold in Shotgun World Cup

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

Asian Championships gold medallist Neeru Dhanda has secured her first individual ISSF World Cup title in the women's trap event in Lonato, Italy.

FIFA World Cup: Netherlands Ease Past Tunisia

FIFA World Cup: Netherlands Ease Past Tunisia

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

The Netherlands secured the top position in World Cup Group F with a decisive 3-1 victory over Tunisia. Tunisia's campaign ended disastrously, marked by an early own goal and a series of errors, following previous heavy losses and a coaching change.

Messi's missing rival: Argentina captain finally faces England at World Cup

Messi's missing rival: Argentina captain finally faces England at World Cup

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Lionel Messi will face England for the first time in his career when Argentina meet the Three Lions in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final, ending a 20-year wait for one of football's most anticipated match-ups.

Bumrah doubtful for T20 World Cup opener against USA

Bumrah doubtful for T20 World Cup opener against USA

Rediff.com7 Feb 2026

Jasprit Bumrah is doubtful for India's opening T20 World Cup match against the United States as he was feeling unwell on Friday. Mohammed Siraj is likely to replace him in the playing XI.

Gakpo's Tears: A World Cup Story Beyond Football

Gakpo's Tears: A World Cup Story Beyond Football

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Dutch footballer Cody Gakpo scored a goal at the World Cup against Morocco, immediately breaking down in tears due to the recent loss of his unborn baby boy. His emotional reaction, understood by teammates and visible to his parents in the stands, highlighted the profound personal grief he carried while competing on the global stage, overshadowing the team's eventual defeat.

England stun France in 10-goal thriller to finish third at World Cup

England stun France in 10-goal thriller to finish third at World Cup

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

England bagged third place at the World Cup after beating France 6-4 on Saturday, while Les Bleus' captain Kylian Mbappe became the tournament's all-time top scorer with 22 goals on coach Didier Deschamps' last game after 14 years in charge.

Ounahi's Double Propels Morocco Into World Cup Last Eight

Ounahi's Double Propels Morocco Into World Cup Last Eight

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Morocco defeated Canada 3-0 in the World Cup last 16, with Azzedine Ounahi scoring two goals, to advance to the quarter-finals for the second consecutive time. The victory ended Canada's tournament run.

FIFA World Cup 2026: 'We are here at the World Cup to bring joy to Iranians'

FIFA World Cup 2026: 'We are here at the World Cup to bring joy to Iranians'

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Iran's coach and their key player said the national team will strive to bring joy and unity to Iranian people around the world, despite war and other tensions making their FIFA World Cup adventure uniquely challenging.

FIFA World Cup: Can Messi Break More Records Against Austria?

FIFA World Cup: Can Messi Break More Records Against Austria?

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Lionel Messi is poised to further cement his legendary status as Argentina faces Austria in a crucial FIFA World Cup Group J match. Following a record-breaking hat-trick against Algeria, Messi is on the verge of equalling or surpassing several all-time World Cup records, including consecutive goals, total goals, and match victories. The football world watches as he leads Argentina against a formidable Austrian side.

Rohit and Kohli need to have that clarity on World Cup: Yuvraj Singh

Rohit and Kohli need to have that clarity on World Cup: Yuvraj Singh

Rediff.com7 days ago

Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has urged the team management and selectors to provide clear communication to senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli regarding their roles and selection for the upcoming ODI World Cup, stressing the importance of backing them fully.

T20 World Cup: Pakistan captain Fatima Sana survives injury scare ahead of India match

T20 World Cup: Pakistan captain Fatima Sana survives injury scare ahead of India match

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Pakistan women's cricket captain Fatima Sana sustained an injury to her right shin during a practice session, casting doubt on her participation in the Women's T20 World Cup opening game against India on Sunday.

Trump could lift FIFA World Cup trophy with winners

Trump could lift FIFA World Cup trophy with winners

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

FIFA has granted US President Donald Trump permission to present the World Cup trophy, a role he previously undertook at the Club World Cup. This decision allows him to remain on the podium during celebrations, a departure from standard protocol, and he is expected to attend the final at MetLife Stadium.

'Right mix of experience and youth': India's Squad For Hockey World Cup

'Right mix of experience and youth': India's Squad For Hockey World Cup

Rediff.com6 days ago

India has announced a 20-member squad for the upcoming FIH Men's Hockey World Cup, with Harmanpreet Singh leading the team.

Iran blasts US after World Cup travel request denied

Iran blasts US after World Cup travel request denied

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Iran's Football Federation will lodge an official protest with FIFA after the United States reportedly denied the national team's request to travel to Los Angeles two days before their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G match against Belgium, citing geopolitical tensions and previous visa issues.

Belgium Star Jeremy Doku's World Cup Fatherhood Challenge

Belgium Star Jeremy Doku's World Cup Fatherhood Challenge

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Belgian winger Jeremy Doku faces a personal dilemma during the World Cup as his wife is due to give birth to their first child. He hopes to be present for the birth, potentially requiring him to leave the tournament.

Indian Recurve Mixed Pair Misses Bronze At Archery World Cup

Indian Recurve Mixed Pair Misses Bronze At Archery World Cup

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

India's recurve mixed pair of Dhiraj Bommadevara and Kirti Sharma lost 3-5 to Italy, missing out on the bronze medal at the Archery World Cup Stage 4 in Madrid. Kirti Sharma also failed to secure a medal in the individual recurve section, resulting in India's recurve archers returning empty-handed from the event. The overall campaign concluded with two medals (one silver, one bronze) from the compound section.

India name strong squad for Hockey World Cup; Harmanpreet Singh to lead

India name strong squad for Hockey World Cup; Harmanpreet Singh to lead

Rediff.com6 days ago

India has announced a 20-member squad for the upcoming FIH Men's Hockey World Cup, with Harmanpreet Singh leading the team.

Mexico kicks off World Cup countdown with wave record bid

Mexico kicks off World Cup countdown with wave record bid

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

Thousands of people flooded one of the world's great urban boulevards on Saturday, attempting to set a world record for the Mexican wave - naturally, in the country that gave the beloved stadium ritual its name.

Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala apologises for World Cup final brawl

Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala apologises for World Cup final brawl

Rediff.com5 days ago

Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala has apologised for his altercation with Spain midfielder Dani Olmo following the chaotic World Cup final, an incident now under investigation by FIFA.

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.

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.

Tamil-Origin Star Makes FIFA World Cup Debut

Tamil-Origin Star Makes FIFA World Cup Debut

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

Indian-origin forward Nishan Velupillay made his FIFA World Cup debut for Australia on June 14, coming on in the second half of their 2-0 victory over Turkiye. The 25-year-old, whose journey from academy football has been rapid, is considered one of Australia's most exciting attacking prospects. He now has eight international appearances and three goals for the Socceroos.