News for 'World Cup Stars'

FIFA WC Final: Fans come out in numbers as Messi sets milestone

FIFA WC Final: Fans come out in numbers as Messi sets milestone

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Lionel Messi made history by becoming the oldest outfield player to start a FIFA World Cup final at 39 years and 25 days, while Spain's Lamine Yamal became the third-youngest player ever to start the tournament's showpiece match, highlighting a generational clash.

No Messi magic! Spain ends Argentina's dream

No Messi magic! Spain ends Argentina's dream

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in a dramatic World Cup final after extra time, preventing Argentina from staging another of their characteristic comebacks. Lionel Messi, who had been instrumental in previous matches, was effectively neutralised by the Spanish defence, leaving Argentina without an answer and unable to register a shot on target for much of the game.

Great Himalayan Dream: Can Nepal spark T20 World Cup magic?

Great Himalayan Dream: Can Nepal spark T20 World Cup magic?

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

For a team that once struggled for basic infrastructure, the T20 World Cup is being viewed as a defining leap rather than just another appearance for Nepal.

T20 World Cup: Abhishek, Hardik star as India demolish Zimbabwe in must-win Super 8 clash

T20 World Cup: Abhishek, Hardik star as India demolish Zimbabwe in must-win Super 8 clash

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

Abhishek, Hardik help India pulverise Zimbabwe by 72 runs; stay in semis race

T20 World Cup: SKY Praises Gambhir For...

T20 World Cup: SKY Praises Gambhir For...

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

'The atmosphere he has created in the team -- he has tried to infuse a culture of playing for the team and not focusing on personal milestones.'

T20 World Cup: We failed to deliver when it mattered most, admits Marsh

T20 World Cup: We failed to deliver when it mattered most, admits Marsh

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

Australian captain Mitchell Marsh expressed disappointment over the team's early exit from the T20 World Cup, citing missed opportunities and underperformance in key matches. Despite a final win against Oman, Marsh acknowledged the team's failure to deliver when it mattered most.

T20 World Cup: Sanju Samson's 97 Against West Indies Was Turning Point For India: Gambhir

T20 World Cup: Sanju Samson's 97 Against West Indies Was Turning Point For India: Gambhir

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

'With the ease and the calmness that he batted, it gave us a lot of confidence that now, probably, we are on the right track.'

Most-capped hockey star Manpreet Singh hails Virat Kohli's role in his longevity

Most-capped hockey star Manpreet Singh hails Virat Kohli's role in his longevity

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

India's most-capped hockey player Manpreet Singh idolises Virat Kohli and credits his longevity to fitness, saying he has drawn inspiration from the star cricketer's fitness regime.

Spain's Lamine Yamal: Football Is About Integration, Not Division

Spain's Lamine Yamal: Football Is About Integration, Not Division

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Spain's young football star Lamine Yamal, celebrating his 19th birthday, spoke about football's power to foster integration and unity ahead of the World Cup semi-final against France, while also sharing light-hearted moments about his family and personal milestones.

'I didn't believe Rohit': Samson reveals turning point behind T20 WC heroics

'I didn't believe Rohit': Samson reveals turning point behind T20 WC heroics

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Sanju Samson reveals why he didn't believe Rohit Sharma after being dropped before the T20 World Cup 2026 and how self-reflection helped him return as India's leading run-scorer and Player of the Tournament.

T20 World Cup, India Vs England Semi-final: Abhishek Faces Axe; Kuldeep Could Be Back!

T20 World Cup, India Vs England Semi-final: Abhishek Faces Axe; Kuldeep Could Be Back!

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

India are looking to create history, as they aim to become the first team to successfully defend the T20 World Cup, while England will be aiming to reclaim the title they last won four years ago.

T20 World Cup Final, India vs New Zealand: Sanju Samson Reveals His Comeback Secret: Sachin Tendulkar

T20 World Cup Final, India vs New Zealand: Sanju Samson Reveals His Comeback Secret: Sachin Tendulkar

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Sanju Samson revealed that his stunning turnaround with the bat in the T20 World Cup was made possible only by the guidance from the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who came to his rescue during a rough patch in his career.

Pep Guardiola turns down Italy role as search for coach continues

Pep Guardiola turns down Italy role as search for coach continues

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Former Manchester City and Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola has turned down the opportunity to coach the Italy national team, a source familiar with the discussions said on Friday, confirming media reports.

FIFA WC FINAL: Singer Post Malone, Robbie Williams headline closing ceremony

FIFA WC FINAL: Singer Post Malone, Robbie Williams headline closing ceremony

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

The World Cup final between Spain and Argentina is set to kick off in New Jersey, with fans flocking to the stadium despite high ticket prices and enhanced security measures, as both teams vie for the coveted title.

Gukesh vs Sindarov: Geneva Set to Stage Youngest-Ever World Chess Final

Gukesh vs Sindarov: Geneva Set to Stage Youngest-Ever World Chess Final

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The FIDE World Championship Match 2026 will feature reigning champion Gukesh D and challenger Javokhir Sindarov in Geneva, Switzerland. Both players will be 20, making it the youngest World Championship contest in history and signalling a generational shift in chess. The match will consist of 14 classical games, with tie-breaks if needed.

HISTORIC! INDIA FIRST TEAM TO WIN BACK TO BACK T20 WORLD CUPS

HISTORIC! INDIA FIRST TEAM TO WIN BACK TO BACK T20 WORLD CUPS

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma's explosive batting performances propelled India to a record-breaking total against New Zealand in the T20 World Cup final

T20 World Cup: 'Santner Makes You Feel 10 Feet Tall And Bulletproof': Rachin Ravindra

T20 World Cup: 'Santner Makes You Feel 10 Feet Tall And Bulletproof': Rachin Ravindra

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

Rachin Ravindra praised Mitchell Santner's leadership and performance after New Zealand's superb come-from-behind victory against Sri Lanka in the T20 World Cup.

Morocco's FIFA World Cup star probed for rape?

Morocco's FIFA World Cup star probed for rape?

Rediff.com28 Feb 2023

French prosecutors open investigation of PSG's Hakimi, a source tells Reuters.

T20 World Cup: No January 21 deadline from ICC, says Bangladesh

T20 World Cup: No January 21 deadline from ICC, says Bangladesh

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

The Bangladesh Cricket Board is adamant in their stance of not playing their T20 World Cup matches in India.

'We are better': Yamal sparks fire ahead of France clash

'We are better': Yamal sparks fire ahead of France clash

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Spain's young star Lamine Yamal has confidently stated that France holds no advantage in the FIFA World Cup 2026, dismissing them as favourites. Yamal expressed strong belief in Spain's ability to win the tournament, highlighting that knockout rounds are a different challenge from the group stage.

Rohit's hilarious advice to Kuldeep ahead of T20 World Cup

Rohit's hilarious advice to Kuldeep ahead of T20 World Cup

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

Rohit Sharma offered a hilarious piece of advice to spinner Kuldeep Yadav ahead of the T20 World Cup this year from February 7.

From Neeraj to Mirabai: Watch Out For These Indian Stars At CWG 2026

From Neeraj to Mirabai: Watch Out For These Indian Stars At CWG 2026

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

India is sending a 125-member contingent to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with established stars like Neeraj Chopra, Mirabai Chanu, and Lovlina Borgohain, alongside rising talents such as Aryan Nehra and Gurindervir Singh, expected to lead the nation's medal charge across 13 disciplines.

U-19 World Cup star Pandey the next Ravindra Jadeja?

U-19 World Cup star Pandey the next Ravindra Jadeja?

Rediff.com6 Feb 2024

India's U-19 World Cup star all-rounder Saumy Kumar Pandey possesses a striking similarity to Ravindra Jadeja's bowling action.

Vinicius Jr Happy Under Mourinho as Arsenal Transfer Rumours Grow

Vinicius Jr Happy Under Mourinho as Arsenal Transfer Rumours Grow

Rediff.com4 days ago

Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr is reportedly 'happy, cheerful and playing his football' under new manager Jose Mourinho, despite being in the final year of his contract and facing speculation about a potential move to Arsenal.

T20 World Cup: Will India Bring In Bumrah, Kuldeep Against Namibia?

T20 World Cup: Will India Bring In Bumrah, Kuldeep Against Namibia?

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

With Abhishek Sharma hospitalised with a stomach bug, Sanju Samson is set to get another opportunity at the top of the order.

Steve Smith turns to PSL after T20 World Cup snub

Steve Smith turns to PSL after T20 World Cup snub

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

After being snubbed at the IPL auctions, Australian Steve Smith has moved to the Pakistan Super League to revive T20 career.

ICC T20 World Cup: Group C heats up: England, WI face tricky rivals

ICC T20 World Cup: Group C heats up: England, WI face tricky rivals

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

Group C promises one of the most competitive battles at the T20 World Cup, with former champions England and West Indies joined by ambitious sides Scotland, Nepal and debutants Italy.

Play fearless: Clear message for India U-19s at World Cup

Play fearless: Clear message for India U-19s at World Cup

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

As India's U-19 boys prepare for the upcoming ICC Men's U19 Cricket World Cup 2026 with a focus on fearless cricket.

T20 World Cup 2026: ICC replaces Bangladesh with Scotland

T20 World Cup 2026: ICC replaces Bangladesh with Scotland

Rediff.com24 Jan 2026

The International Cricket Council has officially informed the Bangladesh Cricket Board that it has been replaced by Scotland in T20 World Cup 2026.

Squash World Cup: India blank Brazil, meet SA in quarters

Squash World Cup: India blank Brazil, meet SA in quarters

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

Already through to the quarter-finals, hosts India blanked debutants Brazil 4-0 in their final Pool B match of the Squash World Cup in Chennai on Thursday.

T20 World Cup: 'Proud of Thiruvananthapuram's native son, the Pride of India': Tharoor, Kerala CM hail Sanju Samson

T20 World Cup: 'Proud of Thiruvananthapuram's native son, the Pride of India': Tharoor, Kerala CM hail Sanju Samson

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Sanju Samson's majestic knock of 97 from 50 balls single-handedly powered India to a five-wicket win over West Indies to seal their spot in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup.

ICC T20 World Cup: No Giants, no favourites: Group D promises fireworks

ICC T20 World Cup: No Giants, no favourites: Group D promises fireworks

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

A preview of Group D in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, featuring South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates.

Mandhana, Deepti, Jemimah in World Cup Dream XI

Mandhana, Deepti, Jemimah in World Cup Dream XI

Rediff.com4 Nov 2025

Deepti Sharma, the World Cup's leading wicket-taker who took a magnificent 5/39 in the final, is joined by teammates Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues in World Cup's Team of the Tournament.

T20 World Cup: Abhishek's form, confidence in focus vs England at Wankhede

T20 World Cup: Abhishek's form, confidence in focus vs England at Wankhede

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Having finished as the second-highest run-getter in 2025 among top nations, Abhishek was touted to dominate the tournament but the law of averages seemed to be catching up with the World No. 1 T20 batter when he returned to the dugout with three ducks in as many matches.

Here's why England are T20 World Cup favourites

Here's why England are T20 World Cup favourites

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

England will be heading into the T20 World Cup with a massive confidence boost following a series win across both white-ball formats in Sri Lanka under captaincy of young Harry Brook, who has switched his side's fortunes since taking over.

Salah double seals Egypt's World Cup spot!

Salah double seals Egypt's World Cup spot!

Rediff.com9 Oct 2025

Egypt become third African country to qualify for World Cup

Dibu. Bono. Domi. World Cup's Star Goalies

Dibu. Bono. Domi. World Cup's Star Goalies

Rediff.com20 Dec 2022

Shot-stoppers who turned into showstoppers during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

T20 World Cup: India vs Pak: SKY recreates Tariq's bowling action in practice

T20 World Cup: India vs Pak: SKY recreates Tariq's bowling action in practice

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

India's cricket team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, is focusing on Pakistan's spin bowler Usman Tariq and his unorthodox bowling action during practice sessions in preparation for their T20 World Cup match.

Playing cricket at home is bigger than World Cup: Rashid's Kabul dream

Playing cricket at home is bigger than World Cup: Rashid's Kabul dream

Rediff.com7 Feb 2026

Rashid Khan expresses his dream of hosting an international cricket match in Afghanistan, highlighting the challenges faced due to the country's situation and the lack of a strong domestic cricket system.

UNICEF hands Goodwill Ambassador role to Spain's rising star Lamine Yamal

UNICEF hands Goodwill Ambassador role to Spain's rising star Lamine Yamal

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Spain winger Lamine Yamal has been appointed as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, becoming one of the youngest footballers to take on the global role ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.