News for 'World Sports Group'

Late extra-time own goal takes Argentina past Cape Verde

Late extra-time own goal takes Argentina past Cape Verde

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Argentina secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Cape Verde in their World Cup last-32 encounter, which extended into extra time. An own goal in the 111th minute ultimately decided the match, sending the reigning champions into the last 16 where they will face Egypt.

'We Don't Give Him Space': How Brazil Plan To Stop Haaland

'We Don't Give Him Space': How Brazil Plan To Stop Haaland

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Norway pose a formidable threat through Erling Haaland, whose pace and power have made him one of the World Cup's most feared forwards.

International Olympic Committee Faces Criticism Over Potential Sex Testing And Transgender Ban

International Olympic Committee Faces Criticism Over Potential Sex Testing And Transgender Ban

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Human rights and sports advocacy groups are urging the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to reconsider reported plans for universal genetic sex testing for female athletes and a blanket ban on transgender and intersex competitors, warning of potential harm to gender equity in sports.

Through to Last 32, Norway Celebrate with Viking Row

Through to Last 32, Norway Celebrate with Viking Row

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

The jubilant Norwegians edged Senegal 3-2 to reach the last 32 and then celebrated by taking part in a "Viking row" on the pitch.

No Room for Complacency: Koeman Eyes Defensive Fixes Before Morocco Tie

No Room for Complacency: Koeman Eyes Defensive Fixes Before Morocco Tie

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman has warned against underestimating Morocco despite topping Group F, calling the Round of 32 clash the Dutch side's "real test" while admitting there is still room for defensive improvement.

Dalot Defends Ronaldo, Claims Portugal Facing Unwanted Negativity

Dalot Defends Ronaldo, Claims Portugal Facing Unwanted Negativity

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Portugal defender Diogo Dalot has defended Cristiano Ronaldo and insisted the squad remains united despite criticism following their World Cup draw with DR Congo, claiming some people are actively hoping Portugal fail.

Indian Archers Experiment With Equipment Ahead Of Asian Games

Indian Archers Experiment With Equipment Ahead Of Asian Games

Rediff.com26 May 2026

Indian archers Jyothi Surekha Vennam and Dhiraj Bommadevara will use upcoming Archery World Cup stages to experiment with new equipment ahead of the Asian Games in Japan.

'Always United': Ronaldo Sends Message as Portugal Back Captain Amid Criticism

'Always United': Ronaldo Sends Message as Portugal Back Captain Amid Criticism

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo called for unity ahead of Portugal's crucial World Cup clash against Uzbekistan, while teammate Ruben Dias dismissed criticism of the veteran forward following a difficult tournament opener.

'Tired' Messi savours record night as Argentina march on

'Tired' Messi savours record night as Argentina march on

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Lionel Messi has become the most prolific scorer in World Cup history, netting two goals in Argentina's 2-0 victory over Austria. This achievement, which saw him surpass Brazilian great Marta's record of 17 goals, also secured Argentina's place in the knockout stage with a game to spare. Despite missing a penalty, Messi expressed satisfaction with the team's performance and the crucial win.

Modric undergoes cheekbone surgery ahead of World Cup

Modric undergoes cheekbone surgery ahead of World Cup

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

Croatia and AC Milan's Luka Modric sustained the injury following a clash of heads with Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli during their Serie A match on Sunday.

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.

'Sooryavanshi Would Have Taken Their Pants Off'

'Sooryavanshi Would Have Taken Their Pants Off'

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

'Which fast bowler did he spare? And you're making him warm the bench.'

'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.

Amad Diallo strikes late as Ivory Coast stun Ecuador

Amad Diallo strikes late as Ivory Coast stun Ecuador

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Manchester United's Amad Diallo struck in the 90th minute as Ivory Coast stunned Ecuador 1-0 in their World Cup Group E opener on Sunday.

Araujo saves Uruguay the blushes in draw with Saudi Arabia

Araujo saves Uruguay the blushes in draw with Saudi Arabia

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Maxi Araujo scored a late equaliser to salvage a 1-1 draw for Uruguay in their World Cup opener against Saudi Arabia on Monday, preventing another stunning upset in Group H after Spain's earlier goalless draw with Cape Verde.

German Footballers Step Up To Cover Fan Travel Costs

German Footballers Step Up To Cover Fan Travel Costs

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

German national team players are reportedly funding bus transport for 600 fans to their final World Cup Group E game against Ecuador in New Jersey, addressing concerns over significantly increased public transport costs during the tournament.

Why Sweden's Yasin Ayari Didn't Celebrate His Goal Against Tunisia

Why Sweden's Yasin Ayari Didn't Celebrate His Goal Against Tunisia

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Yasin Ayari -- the son of a Tunisian father and a Moroccan mother -- chose not to celebrate his opener, briefly raising his hands in acknowledgement rather than joining the jubilant scenes around him.

FIFA World Cup: Australia coach wants Trump at USA match

FIFA World Cup: Australia coach wants Trump at USA match

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Australia's coach, Tony Popovic, believes Donald Trump's potential attendance at their World Cup match against the United States would motivate his team. While midfielder Jackson Irvine voiced concerns about FIFA's Peace Prize to Trump and LGBT rights in the U.S., Popovic remains focused on the team's preparation and player fitness.

Iran refuses to play FIFA World Cup in US; wants games moved to Mexico

Iran refuses to play FIFA World Cup in US; wants games moved to Mexico

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Iran's football federation is in discussions with FIFA about moving their World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico due to concerns about the safety of their players, Iranian football president Mehdi Taj said.

Indian squash star Tanvi Khanna stages epic comeback for Mumbai title

Indian squash star Tanvi Khanna stages epic comeback for Mumbai title

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

India's Tanvi Khanna, ranked 74th in the world, secured the women's title at the HCL Squash PSA Challenger Tour-Mumbai. She achieved a remarkable comeback from two games down to defeat Egyptian second seed Farida Walid in a thrilling five-game final. This marks Khanna's fifth PSA title. Malaysia's Mohammad Syafiq Kamal won the men's title.

Can Senegal Stop Haaland? Thiaw Faces Major Selection Dilemma

Can Senegal Stop Haaland? Thiaw Faces Major Selection Dilemma

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Senegal face a major defensive selection dilemma ahead of their World Cup clash with Norway as coach Pape Bouna Thiaw weighs whether to drop Kalidou Koulibaly in a bid to stop Erling Haaland and keep knockout hopes alive.

2026 FIFA World Cup draw: Check out the groups

2026 FIFA World Cup draw: Check out the groups

Rediff.com6 Dec 2025

Next year's 48-team World Cup will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

Final 2026 World Cup Teams Confirmed: See Who's In

Final 2026 World Cup Teams Confirmed: See Who's In

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

The final teams have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Find out which teams have qualified and their group stage assignments.

Samrat Rana, Gulveer Singh Among New Additions to TOPS Core Group

Samrat Rana, Gulveer Singh Among New Additions to TOPS Core Group

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

The Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) Core group has been updated, with rising stars like Samrat Rana and Gulveer Singh joining, while underperforming athletes such as H.S. Prannoy and Deepak Punia have been dropped.

IPL Franchises Race Towards $15 Billion Valuations

IPL Franchises Race Towards $15 Billion Valuations

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Kolkata Knight Riders, owned by the Shah Rukh Khan family and Mehta Group, emerged as the most valuable franchise.

Nat Sciver-Brunt to captain England at T20 World Cup

Nat Sciver-Brunt to captain England at T20 World Cup

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

Nat Sciver-Brunt will captain the 15-member England squad for the upcoming 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup, the ECB announced. The same squad will also participate in the preceding series against India and New Zealand in May-June.

Young Tigresses' World Cup Dream Ends After China Defeat

Young Tigresses' World Cup Dream Ends After China Defeat

Rediff.com11 May 2026

India's impressive run in the AFC Women's U17 Asian Cup concluded with a 3-0 defeat against China in the quarter-finals, ending their hopes for a historic qualification for the 2026 FIFA U17 Women's World Cup.

War fears cloud Iran's FIFA World Cup trip to the USA

War fears cloud Iran's FIFA World Cup trip to the USA

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Eighteen months of preparation hang in the balance at a Tucson-based multi-use sports facility, where organisers say they remain in daily contact with FIFA about hosting Iran's national soccer team, even as geopolitical turmoil threatens to upend their World Cup plans.

Samrat Rana, Gulveer Singh Among New Additions to TOPS Core Group

Samrat Rana, Gulveer Singh Among New Additions to TOPS Core Group

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

The Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) Core group has been updated with the inclusion of rising stars like Samrat Rana and Gulveer Singh, while some established athletes have been dropped due to performance issues.

US win over Paraguay built on collective approach: Pochettino

US win over Paraguay built on collective approach: Pochettino

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

US coach Mauricio Pochettino praised his team's collective effort after their historic 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their World Cup opener. Folarin Balogun scored two goals, a first for a U.S. player since 1930, though Christian Pulisic's calf injury raised concerns. Pochettino credited extended training time for the team's strong start.

Neymar returns for Brazil but there's a new Junior in town

Neymar returns for Brazil but there's a new Junior in town

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Neymar Junior returned to international football after a 981-day absence, playing 20 minutes as a substitute in Brazil's 3-0 World Cup victory over Scotland.

Iran cannot participate in FIFA World Cup, minister says

Iran cannot participate in FIFA World Cup, minister says

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Iran cannot participate in the 2026 World Cup after co-host the US launched airstrikes alongside Israel, Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali said on Wednesday.

Pharaohs Prove Mettle With Impressive Belgium Draw

Pharaohs Prove Mettle With Impressive Belgium Draw

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Egypt's coach Hossam Hassan expressed pride in his team's performance after a 1-1 draw against Belgium in their World Cup opener. Despite coming close to a historic win, Hassan highlighted the team's quality, ambition, and the strong contributions of players like Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, asserting that Egypt is not just there to "make up the numbers." The draw is seen as a significant step in reinventing the national team's identity.

Japan score late to hold Netherlands in Texas thriller

Japan score late to hold Netherlands in Texas thriller

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Japan showed their battling qualities to eke out a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands in their World Cup Group F opener on Sunday, as Hajime Moriyasu's side backed up their desire to make an impact at the tournament with a gritty display.

10 Football Fever Moments From Bollywood

10 Football Fever Moments From Bollywood

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Exploring memorable scenes that celebrate football in the movies.

Infantino: World Cup 2026 on track despite Iran uncertainty

Infantino: World Cup 2026 on track despite Iran uncertainty

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino says the 2026 World Cup will proceed as scheduled despite uncertainty over Iran's participation due to security and geopolitical tensions.

FIFA defends steep prices of World Cup tickets

FIFA defends steep prices of World Cup tickets

Rediff.com29 Dec 2025

'There is football because, and thanks to, these revenues we generate with, and from, the World Cup which we reinvest all over the world.'

Skipper Sciver-Brunt sees T20 World Cup as chance to reset England's legacy

Skipper Sciver-Brunt sees T20 World Cup as chance to reset England's legacy

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

England have underachieved since winning the 2017 Women's World Cup and they are determined to put that right when they host the Twenty20 edition on home soil in June, captain Nat Sciver-Brunt said.

Top Tennis Players End Wimbledon Media Boycott After Talks

Top Tennis Players End Wimbledon Media Boycott After Talks

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Top tennis players have agreed to resume media duties at Wimbledon after constructive talks with organisers, despite core issues regarding prize money and player welfare remaining unresolved. Players had initially cut short pre-tournament media duties to protest for a larger share of Grand Slam revenue and greater say in decision-making.

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.com19 Jun 2026

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.