News for 'fifa world cup 2026'

Messi Reveals What Made His Rivalry with Ronaldo Epic

Messi Reveals What Made His Rivalry with Ronaldo Epic

Rediff.com17 May 2025

For 15 years, Messi and Ronaldo battled like no others. Now, Messi shares what made their rivalry so special.

2018 World Cup is the best-ever, says FIFA chief Infantino

2018 World Cup is the best-ever, says FIFA chief Infantino

Rediff.com13 Jul 2018

FIFA president Gianni Infantino promised that the tournament would leave a lasting legacy and there are "concrete plans" to make sure the stadiums are used in the future.

FIFA to expand World Cup teams to 48. Do you support the move?

FIFA to expand World Cup teams to 48. Do you support the move?

Rediff.com11 Jan 2017

The new format will be made up of 16 groups of three teams.

'FIFA decision process on 48 World Cup teams unacceptable'

'FIFA decision process on 48 World Cup teams unacceptable'

Rediff.com28 Mar 2017

The ECA, an organisation representing 220 soccer clubs, opposes the world governing body's decision which Rummenigge, the former Germany international who is also Bayern Munich's chief executive, has previously dismissed as "nonsense".

FIFA agrees to expand football World Cup to 48 teams

FIFA agrees to expand football World Cup to 48 teams

Rediff.com10 Jan 2017

The World Cup will expand to 48 teams from its current 32, starting with the 2026 edition of football's showpiece tournament.

PIX: Israel anthem booed as Italy register easy win

PIX: Israel anthem booed as Italy register easy win

Rediff.com15 Oct 2025

Italy beat Israel 3-0 at home on Tuesday thanks to a Mateo Retegui double and a late goal from Gianluca Mancini.

FIFA rankings: India plummet further

FIFA rankings: India plummet further

Rediff.com4 Apr 2024

Reigning world champions Argentina continue to top the chart followed by 2022 World Cup runners-up France, England, Belgium and Brazil.

Kali Choudhury: From Hemet To Hollywood Park

Kali Choudhury: From Hemet To Hollywood Park

Rediff.com30 Sep 2025

Dr Kali P Choudhury, a visionary entrepreneur immigrated to the United States with almost nothing and built his estate in Hemet before turning his focus to Inglewood.

World Cup quarters a step too far for underdogs Poland

World Cup quarters a step too far for underdogs Poland

Rediff.com4 Dec 2022

Lewandowski huffed and puffed, but he cut a lonely and frustrated figure

Stimac sets World Cup qualification target, vows to resign if India fails

Stimac sets World Cup qualification target, vows to resign if India fails

Rediff.com25 Mar 2024

Stimac has prioritised qualification to the third round and secure a direct entry into the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

US, Mexico to submit bid to co-host 2027 Women's World Cup

US, Mexico to submit bid to co-host 2027 Women's World Cup

Rediff.com20 Apr 2023

US Soccer (USSF) and Mexico's football federation (FMF) have until May 19 to formally submit their 'Bidding Agreement'.

FIFA must look to own future after World Cup vote

FIFA must look to own future after World Cup vote

Rediff.com3 Dec 2010

FIFA has put to bed the thorny subject of World Cup hosting for the foreseeable future and will now have time to ponder its own path forwards after a tumultuous couple of months.

It's Official! Kerala to host Messi-Led Argentina!

It's Official! Kerala to host Messi-Led Argentina!

Rediff.com23 Aug 2025

The match will take place between November 10 and 18, and is likely to be played Kochi.

VAR will be used at Russia World Cup, says FIFA

VAR will be used at Russia World Cup, says FIFA

Rediff.com17 Mar 2018

Video assistant referees (VARs) will be used at the World Cup for the first time in this year's finals in Russia, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said on Friday, and teams will be allowed a fourth substitute in matches that go to extra-time.

How World Cup achievers Morocco can galvanise African football

How World Cup achievers Morocco can galvanise African football

Rediff.com16 Dec 2022

Morocco change the mood for African football with exploits in Qatar

FIFA scam: Morocco denies bribe allegations over 1998 World Cup bid

FIFA scam: Morocco denies bribe allegations over 1998 World Cup bid

Rediff.com15 Jun 2015

US authorities are investigating corruption at FIFA, soccer's global governing body, while Swiss prosecutors have announced their own criminal inquiry into the 2018 and 2022 bids awarded, respectively, to Russia and Qatar.

Infantino suggests 40-team World Cup in 2026

Infantino suggests 40-team World Cup in 2026

Rediff.com30 Mar 2016

Broadening the World Cup finals to include 40 teams could come about in 2026, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said during a tour of South America on Tuesday.

'Being on the pitch is a blessing I've never taken for granted'

'Being on the pitch is a blessing I've never taken for granted'

Rediff.com29 May 2024

'...there's a feeling of being indebted to the sport, to my team, that I get to do this.'

PIX: Time draws close for Chhetri's final hurrah

PIX: Time draws close for Chhetri's final hurrah

Rediff.com30 May 2024

Chhetri, who has scored 94 goals from 150 international appearances and the other 26 around him will now continue their training camp in Kolkata, where they will have their first on-field training session on Thursday, May 30.

Bhubaneswar, Guwahati to host two FIFA WC qualifiers

Bhubaneswar, Guwahati to host two FIFA WC qualifiers

Rediff.com2 Sep 2023

The hosts for India's home leg against Kuwait on June 6 next year will be confirmed at a later date.

Why FIFA should abandon proposal to increase number of teams at World Cup

Why FIFA should abandon proposal to increase number of teams at World Cup

Rediff.com19 Mar 2019

Xavi, who won the World Cup with Spain in 2010 and is seeing out his career in Qatar with top-flight club Al Sadd, said 48 teams would not be the right option for 2022, however.

How much green would a 48 team FIFA WC format rake in?

How much green would a 48 team FIFA WC format rake in?

Rediff.com14 Dec 2022

FIFA conceded earlier this year they were concerned about the possibility of contrived results where two teams could engineer a positive result for both, which would eliminate the third group team not playing.

Stimac sacked after India's exit from WC qualifiers

Stimac sacked after India's exit from WC qualifiers

Rediff.com17 Jun 2024

Following a virtual meeting on June 16th, 2024, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced a change in leadership for the Senior Men's National Team.

Trump policies cloud potential US World Cup bid

Trump policies cloud potential US World Cup bid

Rediff.com1 Feb 2017

President Donald Trump's controversial immigration policies could hurt an expected U.S. bid to host the 2026 World Cup although plenty of time remains for concerns to ease before the decision by world soccer's governing body FIFA.

FIFA president Infantino visits Trump, White House

FIFA president Infantino visits Trump, White House

Rediff.com17 Sep 2020

Infantino travelled to Washington to discuss the establishment of a FIFA headquarters in the US

FIFA WC Qualifiers: India draw blank vs Afghanistan

FIFA WC Qualifiers: India draw blank vs Afghanistan

Rediff.com22 Mar 2024

India and Afghanistan settled for a 0-0 draw

Exposure to teams has India prepared for WC qualifiers: Chhetri

Exposure to teams has India prepared for WC qualifiers: Chhetri

Rediff.com13 Nov 2023

Chhetri also added that India will rely more on teamwork than individual flair to give a tough fight to their rivals.

FIFA WC: Mexico will revamp it's football structure

FIFA WC: Mexico will revamp it's football structure

Rediff.com2 Dec 2022

"We have long faces, we deserved something more, but that's football," AEK Athens player Pineda, 26, told ESPN.

Mourinho backs World Cup expansion, video technology

Mourinho backs World Cup expansion, video technology

Rediff.com6 Jan 2017

Jose Mourinho believes an expanded World Cup tournament would develop the sport in areas lacking strong soccer foundations without proving to be a burden for both clubs or players in major leagues.

Trump's wall no concern with CONCACAF's likely joint World Cup bid

Trump's wall no concern with CONCACAF's likely joint World Cup bid

Rediff.com17 Feb 2017

The CONCACAF region is widely viewed as favourite to host the 2026 tournament given FIFA rules that restrict Europe and Asia from hosting again so quickly.

Why there's optimism about Indian women's football

Why there's optimism about Indian women's football

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

'In the women's landscape, there are fewer years to correct.'

2-tier Test system; T20 WC expansion: Key points of ICC meeting

2-tier Test system; T20 WC expansion: Key points of ICC meeting

Rediff.com16 Jul 2025

The much-debated idea of a two-tier Test system, expansion of the T20 World Cup and ratification of new members are some of the topics that will be discussed in depth during the four-day AGM of the International Cricket Council.

PIX: Shock loss for Italy in Oslo

PIX: Shock loss for Italy in Oslo

Rediff.com7 Jun 2025

IMAGES from the European Qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

'We have an able coach in Manolo Marquez'

'We have an able coach in Manolo Marquez'

Rediff.com10 Dec 2024

'I know it's a pressure on the boys that it has been one year, but soon we will win a game. Don't worry, we are on the right track.'

Maradona backs plans to expand World Cup to 48 teams

Maradona backs plans to expand World Cup to 48 teams

Rediff.com10 Jan 2017

Diego Maradona is delighted by plans to expand the World Cup to 48 teams and Argentina's former captain said on Monday that it would rekindle interest in the tournament.

US led FIFA probe should not harm expected 2026 bid: analysts

US led FIFA probe should not harm expected 2026 bid: analysts

Rediff.com29 May 2015

America's chances of hosting the 2026 World Cup are not likely to be hurt by a US led corruption investigation that has ensnared key figures in FIFA, world soccer's governing body, analysts said on Thursday.

AIFF forced to pay millions to former coach

AIFF forced to pay millions to former coach

Rediff.com8 Sep 2024

The AIFF sacked Stimac in June, terminating his contract exactly a year before it was to expire in the wake of the side's ouster from the second round of FIFA World Cup Qualifiers despite getting a relatively easy draw.

India's FIFA WC dream: Gurpreet steps up as captain

India's FIFA WC dream: Gurpreet steps up as captain

Rediff.com9 Jun 2024

Gurpreet named India captain for World Cup qualifying match against Qatar

FIFA signs 'landmark agreement' with clubs

FIFA signs 'landmark agreement' with clubs

Rediff.com27 Mar 2023

FIFA also announced a newly structured international calendar which its president Gianni Infantino said had been endorsed by the ECA.

'You've held the flag high, Sunil Chhetri!'

'You've held the flag high, Sunil Chhetri!'

Rediff.com7 Jun 2024

The Asian Football Confederation tweeted, "94 International Goals. Carried the hopes of a nation! Thank You Asian Football Icon, Sunil Chhetri."