News for 'fifa'

AIFF Secretary Rubbishes Corruption Claims Against President Chaubey

AIFF Secretary Rubbishes Corruption Claims Against President Chaubey

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) secretary M Satyanarayanan has refuted allegations of corruption against president Kalyan Chaubey, stating that no concrete evidence has been found.

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.

September 4 Start Confirmed for ISL, But AIFF Defers League Structure Decision

September 4 Start Confirmed for ISL, But AIFF Defers League Structure Decision

Rediff.com5 days ago

The AIFF has approved a September 4 start for the 2026-27 Indian Super League but deferred a final decision on the league's governance structure, with further discussions set to continue between the federation and ISL clubs.

Beckham tips Japan to pull off surprise at World Cup

Beckham tips Japan to pull off surprise at World Cup

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

David Beckham has tipped Japan as a dark horse for the 2026 FIFA World Cup while backing England to end their 60-year wait for glory. The former captain also highlighted France, Spain, Argentina and Brazil as title contenders.

Kylian Mbappe's Double Secures France's Easy World Cup Victory Over Iraq Amidst Weather Delays

Kylian Mbappe's Double Secures France's Easy World Cup Victory Over Iraq Amidst Weather Delays

Rediff.com3 days ago

Kylian Mbappe scored two goals, equalling Miroslav Klose's World Cup record, as France defeated Iraq 3-0 to advance to the last 32. The match was significantly delayed by thunderstorms, but France maintained control with Ousmane Dembele also scoring. Iraq's chances of progressing now depend on their final group match and other results.

Defiant Cape Verde hold Uruguay to 2-2 draw in Miami thriller

Defiant Cape Verde hold Uruguay to 2-2 draw in Miami thriller

Rediff.com4 days ago

Cape Verde pulled off a stunning 2-2 draw against two-time World Cup winners Uruguay in Miami on Sunday.

Smriti Mandhana Named in TIME's 100 Most Influential People in Sports 2026

Smriti Mandhana Named in TIME's 100 Most Influential People in Sports 2026

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Smriti Mandhana is the only Indian named in TIME's 100 Most Influential People in Sports 2026 list, joining global icons such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and LeBron James after another record-breaking year in cricket.

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.

10 Football Fever Moments From Bollywood

10 Football Fever Moments From Bollywood

Rediff.com3 days ago

Exploring memorable scenes that celebrate football in the movies.

Historic! Iraq seals last FIFA World Cup spot after 40 years

Historic! Iraq seals last FIFA World Cup spot after 40 years

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Iraq defeated Bolivia 2-1 in an inter-confederation playoff to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 40 years. Aymen Hussein scored the winning goal, securing Iraq's place in Group I alongside France, Norway, and Senegal.

Saudi Arabia coach rues lack of intensity in draw with Uruguay

Saudi Arabia coach rues lack of intensity in draw with Uruguay

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Saudi Arabia coach Georgios Donis said his players lacked self-confidence in the second as they failed to hold on to their lead with Maxi Araujo equalising for Uruguay in the 2nd half.

AIFF Rushes Replacements After Mohun Bagan Withdraws Players

AIFF Rushes Replacements After Mohun Bagan Withdraws Players

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has added five players to the national team for the Unity Cup in London after Mohun Bagan Super Giants withdrew their players. The AIFF is working to secure visas for the new players before the first match against Jamaica.

Iran's football team trains in Turkey ahead of FIFA World Cup warm-ups

Iran's football team trains in Turkey ahead of FIFA World Cup warm-ups

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Iran's national football team is training in Turkey for upcoming friendlies as they prepare for the FIFA World Cup, facing heightened attention due to geopolitical tensions.

Thousands Rally For Iran's World Cup Team Amid Visa Concerns

Thousands Rally For Iran's World Cup Team Amid Visa Concerns

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Iran hosted a large send-off rally for its World Cup team in Tehran, despite ongoing concerns about visa issues for entry into the United States, where the team is scheduled to play its group matches.

SAFF Women's C'ship: India edge Bhutan to set up title clash with Bangladesh

SAFF Women's C'ship: India edge Bhutan to set up title clash with Bangladesh

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Five-time champions India booked their place in the final of the SAFF Women's Championship with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over a resolute Bhutan in the second semifinal in Margao on Wednesday.

Kosovo Dreams Of FIFA World Cup Spot After Overcoming Sporting Ban

Kosovo Dreams Of FIFA World Cup Spot After Overcoming Sporting Ban

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Kosovo is on the brink of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time, a significant achievement after overcoming a sporting ban during Serbian rule in the 1990s.

Middle East travel chaos threatens Iraq's FIFA World Cup hopes

Middle East travel chaos threatens Iraq's FIFA World Cup hopes

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Iraq's participation in the inter-confederation play-offs in Mexico that will decide two berths at this year's FIFA World Cup is in doubt because of the travel chaos triggered by the conflict in neighbouring Iran.

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.

America set to catch 'Lamine Fever' as Spain chase another WC title

America set to catch 'Lamine Fever' as Spain chase another WC title

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Lamine Yamal exploded into view at 16 and became an integral part of Spain's record fourth European Championship triumph in 2024.

Real Madrid confirm head coach Alvaro Arbeloa's exit

Real Madrid confirm head coach Alvaro Arbeloa's exit

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Real Madrid confirmed that they have parted ways with head coach Alvaro Arbeloa after reaching a mutual agreement, the Spanish club said on Tuesday.

India concede late to settle for draw with Tajikistan in second friendly

India concede late to settle for draw with Tajikistan in second friendly

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

India's national football team played out a 1-1 draw against Tajikistan in their second international friendly. Vikram Partap Singh scored for India, but a late penalty conceded by a defensive lapse allowed Tajikistan to equalise. This match, following a 1-3 loss in the first friendly, is part of India's preparations for future international assignments.

Australian-Born Ryan Williams Poised For India Debut After FIFA Clearance

Australian-Born Ryan Williams Poised For India Debut After FIFA Clearance

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Australian-born forward Ryan Williams is set to make his debut for India in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier against Hong Kong after FIFA cleared his change of association.

India knocked out of AFC U-17 race after 2nd loss

India knocked out of AFC U-17 race after 2nd loss

Rediff.com11 May 2026

India's chances of qualifying for the FIFA U-17 World Cup suffered a major blow after losing to Uzbekistan in their AFC U-17 Asian Cup group match.

The perfect pitch is the goal for World Cup grass growers

The perfect pitch is the goal for World Cup grass growers

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

From Mexico to Canada, across 16 stadiums in wildly different climates, the continental tournament is putting turf science to its ultimate test. The goal: creating living surfaces that can withstand kicks, studs, tackles and scorching summer heat.

70-foot Messi statue in Kolkata taken down over safety concerns

70-foot Messi statue in Kolkata taken down over safety concerns

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

A 70-foot statue of football legend Lionel Messi was removed from Kolkata's Lake Town area on Monday after concerns were raised about its safety.

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.com7 days ago

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.

Injury-riddled Brazil face Morocco test in World Cup opener

Injury-riddled Brazil face Morocco test in World Cup opener

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Carlos Ancelotti's Brazil commence their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against plucky Morocco, who come into the mega event on the back of some pre-tournament turbulence.

Iran bans teams from hostile nations, FIFA World Cup at risk

Iran bans teams from hostile nations, FIFA World Cup at risk

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Iran has banned national and club sports teams from travelling to countries it considers hostile, citing concerns over the safety of its athletes.

World Cup bus set alight as chaotic celebrations erupt in Manhattan after Knicks win

World Cup bus set alight as chaotic celebrations erupt in Manhattan after Knicks win

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

A World Cup bus was set alight and a teenager suffered a gunshot wound during chaotic scenes in Midtown Manhattan as thousands of basketball fans poured into the streets late on Saturday to celebrate the New York Knicks' historic win in the NBA Finals.

India seek redemption and silverware against defending champs Bangladesh

India seek redemption and silverware against defending champs Bangladesh

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Five-time champions India take on defending champions Bangladesh in the SAFF Women's Championship 2026 final, with the hosts aiming to end a seven-year title drought and reclaim regional supremacy.

Indian Super League moves to club-led model as September 4 kick-off confirmed

Indian Super League moves to club-led model as September 4 kick-off confirmed

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has agreed "in principle" to the club-led model of running the Indian Super League (ISL) for two years and has conveyed it to the sports minister, a top official said on Tuesday.

LaLiga: Jose Mourinho returns to face massive Real Madrid rescue mission

LaLiga: Jose Mourinho returns to face massive Real Madrid rescue mission

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Real Madrid appointed Jose Mourinho as their new manager on a three-year contract on Thursday, turning back to the Portuguese tactician who once delivered them a record-breaking LaLiga triumph but has not won a league title since leaving the Spanish capital.

Neeraj Chopra skips Doha meet as focus shifts to recovery

Neeraj Chopra skips Doha meet as focus shifts to recovery

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Star Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra is set to miss the Doha Diamond League, to be held on June 19, as he is still recuperating from a back injury in Switzerland.

Despite Hurdles, World Cup Fans Find Unique Charm In Toronto

Despite Hurdles, World Cup Fans Find Unique Charm In Toronto

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Despite initial challenges like unsold tickets and a rained-out fan festival, visitors are flocking to Toronto for the first-ever World Cup soccer match in Canada. Fans are drawn by factors such as lower drinking age compared to the US, cultural similarities, and Canada's diverse immigrant population, creating a unique and determined atmosphere for the tournament.

Cape Verde keeper Vozinha set for emotional World Cup reunion with mom

Cape Verde keeper Vozinha set for emotional World Cup reunion with mom

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Cape Verde's heroic goalkeeper Vozinha will have his mother in the stands when he next takes to the pitch at the World Cup on Sunday, after US officials moved to ensure she could obtain a visa in time.

Turkey END 24-year wait to reach FIFA World Cup again

Turkey END 24-year wait to reach FIFA World Cup again

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Turkey has qualified for the 2026 World Cup after a 24-year absence, defeating Kosovo in their playoff final. Kerem Akturkoglu's goal secured the victory, sparking celebrations across Turkey.

Iranian football team is welcome to play in FIFA World Cup in US: Donald Trump

Iranian football team is welcome to play in FIFA World Cup in US: Donald Trump

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on Wednesday that he met with United States President Donald Trump, who told him he welcomed Iran's participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Neymar suffers minor calf injury but expected to join Brazil camp ahead of World Cup

Neymar suffers minor calf injury but expected to join Brazil camp ahead of World Cup

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Neymar has suffered a minor calf injury but is expected to recover in time to join Brazil's camp next week ahead of the World Cup starting on June 11 in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

New York Knicks Victory Leads To Chaotic Celebrations, Bus Fire, And Shooting

New York Knicks Victory Leads To Chaotic Celebrations, Bus Fire, And Shooting

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

Thousands of New York Knicks fans celebrated their NBA Finals victory in Midtown Manhattan, leading to chaotic scenes including a World Cup bus being set alight and a teenager suffering a gunshot wound in Times Square. Police eventually intervened to disperse the unruly crowds.

Local clubs hope World Cup fuels soccer growth in the United States

Local clubs hope World Cup fuels soccer growth in the United States

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup comes to the United States, Bay Area soccer clubs and supporters hope the tournament will inspire a new generation of fans and strengthen the region's thriving grassroots football culture.