News for 'fifa'

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.

Donald Trump says it is not appropriate for Iran to be in FIFA World Cup

Donald Trump says it is not appropriate for Iran to be in FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday the Iranian men's national soccer team was welcome to participate in the 2026 World Cup but that he believed it was not appropriate that they be there "for their own life and safety."

India U-17 Football Team Eye World Cup Spot

India U-17 Football Team Eye World Cup Spot

Rediff.com9 May 2026

India's Under-17 men's team faces Uzbekistan in their final AFC U-17 Asian Cup group match, with a win potentially securing qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Neymar earns Brazil World Cup recall under Ancelotti

Neymar earns Brazil World Cup recall under Ancelotti

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Carlo Ancelotti has recalled Neymar to Brazil's squad for next month's FIFA World Cup, backing the veteran forward's fitness and experience despite his injury-disrupted recent years.

India Finalises Squad For SAFF Women's Championship 2026

India Finalises Squad For SAFF Women's Championship 2026

Rediff.com23 May 2026

India has announced its 23-member squad for the SAFF Women's Championship 2026, set to take place in Goa. The team will compete against Maldives and Bangladesh in Group B, with the top two teams advancing to the semi-finals.

Koeman Backs Netherlands To Beat Any Team At World Cup

Koeman Backs Netherlands To Beat Any Team At World Cup

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Ronald Koeman says the Netherlands have the quality to beat any team at the World Cup despite not being favourites, while injury concerns linger over Jurrien Timber and Memphis Depay.

India U-17 Squad Named For AFC Asian Cup

India U-17 Squad Named For AFC Asian Cup

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Bibiano Fernandes has announced the 23-member Indian squad for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup, set to begin in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on May 5. The team is currently in Doha for friendly matches before heading to Jeddah.

The rise of Kvaratskhelia: From little-known Georgian talent to PSG's elite weapon

The rise of Kvaratskhelia: From little-known Georgian talent to PSG's elite weapon

Rediff.com5 days ago

As PSG prepare for another showdown, against Arsenal at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, the Georgian has become one of the symbols of Luis Enrique's exhilarating side, adding improvisation and menace to a team already overflowing with attacking talent.

India's Football Team Bows Out Of Unity Cup After Loss To Jamaica

India's Football Team Bows Out Of Unity Cup After Loss To Jamaica

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Indian men's football team experienced a disappointing debut in the Unity Cup, losing 2-0 to Jamaica in the semi-finals held in London.

India's Unity Cup Campaign Ends With Loss To Zimbabwe

India's Unity Cup Campaign Ends With Loss To Zimbabwe

Rediff.com3 days ago

India's Unity Cup campaign concluded with a 1-0 defeat against Zimbabwe in the third-place play-off, with Prince Dube's first-half penalty proving decisive.

Khalid Jamil announces 28-member preliminary Indian squad for Unity Cup in London

Khalid Jamil announces 28-member preliminary Indian squad for Unity Cup in London

Rediff.com14 May 2026

India's senior men's team head coach, Khalid Jamil, has announced a 28-member preliminary squad for the Unity Cup in London, featuring four goalkeepers and eight forwards.

Will Iran pull out of FIFA World Cup 2026 in US, Canada, Mexico?

Will Iran pull out of FIFA World Cup 2026 in US, Canada, Mexico?

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Iran's participation in this year's World Cup has been called into question after co-hosts the United States launched joint air strikes at the country along with Israel at the weekend.

India's Football Team Suffers Defeat Against Jamaica In Unity Cup

India's Football Team Suffers Defeat Against Jamaica In Unity Cup

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Indian men's national football team was defeated by Jamaica in the semifinal of the Unity Cup 2026, held in London. Jamaica will now proceed to the final, while India will compete for third place against Zimbabwe.

Drug lord El Mencho's murder: FIFA monitoring World Cup host city

Drug lord El Mencho's murder: FIFA monitoring World Cup host city

Rediff.com24 Feb 2026

Guadalajara violence postpones matches, FIFA monitoring World Cup host city

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.

Mexico legend Ochoa closes in on historic sixth World Cup appearance

Mexico legend Ochoa closes in on historic sixth World Cup appearance

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Guillermo Ochoa said he has entered his final Mexico training camp as the veteran goalkeeper closes in on a historic sixth FIFA World Cup appearance in 2026.

'Visca El Barca!' Messi congratulates La Liga champions FC Barcelona

'Visca El Barca!' Messi congratulates La Liga champions FC Barcelona

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Lionel Messi congratulated FC Barcelona after their 29th La Liga title win over Real Madrid, recalling his legendary trophy-laden legacy with the Catalan giants.

Shock omission! Maguire dropped from England's World Cup squad

Shock omission! Maguire dropped from England's World Cup squad

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Harry Maguire was left shocked after being omitted from England's World Cup squad by Thomas Tuchel, while Phil Foden and Cole Palmer were also reportedly dropped ahead of Friday's announcement.

Spain go to World Cup without Real Madrid for first time since 1950

Spain go to World Cup without Real Madrid for first time since 1950

Rediff.com25 May 2026

European champions Spain will travel to next month's World Cup with plenty of Barcelona swagger but no-one from Real Madrid after manager Luis de la Fuente named a 26-man squad on Monday built around eight players from the Catalan club.

SKASports To Develop Regional Sports Ecosystem With Singapore Club

SKASports To Develop Regional Sports Ecosystem With Singapore Club

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Chennai-based SKASports Investments Private Ltd has signed an agreement with a Singapore club to develop a regional sports ecosystem that would tap the large pool of footballers and coaches from India.

'Stop the Game': Irish footballers, celebrities demand Israel boycott

'Stop the Game': Irish footballers, celebrities demand Israel boycott

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Irish footballers, celebrities and campaigners have urged the FAI to boycott UEFA Nations League matches against Israel, citing the Gaza conflict and alleged breaches of FIFA and UEFA statutes.

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Receives Signed Lionel Messi Jersey

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Receives Signed Lionel Messi Jersey

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma received a signed Lionel Messi jersey and expressed his excitement on social media.

India's U-17 Women's Team Makes History At Asian Cup

India's U-17 Women's Team Makes History At Asian Cup

Rediff.com8 May 2026

The India U-17 women's team achieved a historic milestone by qualifying for the quarterfinals of the AFC Under-17 Women's Asian Cup for the first time, following a dominant 4-0 victory over Lebanon. Pritika Barman scored twice, while Alva Devi Senjam and Joya added to the scoreline, securing India's place in the next round.

No Foden, Palmer as Tuchel unveils bold England World Cup squad

No Foden, Palmer as Tuchel unveils bold England World Cup squad

Rediff.com22 May 2026

England manager Thomas Tuchel made several bold selection calls for the World Cup, leaving out Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Harry Maguire while recalling Ivan Toney and backing a new-look squad built on chemistry and trust.

Ronaldo judged on form not age, says head coach Martinez as Portugal weigh World Cup role

Ronaldo judged on form not age, says head coach Martinez as Portugal weigh World Cup role

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo is 41, but Portugal coach Roberto Martinez said age is only a number and that his captain is judged on current form and by the same standards as everyone else.

Italy rejects Trump envoy's suggestion to replace Iran at World Cup

Italy rejects Trump envoy's suggestion to replace Iran at World Cup

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Italy rejects a proposal by Trump envoy Paolo Zampolli to replace Iran at the FIFA World Cup 2026, as officials insist qualification must be earned on merit.

India U17 Women's Team Loses To Australia In Asian Cup Opener

India U17 Women's Team Loses To Australia In Asian Cup Opener

Rediff.com2 May 2026

India's U17 women's football team lost 0-2 to Australia in their opening match of the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup in Suzhou, China. Theodora Mouithys scored for Australia, and an own goal by Abhista Basnett sealed India's defeat.

India U17 Women Secure Historic Asian Cup Qualification

India U17 Women Secure Historic Asian Cup Qualification

Rediff.com8 May 2026

India's U17 women's team achieved a historic milestone by qualifying for the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup quarter-finals for the first time, following a dominant 4-0 victory against Lebanon. The team's progress was confirmed after other group results went their way. They will now face China in the quarter-finals.

AIFF Approves Governance Act, Postpones ISL Commercial Partner Decision

AIFF Approves Governance Act, Postpones ISL Commercial Partner Decision

Rediff.com23 May 2026

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has approved the adoption of the National Sports Governance Act but deferred a decision on picking a new commercial partner for the Indian Super League (ISL) during its Special General Body Meeting.

India U17s Seek To Bounce Back Against Uzbekistan

India U17s Seek To Bounce Back Against Uzbekistan

Rediff.com7 May 2026

India U17 team will look to bounce back from their defeat against Australia as they face Uzbekistan in their final Group D match of the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 campaign.

'Not achieved anything': FIFA boss Infantino supports lifting ban on Russia

'Not achieved anything': FIFA boss Infantino supports lifting ban on Russia

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

Russian clubs and the national team have been suspended from FIFA and UEFA competitions since the country invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

Canadian League Sees First Goal Under 'Daylight' Off-side Rule

Canadian League Sees First Goal Under 'Daylight' Off-side Rule

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

A goal scored under soccer's experimental 'daylight' offside rule was allowed for the first time in a professional match in the Canadian Premier League.

France striker Ekitike out of FIFA World Cup with ruptured Achilles

France striker Ekitike out of FIFA World Cup with ruptured Achilles

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

France forward Hugo Ekitike suffered a ruptured Achilles during Liverpool's Champions League clash against Paris St Germain on Tuesday.

Why India's Football Is Relegated To AFC Challenge League

Why India's Football Is Relegated To AFC Challenge League

Rediff.com22 May 2026

India's football faces a setback as it receives only one play-off slot for the 2027-28 AFC Challenge League, the third tier of Asia's club structure, due to administrative issues and declining performance.

Defensive Errors Cost India In U-17 Asian Cup Loss

Defensive Errors Cost India In U-17 Asian Cup Loss

Rediff.com6 May 2026

India's Under-17 AFC Asian Cup campaign began with a 0-4 defeat to Australia, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities and missed opportunities.

Why Bengal Is Removing Salt Lake Stadium Football Sculpture

Why Bengal Is Removing Salt Lake Stadium Football Sculpture

Rediff.com18 May 2026

The West Bengal government plans to remove the football-themed sculpture outside Salt Lake Stadium, designed by former chief minister Mamata Banerjee, and upgrade the venue's infrastructure.

France striker Kylian Mbappe diagnosed with hamstring injury ahead of World Cup

France striker Kylian Mbappe diagnosed with hamstring injury ahead of World Cup

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has suffered a hamstring injury, the LaLiga club said on Monday, weeks before the start of the World Cup.

How India's Young Tigresses Roared Into Asian Cup Quarters

How India's Young Tigresses Roared Into Asian Cup Quarters

Rediff.com8 May 2026

India's U-17 women's team secured a historic 4-0 victory against Lebanon, propelling them into the AFC U-17 Women's Asian Cup quarter-finals for the first time. Pritika Barman scored twice, fulfilling her promise to open the scoring, while Alva Devi Senjam added another goal in the crucial win.

India U17 Football Team Ready For Australia Challenge

India U17 Football Team Ready For Australia Challenge

Rediff.com5 May 2026

India's U17 football team is set to compete in the AFC U17 Asian Cup, starting with a challenging match against Australia. Coach Bibiano Fernandes emphasises the importance of staying organised and focused throughout the tournament.

Iran 'will play' at 2026 World Cup, says Infantino amid concerns

Iran 'will play' at 2026 World Cup, says Infantino amid concerns

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirms Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup despite geopolitical tensions, urging that sport remain separate from politics.