News for 'football history'

Minerva Academy FC makes history, lifts U-12 World Youth Cup

Minerva Academy FC makes history, lifts U-12 World Youth Cup

Rediff.com6 days ago

India's Minerva Academy FC has been crowned the World Youth Cup 2026 Champions, defeating Brazil's RS Sports 2-1 in the Under-12 final in Gothenburg, Sweden, marking their third youth world title and becoming the first Indian academy to achieve this feat.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Ronaldo ends World Cup drought, creates history in Portugal's must-win clash

FIFA World Cup 2026: Ronaldo ends World Cup drought, creates history in Portugal's must-win clash

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo silenced his critics in emphatic fashion by scoring in Portugal's crucial FIFA World Cup Group K match against Uzbekistan in Houston on Tuesday, becoming the first player in history to score at six different editions of a FIFA World Cup.

Mohanlal@World Cup Final: 'Thank You, Football'

Mohanlal@World Cup Final: 'Thank You, Football'

Rediff.com6 days ago

The 2026 FIFA World Cup Final saw a galaxy of stars on the field and off it.

Kolkata Goes Messi Crazy as Football Legend Turns 39

Kolkata Goes Messi Crazy as Football Legend Turns 39

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Lionel Messi, celebrating his 39th birthday, continues to be a dominant force in football, leading Argentina and achieving new milestones. Fans in Kolkata marked the occasion with grand tributes, including a 30-foot portrait and neighbourhood decorations, honouring the football legend.

15 saves! Curacao Goalkeeper Eloy Room Makes FIFA World Cup History

15 saves! Curacao Goalkeeper Eloy Room Makes FIFA World Cup History

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room made 15 saves in the 0-0 draw with Ecuador -- the most in a 90-minute match in the World Cup history.

Football's race problem resurfaces after Garcia's Senegal remarks

Football's race problem resurfaces after Garcia's Senegal remarks

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Rudi Garcia's comments about Senegal's tactical structure, along with other pundit remarks, have reignited scrutiny over racially coded language in World Cup commentary, drawing criticism from scholars and anti-racism advocates who argue such language perpetuates harmful stereotypes about Black players and African teams.

Messi, Bellingham and history collide in Argentina-England semi-final

Messi, Bellingham and history collide in Argentina-England semi-final

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Lionel Messi's Argentina take on Jude Bellingham's England in a blockbuster FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final, reviving one of football's greatest rivalries with a place in the final on the line.

Asia's Oldest Football Tournament Set To Kick Off

Asia's Oldest Football Tournament Set To Kick Off

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

The Durand Cup, Asia's oldest football tournament, will commence on July 25 and conclude on August 23. This edition will feature 24 teams, including two foreign sides, with matches spread across five cities, including debutant host Ranchi. The tournament continues to be a vital platform for Indian football talent.

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.com7 days ago

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.

Is This The Save Of The World Cup?

Is This The Save Of The World Cup?

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Alireza Beiranvand produced seven saves, including a stunning contender for save of the tournament, as Iran held Belgium to a 0-0 draw at the FIFA World Cup.
The performance capped an extraordinary journey from poverty and homelessness to national hero.

'I should invite Obama, Biden': Trump moots White House football reunion

'I should invite Obama, Biden': Trump moots White House football reunion

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Former President Donald Trump, during a podcast, suggested inviting Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and the Bush family to the White House to watch a football game. This surprising idea came as he read a book about presidents' leisure activities, a notable departure from his usual criticism of Obama and Biden. He also offered rare praise for Bill Clinton and humorous remarks about William Howard Taft.

Guess who became the 1st Asian to reach 5 FIFA World Cups

Guess who became the 1st Asian to reach 5 FIFA World Cups

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Japan's Yuto Nagatomo made history by becoming the first Asian player to feature in five FIFA World Cups during Japan's 1-1 draw against Sweden. This achievement places him among an elite group of players globally. The draw secured both Japan and Sweden's advancement to the Round of 32 in the 2026 tournament.

Spain's 2nd Title in 8 Nations World Cup Club

Spain's 2nd Title in 8 Nations World Cup Club

Rediff.com7 days ago

Since the FIFA World Cup's inaugural tournament in 1930, 23 competitions have occurred up to 2026. Interestingly, only 8 countries have succeeded in claiming the famous trophy and on Sunday, Spain added their second title.

FIFA World Cup: Guess Who Watched Messi Score His Record Goal

FIFA World Cup: Guess Who Watched Messi Score His Record Goal

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Lionel Messi scored twice against Austria to become the FIFA Men's World Cup's all-time leading goalscorer with 18 goals as his family celebrated the historic moment from the stands.

9 World Cup Finals Decided In Extra Time

9 World Cup Finals Decided In Extra Time

Rediff.com6 days ago

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final joined an exclusive list after Spain edged Argentina 1-0 in extra time. This is the ninth time a Cup final went beyond the stipulated 90 minutes,

World Cup 2026: Can Football Unite a Fractured World?

World Cup 2026: Can Football Unite a Fractured World?

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is set to be football's largest tournament but will unfold against a backdrop of significant geopolitical tensions, including conflicts, strained alliances, and complex immigration policies, challenging its traditional role as a symbol of global unity.

Brazil rewrite World Cup history with dramatic comeback victory

Brazil rewrite World Cup history with dramatic comeback victory

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Brazil came from behind to beat Japan 2-1 in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32, recording their first knockout victory after trailing at half-time since 1978 as Casemiro made history and Gabriel Martinelli struck a dramatic late winner.

Spain Dominates World Cup Awards, Messi Misses Golden Ball

Spain Dominates World Cup Awards, Messi Misses Golden Ball

Rediff.com7 days ago

Spain's Rodri claimed the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player, Unai Simon won the Golden Glove, and Pau Cubarsi was named the Best Young Player, leaving Lionel Messi without another personal honour despite his impressive World Cup performance.

Kylian Mbappe is World Cup's all-time leading scorer

Kylian Mbappe is World Cup's all-time leading scorer

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

France striker Kylian Mbappe has become the World Cup's all-time leading scorer with 22 goals, surpassing Lionel Messi's 21 goals, after netting twice in France's third-place play-off match against England.

4 Indian-Origin Footballers At World Cup 2026

4 Indian-Origin Footballers At World Cup 2026

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

India may not be at FIFA World Cup 2026, but four players with Indian roots will represent their nations on football's biggest stage.

Guess How Messi Celebrated His 39th Birthday

Guess How Messi Celebrated His 39th Birthday

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Lionel Messi, on the eve of his 39th birthday, demonstrated his unwavering commitment to Argentina's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign by engaging in an intense gym session. The football legend, who is already the FIFA World Cup's all-time top goalscorer, is leading Argentina into the Round of 16 and continues to break records with his exceptional performance.

FIFA World Cup final marks full-circle moment for Messi and Yamal

FIFA World Cup final marks full-circle moment for Messi and Yamal

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal will face-off as defending champions Argentina meet reigning European champions Spain in the FIFA World Cup final, in New York on Saturday.

FIFA World Cup: Why Argentina Wanted This Kit Against England

FIFA World Cup: Why Argentina Wanted This Kit Against England

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Argentina will wear their navy-and-black away kit for the World Cup semi-final against England, a decision that has sparked fan interest due to the kit's association with past victories against England, including the 1986 'Hand of God' match and the 1998 penalty shootout win. The team hopes this alternate strip brings them continued success.

FIFA World Cup: A B De Villiers Salutes South Africa's World Cup March

FIFA World Cup: A B De Villiers Salutes South Africa's World Cup March

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

South Africa reached the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time after a 1-0 win over South Korea.

FIFA World Cup 2026: France's fearsome attack enters debate over greatest forward line

FIFA World Cup 2026: France's fearsome attack enters debate over greatest forward line

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

France's march into the World Cup last 16 has been built on an attacking force so relentless that comparisons with some of the greatest forward lines in football history are no longer sounding premature.

Ronaldo becomes oldest scorer in FIFA World Cup knockouts

Ronaldo becomes oldest scorer in FIFA World Cup knockouts

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo became the oldest player to score in a FIFA World Cup knockout match, netting a penalty at 41 years and 147 days during Portugal's dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia. This historic goal, his first in a World Cup knockout stage, helped Portugal advance to the Round of 16, with Ronaldo dismissing speculation about his future focus on the tournament.

Andrea Pirlo set for Italy job after Guardiola rejection

Andrea Pirlo set for Italy job after Guardiola rejection

Rediff.com1 days ago

Andrea Pirlo, a 2006 World Cup winner and former Juventus manager, has reportedly been appointed as the new head coach of the Italian national football team on a four-year deal.

AIFF Announces Tentative Football Season Calendar For 2026-27

AIFF Announces Tentative Football Season Calendar For 2026-27

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has released its tentative calendar for the 2026-27 season, featuring the Indian Super League (ISL), Federation Cup, and other key tournaments.

Ronaldo Record Broken! Messi Rewrites FIFA World Cup History

Ronaldo Record Broken! Messi Rewrites FIFA World Cup History

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup record fell as Lionel Messi scored a historic hat-trick and reached 16 tournament goals.

FIFA World Cup: Rivalry and revenge -- the long, bitter relationship between England and Argentina

FIFA World Cup: Rivalry and revenge -- the long, bitter relationship between England and Argentina

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Argentina and England are set to clash in a World Cup semi-final, marking their first such encounter, a match deeply rooted in decades of historical and footballing rivalry, including infamous incidents involving Antonio Rattin, Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal, and the Falklands War.

Three red cards! FIFA World Cup opener makes history

Three red cards! FIFA World Cup opener makes history

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Mexico's national football team secured a significant 2-0 victory over South Africa in their World Cup opening match at the Azteca Stadium. Midfielder Erik Lira expressed confidence, stating 'the sky is the limit' for the team, despite the emotionally challenging game which saw a record three red cards.

Julian Alvarez Lauds Lionel Messi As Argentina Stages Epic World Cup Comeback

Julian Alvarez Lauds Lionel Messi As Argentina Stages Epic World Cup Comeback

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Argentina captain Lionel Messi inspired a dramatic comeback victory over Egypt in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16, prompting teammate Julian Alvarez to hail him as "the best player in the world and in history." Despite missing a penalty, Messi scored a crucial equaliser, leading Argentina to a 3-2 win and a quarter-final clash with Switzerland, keeping their title defence hopes alive.

'This goal belongs to Spain': Torres' historic strike

'This goal belongs to Spain': Torres' historic strike

Rediff.com6 days ago

Spain forward Ferran Torres dedicated his World Cup-winning goal to the entire nation after his extra-time strike secured a 1-0 victory over Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. The 26-year-old's solitary goal of the tournament proved decisive, ending Argentina's hopes of retaining the title and delivering Spain's first World Cup triumph since 2010. The win also extended Spain's unbeaten run to a European-record 38 international matches.

Historic! Messi first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches

Historic! Messi first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Lionel Messi has achieved a new World Cup milestone, becoming the first player to score in seven consecutive matches.

Former England captain and manager Kevin Keegan dies at 75

Former England captain and manager Kevin Keegan dies at 75

Rediff.com6 days ago

Keegan's family and Newcastle announced in January that the two-time European Footballer of the Year was undergoing cancer treatment, without disclosing details of his illness.

Nagaland's Sports Authority Of India Centre Set For Major Upgrade

Nagaland's Sports Authority Of India Centre Set For Major Upgrade

Rediff.com2 days ago

The Sports Authority of India's Training Centre in Dimapur, Nagaland, will be upgraded to a National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) following an MoU with the state government. This multi-phase development will transform the 64-acre Multi-Disciplinary Sports Complex, providing enhanced facilities for athletes in various disciplines.

Salah Stars as Egypt Rewrite History With Maiden World Cup Victory

Salah Stars as Egypt Rewrite History With Maiden World Cup Victory

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Mohamed Salah scored and assisted as Egypt came from behind to beat New Zealand 3-1 in Vancouver, securing the country's first-ever FIFA World Cup victory and moving top of Group G.

BBL creates history, India to host 1st-ever match outside Australia

BBL creates history, India to host 1st-ever match outside Australia

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Melbourne Cricket Ground, announcing India's aspiration to host the 2036 Olympics and welcoming Chennai's role in the Big Bash League. He emphasised cricket as a strong bond between India and Australia, and both PMs unveiled a Roadmap on Sport Cooperation to deepen bilateral ties beyond cricket.

From knee injury to World Cup hero: Rodri's rise

From knee injury to World Cup hero: Rodri's rise

Rediff.com7 days ago

Rodri, Spain's midfield maestro, completed his collection of major football prizes by winning the World Cup, less than two years after a significant knee injury. Named the tournament's best player, he joins an elite group of footballers. Rodri highlighted the importance of overcoming adversity and praised his team's collective effort in their hard-fought victory against Argentina.

No Trophy This Time, Yet Argentina Returned as Heroes

No Trophy This Time, Yet Argentina Returned as Heroes

Rediff.com5 days ago

Despite losing the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, the Argentine national football team received a massive hero's welcome upon their return to Buenos Aires. Thousands of passionate fans gathered at Ezeiza International Airport to celebrate their team, demonstrating that their bond with the players transcends mere results and trophies.