West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has assured the All India Football Federation of full government support to host India's biggest-ever international football fixture against five-time World Cup champions Brazil in Kolkata on October 3. This historic match will be India's first against a top-five FIFA-ranked nation, offering crucial exposure to the national team despite initial concerns over crowd management.
The video showed some WAPDA players chasing the match referee into his changing room and he was also reportedly physically abused by them before being rescued by other officials and players.
CONMEBOL has postponed two continental club matches following a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake in western Colombia that killed at least 164 people, with revised dates and venues to be announced later.
The 65th Subroto Cup International Football Tournament commenced in New Delhi, featuring a junior girls' match where Meghalaya defeated Chandigarh 2-0. The opening ceremony included vibrant performances and an address by Air Marshal S Sivakumar, highlighting the tournament's role in promoting young talent.
The Bombay High Court has expressed strong displeasure with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for approving the conversion of the Neville D'Souza football ground in Bandra into an exhibition centre, despite an earlier oral assurance to maintain status quo. The court has ordered the BMC to halt further action and questioned the impact on outdoor sports.
The All India Football Federation's decision to field two separate teams for the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup and an international friendly against Brazil has sparked controversy.
An Argentine war veterans federation has urged football fans to prioritise the World Cup semi-final against England as a sporting event, rather than using it to reignite sovereignty claims over the Falkland/Malvinas Islands. They emphasised diplomacy for territorial disputes and called for respect for fallen soldiers without promoting hatred.
Riyad Mahrez, the Algerian football star, has announced his retirement from international football following Algeria's elimination from the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 by Switzerland. Mahrez confirmed his decision after Algeria's 2-0 defeat, concluding a distinguished career with 119 appearances, 40 goals, and 45 assists, including a pivotal role in Algeria's 2019 Africa Cup of Nations victory.
The India U20 men's football team played a 0-0 draw against Yemen in the first of two friendly matches in Bengaluru, as part of their preparation for the upcoming AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers.
Jamshedpur FC players, including senior India footballers, have made an emotional appeal to the Tata Group to reverse its decision to withdraw the club from the Indian Super League (ISL) and dismantle the senior team, citing the impact on young players and the future of Indian football.
Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff will not be participating in Mumbay FC's Durand Cup match against Nongkseh SS&CC due to a last-minute work commitment.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) is in advanced negotiations to bring its national football team to Kolkata, India, for a friendly match in early October, marking a significant event for the region's large Brazilian fan base.
Leading African football administrators have publicly expressed their support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino, offering him crucial backing ahead of next March's presidential election, despite his recent decision to abandon a controversial plan to sell a stake in future World Cup revenue.
As the sport's popularity spread across the world, it developed its own colourful language/expressions. From clever slang to bizarre nicknames, the game's changing culture has thrown up some rather unusual turn of phrase. Here are 8 of the strangest football terms ever used.
The India U20 men's football team secured a 3-0 victory over Singapore in the first of two friendly matches held in Bengaluru, as they prepare for the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers.
Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly set to retire from international football in September, with speculation suggesting his final match will be Portugal's UEFA Nations League fixture against Wales.
FIFA's proposal to create a $20 billion subsidiary for the World Cup highlights the intricate balance of power in global football, where the governing body's authority is often challenged by the significant commercial strength of UEFA, particularly in Europe.
Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos addressed Lionel Messi's return to play following the recent demise of his father, Jorge. Hoyos emphasised the need for "silence, calm and peace" for Messi to grieve and dictate his schedule, highlighting the club's supportive approach as they manage the superstar's on-field comeback amidst crucial MLS fixtures.
Tata Steel has announced the sale of its entire 100% equity stake in Jamshedpur Football to Churchill Brothers for Rs 100.
Spain's young football star Lamine Yamal, celebrating his 19th birthday, spoke about football's power to foster integration and unity ahead of the World Cup semi-final against France, while also sharing light-hearted moments about his family and personal milestones.
'Our biggest opportunity lies with the younger age-group teams.' 'If you look at the senior national team, our chances are about 50-50.' 'The gap becomes smaller as you move down the age groups.' 'At the Under-20 level, it's closer to 60-40.' 'By the Under-17 level, it's around 80-20. That's where I feel we have our best chance.'
The Indian men's football team will embark on its first-ever tour of New Zealand in November for two international friendlies. This historic visit, part of '100 Years of Unity Through Sport' initiatives, marks India's return to an Oceania Football Confederation nation after nearly two decades and offers a valuable challenge against a FIFA World Cup-experienced side.
Former AC Milan and Italy defender Franco Baresi, one of the most recognisable players of the golden era of Italian football in the 1980s and 1990s, has died at the age of 66, his former club said on Friday.
La Liga president Javier Tebas has called for FIFA president Gianni Infantino to resign, accusing the global governing body of 'destroying the football industry' through the expansion of international competitions at the expense of domestic leagues and clubs. Tebas also criticised the handling of a US player's ban and the proposed expansion of the men's World Cup.
The Indian Air Force Football Team defeated Sri Lanka's Defenders FC 2-1 in a Durand Cup Group C fixture. Naorem Somananda Singh scored in the first half, followed by an own goal, before Defenders FC managed a late consolation goal.
Brazilian footballer Micael was sent off before his Copa Paulista match for Sao Jose after the referee witnessed him urinating next to the substitutes' bench, an act for which his club later issued an apology.
A female referee, Mathilde Demoncay, suffered a concussion after being knocked to the ground while attempting to break up a melee between players during a friendly football match between French club Metz and Dutch club Fortuna Sittard. The incident occurred in Forbach, eastern France, leading to her withdrawal from the match at halftime.
Jharkhand Sports Minister Sudivya Kumar flagged off the 135th Durand Cup 2026 trophy tour in Ranchi. The state capital is set to host seven matches of the prestigious football tournament, including six league matches and one quarter-final, starting July 26. The minister expressed hope that Jharkhand's successful hosting could lead to it hosting final matches in future years.
The Assam government has permitted restaurants in Guwahati to remain open until 3:30 am on specific dates, including July 15, 16, 19, and 20, to allow football enthusiasts to watch the FIFA World Cup semi-finals and final. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced this decision, encouraging responsible enjoyment of the matches, while also allowing other districts to follow suit based on public demand and restaurant associations' requests.
The Indian Special Olympics football team secured a bronze medal at the Gothia Cup in Sweden, marking their third consecutive podium finish. Special Olympics Bharat president Malika Nadda praised the team's resilience and determination, while coaches highlighted the challenges of adapting to artificial turf and expressed ambitions for future gold medals.
The Indian Special Olympics football team secured a bronze medal at the Gothia Cup in Sweden, marking their third consecutive podium finish. Special Olympics Bharat president Malika Nadda praised the team's resilience and determination, while coaches highlighted the challenges of adapting to artificial turf and expressed ambitions for future gold medals.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has acknowledged the possibility of expanding the World Cup to 64 teams, a move that could significantly alter the sport's economics and logistics, despite opposition from major confederations like UEFA and AFC.
A delegation from the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) visited Kolkata to inspect venues and infrastructure for the upcoming international friendly against India on October 3. The inspection covered the stadium, training facilities, accommodation, and security, with West Bengal's Sports Minister assuring world-class arrangements.
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.
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season has been postponed to after October 6 due to the FIFA international match window, and will proceed with 13 teams after Diamond Harbour FC failed to meet payment deadlines. Concurrently, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has condemned "unverified claims" regarding its finances and the decision to withdraw from the FIFA ASEAN Cup, asserting that the prioritisation of a friendly match against Brazil was a strategic move for Indian football.
Morocco's impressive rise in global football is uniquely funded by its vast phosphate reserves, with the state-owned OCP Group investing heavily in national team development. This strategic investment, driven by a royal directive, supports training academies and infrastructure, contributing to the nation's recent successes like reaching the 2022 World Cup semi-finals and hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The country's abundant phosphate resources provide a stable economic base for these ambitious sporting endeavours.
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.
The fourth edition of the Oriental Cup, an inter-school football tournament, is scheduled from July 7 to 16 in New Delhi. It will feature over 45 school teams, 1,500 student-athletes, and offer scholarships worth Rs 2.5 lakh to encourage young talent. Organisers aim to make it India's leading school football competition, with growing participation, especially among girls' teams.
President Droupadi Murmu unveiled the Durand Cup 2026 trophy, marking the start of preparations for Asia's oldest football tournament. She highlighted the tournament's role in nurturing talent, promoting sportsmanship, and connecting people, while also drawing parallels to India's vision of becoming a developed nation.
Five SC Cambuur fans suffered burns, hearing damage, and eye injuries after visiting Feyenoord supporters threw fireworks during a Dutch league match, leading to a halted game and a promised investigation.
