Indian football head coach Khalid Jamil believes playing five-time world champions Brazil and two-time winners Uruguay at home will be a historic turning point for the sport in the country. These high-profile matches are crucial for preparing the team for next year's Asia Cup qualifiers and will boost player confidence and learning.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced the new season of the Indian Women's League (IWL) will commence in October, alongside IWL 2. The federation also revealed significant changes including higher coaching licence requirements, revised disciplinary rules, and an ambitious long-term expansion strategy aiming for 12 teams by 2032 to professionalise women's football in India.
Brazil has announced a 26-member squad, featuring stars like Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, and Marquinhos, for their historic first-ever football match against India on October 3 in Kolkata. Coach Carlo Ancelotti is overseeing a significant rebuild, integrating young talent with experienced players, with an eye on future tournaments like the 2028 Olympics and 2030 World Cup. The squad includes several debutants and a focus on current form, marking a new strategic direction for the Selecao.
Ahead of England's World Cup clash in Mexico, discover the remarkable 200-year-old story of how Cornish miners introduced football and the famous Cornish pasty to the country, shaping Mexico's sporting and cultural identity.
Brazil football legend Cafu has advised the Indian national team to view their upcoming friendly against Brazil on October 3 in Kolkata as a crucial learning experience rather than just a spectacle. He emphasised the match's importance for India's preparation for the 2030 World Cup cycle and highlighted Brazil's deep connection with Kolkata, referencing Pele's historic visit. Cafu also discussed the future of Brazilian football and his unique World Cup record.
Kolkata's passionate football fans have shown immense enthusiasm for the upcoming India-Brazil friendly, with lower-priced tickets selling out within an hour of going online. India is set to play five-time world champions Brazil on October 3, followed by a match against two-time world champions Uruguay, providing a significant test for the Indian squad ahead of crucial Asian Cup qualifiers.
Despite Pakistan not qualifying for the FIFA World Cup, Karachi is buzzing with excitement as the global event begins. "WC Football" villages have been set up in areas like Malir and Lyari, known for their love of the sport, featuring large screens, decorations, and enthusiastic fans. The city's passion for football is evident, with local clubs and administration organising events for youngsters, highlighting the sport's growing influence beyond cricket.
Bosnia and Herzegovina's legendary striker Edin Dzeko has announced his retirement from international football, concluding a nearly two-decade-long career. The 40-year-old, who has played for top clubs like Manchester City and Inter Milan, will make his final appearance for Bosnia against Sweden in October. Dzeko is the country's most-capped player and all-time leading scorer, having helped them qualify for their first World Cup in 2014.
Kylian Mbappe describes Zinedine Zidane becoming his France coach as "like something out of a movie," completing a remarkable journey that began with Zidane guiding him toward Real Madrid.
Football superstar Lionel Messi is reportedly nearing a deal to acquire Spanish second-tier club CD Eldense, adding to his growing portfolio of football ownership interests. The acquisition, which involves taking over all shares from majority owner TH Soluciones Group S.A.S, is pending approval from Spain's High Council for Sports (CSD).
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is set to attend the opening match of the Under-20 Women's World Cup in Katowice, marking his first public appearance at a FIFA-organised tournament since his controversial $20 billion proposal to sell a stake in the World Cup was abandoned in July due to widespread backlash.
Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has urged football fans to maintain peace during the FIFA World Cup final and announced special permissions for hotels and restaurants to screen the match live until 3:30 AM. He is also set to join a public screening event in Koramangala, organised by the KSFA and DYES, to watch the final between Argentina and Spain with other enthusiasts.
Jude Bellingham has lauded Harry Kane as England's 'greatest-ever player' after the captain marked his record-equalling 125th appearance with two goals and an assist in a 3-0 Nations League victory over the Czech Republic.
India's Special Olympics Bharat football team is heading to Sweden to compete in the Gothia Cup 2026, aiming for their third consecutive title in the Special Olympics Trophy. The team, comprising players with intellectual disabilities, received a send-off from Sweden's ambassador, highlighting their role as national ambassadors. Their coach detailed the unique training methods involving actions and sign language.
India's U15 men's football team has been drawn into Group K for the inaugural FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival Azerbaijan 2026. Coached by Bibiano Fernandes, the team will play five qualification matches in Baku against Bahrain, Cameroon, Grenada, Laos, and Senegal, starting October 24. The tournament features 191 national teams and an 8v8 format.
Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal revealed he has experienced racism thousands of times, highlighting both overt abuse and unconscious bias while maintaining that such disrespect will not disrupt his focus during matches.
World champions Spain defeated England 3-2 in a thrilling Nations League opener at Wembley, capitalising on two significant defensive errors. Mikel Oyarzabal scored the winner after England had briefly mounted a comeback. The article also covers Croatia's 2-1 win over the Czech Republic and Scotland's 0-0 draw with Slovenia.
Lamine Yamal, at just 19 years and 58 days old, has become the youngest captain in Barcelona's history during a Champions League match against Feyenoord, surpassing Bojan Krkic's previous record.
Cristiano Ronaldo, at 41, remains confident in his ability to contribute to the Portugal national team under new coach Jorge Jesus, targeting both the UEFA Nations League title and his 1,000th career goal. He addressed his international future post-World Cup, his motivation, and dismissed critics, asserting he is not yet ready to retire.
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.
Thousands of Scottish football supporters, known as the Tartan Army, took a break from the World Cup in Boston to attend a baseball game at Fenway Park. They marched with bagpipes and sang their national anthem, bringing their vibrant fan culture to the Boston Red Sox game after their team's recent victory.
Dutch footballer Cody Gakpo scored a goal at the World Cup against Morocco, immediately breaking down in tears due to the recent loss of his unborn baby boy. His emotional reaction, understood by teammates and visible to his parents in the stands, highlighted the profound personal grief he carried while competing on the global stage, overshadowing the team's eventual defeat.
Bollywood action hero Tiger Shroff is all set to turn his football dream into reality with a likely Durand Cup debut for Mumbay FC.
India's national football team faced five-time champions Brazil in a FIFA international friendly in Kolkata, losing 4-0. Despite a spirited start for the first 25 minutes, Brazil's superior skill and clinical finishing secured a comfortable victory with goals from Estevao, Pedro, and Samuel Lino.
It was a starry, starry night at Flushing Meadows during the US Open late night matches in New York on Monday.
Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri expressed a mix of excitement and 'a little jealousy' about the national team's unprecedented opportunity to play against football giants Brazil and Uruguay in October 2026, an experience he never had in his two-decade career.
France and England, reeling from World Cup semi-final defeats, will compete in the third-place playoff. The match marks Didier Deschamps' final game as France coach and offers Kylian Mbappe a chance to pursue the Golden Boot and the tournament's all-time scoring record. Both teams are expected to rotate their squads.
The Indian men's football team, participating in the Unity Cup in the UK, was warmly welcomed at India House in London ahead of their match against Zimbabwe. The team interacted with fans and shared insights during a reception hosted by the High Commission of India.
Erling Haaland's double against Denmark took his Norway tally to 64 goals in 56 games, surpassing Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ronaldo while sealing Norway's first competitive win over Denmark.
Former Brazil captain Cafu discussed India's upcoming friendly against Brazil, highlighting the learning opportunity despite ranking differences. He also suggested India popularise football among children for growth, commented on Brazil's World Cup drought, and reflected on the evolving role of fullbacks in modern football.
Lionel Messi made his first appearance for Inter Miami since retiring from international duty, providing an assist in a 2-2 draw against Atlanta United. The match saw Miami take the lead twice through Casemiro and Luis Suarez, but Atlanta equalised both times, with Miguel Almiron and Breel Embolo scoring. Messi, who is currently the joint top scorer in MLS, played despite recent personal loss.
The Indian senior men's football team will play an international friendly against Panama at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on September 26. This match against a FIFA World Cup-playing nation will be a significant test for the Blue Tigers, marking their return to Bengaluru after their SAFF Championship 2023 victory.
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.
The match ball from Argentina's 1986 World Cup quarterfinal against England - made famous by Diego Maradona's "Hand of God" goal - is set to go up for auction with a $2.5-million opening bid, Heritage Auctions said.
Football superstars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have taken to social media to share their preparations for crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage matches. Messi, fresh off a hat-trick, is fine-tuning for Argentina's clash against Austria, while Ronaldo, after a frustrating draw, is refocusing for Portugal's game against Uzbekistan.
Cody Gakpo scored a stoppage-time equaliser for the Netherlands, securing a 1-1 draw against Germany in their Nations League opener, spoiling Juergen Klopp's debut as Germany's coach. Other Nations League matches saw Erling Haaland lead Norway to victory over Denmark, Portugal defeat Wales, and Greece snatch a late win against Serbia.
Harry Kane has been named Germany's Footballer of the Year, becoming the first English player to receive the prestigious award. The Bayern Munich star expressed his delight at the recognition, which follows a stellar 2025-26 season where he also secured the European Golden Shoe and the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup.
Former Arsenal and France legend Thierry Henry has publicly backed Kylian Mbappe to win the prestigious Ballon d'Or award, citing his exceptional individual scoring achievements across the Champions League, LaLiga, and the World Cup.
The Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) has partnered with Tata Steel Limited to train young footballers from the state at the Tata Football Academy (TFA) in Jamshedpur, providing professional exposure to selected boys and girls across various age categories.
India's U20 football team secured a dominant 3-0 victory over Bangladesh in their final AFC U20 Asian Cup Qualifiers group match. Goals from Danny Meitei Laishram, Vishal Yadav, and Md Arbash sealed the win, bringing India's total to six points. The team's qualification for the main tournament, potentially after 20 years, now hinges on the outcome of the Syria-Uzbekistan match.
