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.
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.
In a Rajasthan village, over 100 girls are embracing football, transforming a barren field into a vibrant playground and chasing dreams once considered unattainable.
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.
'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.'
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.
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.
The FIFA-AIFF Telangana Academy, a new high-performance football training centre for boys and girls, has been launched in Hyderabad. This initiative, a collaboration between FIFA, AIFF, and the Telangana government, aims to nurture young talent with comprehensive support, including residential facilities and medical care. It marks India's first girls' football academy of its kind.
Norway forward Erling Haaland has openly challenged the media to 'put every single pressure on the English lads' ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final clash against England, following Norway's stunning upset victory over Brazil.
Exploring memorable scenes that celebrate football in the movies.
Mo Salah allayed fears of Egypt supporters, giving glimpses of his fitness with photos of his training session on Tuesday.
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.
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.
The England football team's training equipment, including players' boots and manager Thomas Tuchel's tactical gear, was reportedly stolen in Kansas City ahead of their World Cup opener against Croatia. The Football Association and local police are investigating, with two arrests already made.
Cristiano Ronaldo was impressed by his 16-year-old son's dedication in training for Saudi Arabia's Al-Nassr youth team.
Glimpses of humanoid robots training across soccer, table tennis and other events ahead of the 2026 World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing.
Carlos Alcaraz returns at the US Open after a four-month wrist injury layoff, aiming to defend his title and reignite his Grand Slam campaign.
The Indian U20 men's football team is set to play two friendly matches against Yemen in Bengaluru as part of their preparations for the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers. These matches follow two recent victories against Singapore and precede their travel to Tashkent for the qualifiers against Syria, Uzbekistan, and Bangladesh.
Cristiano Ronaldo has fuelled speculation about his retirement plans after saying the upcoming year will probably be the last of his playing career.
Jamshedpur FC's withdrawal from the Indian Super League was a pre-planned strategic decision to refocus on grassroots football development, independent of the league's commercial uncertainties, according to Tata Steel Vice President D B Sundara Raman.
All India Football Federation President Kalyan Chaubey has urged the Tata group to reconsider its decision to withdraw Jamshedpur FC from the Indian Super League. While Tata maintains it's a strategic move for grassroots development, Chaubey believes the decision should not be purely financial and highlights Tata's significant contributions to Indian football through the Tata Football Academy.
Barcelona have signed midfielder Rodri from Manchester City on a deal until June 2030, the LaLiga champions announced on Tuesday, ending the Spaniard's glittering, trophy-laden spell with the Premier League club in a major coup for the Catalan side.
All India Football Federation President Kalyan Chaubey has urged the Tata group to reconsider its decision to withdraw Jamshedpur FC from the Indian Super League. While Tata maintains it's a strategic move for grassroots development, Chaubey believes the decision should not be purely financial and highlights Tata's significant contributions to Indian football through the Tata Football Academy.
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.
England captain Harry Kane sparked a social media buzz after showing off his cricket skills during the team's FIFA World Cup 2026 training camp in the United States.
India may not be at FIFA World Cup 2026, but four players with Indian roots will represent their nations on football's biggest stage.
Ted Lasso actor Cristo Fernandez, known for playing Dani Rojas, has signed a professional football contract with El Paso Locomotive FC, a U.S. second-tier team, fulfilling a lifelong dream after overcoming a past knee injury.
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.
Bollywood action hero Tiger Shroff is all set to turn his football dream into reality with a likely Durand Cup debut for Mumbay FC.
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.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk acknowledges that the club's newly revamped backline, featuring Ronald Araujo and Jeremy Jacquet, will require time to develop strong partnerships and click into gear, despite their promising start in a friendly.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha was not too keen to discuss it on Thursday but finally conceded he was very happy his mother had obtained a U.S. visa and would be able to watch him play against Uruguay in the World Cup this weekend.
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.
Swedish badminton player Gustav Bjorkler shares his inspiring journey of returning to professional badminton after battling myelodysplastic syndrome, a form of blood cancer. He discusses the physical and mental challenges of recovery, losing 17 kilos, and his renewed perspective on life and the sport, as he aims to break into the top 100 and develop his game further.
German national team players are reportedly funding bus transport for 600 fans to their final World Cup Group E game against Ecuador in New Jersey, addressing concerns over significantly increased public transport costs during the tournament.
A grassroots football academy in Punjab is using football to combat drug abuse and develop young talent, addressing key issues in Indian football's grassroots development.
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr is reportedly 'happy, cheerful and playing his football' under new manager Jose Mourinho, despite being in the final year of his contract and facing speculation about a potential move to Arsenal.
Gianni Infantino's bid for a fourth term as FIFA president faces challenges from traditional football powers, but his strategy relies heavily on the support of smaller, emerging nations that benefit significantly from FIFA's development grants.
Defending champions NorthEast United FC are set to face 17-time winners Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the second semifinal of the Durand Cup. NorthEast United, chasing a third consecutive title, made a strong comeback in their quarterfinal, while Mohun Bagan advanced via a penalty shootout after a solid defensive campaign. Both teams are fully fit and ready for a challenging encounter.
Lionel Messi has shared a deeply personal and emotional tribute to his late father, Jorge Messi, on Instagram, expressing his profound grief and recalling his father's encouragement to play in one final World Cup.
