News for 'midfield'

England ready for altitude, hostile crowd in Mexico World Cup clash

England ready for altitude, hostile crowd in Mexico World Cup clash

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

England say they are relishing the challenge of facing hosts Mexico at the high-altitude Azteca Stadium, with Morgan Rogers and Marcus Rashford insisting the hostile atmosphere will motivate the team in their FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash.

England Receive Saka Boost Before High-Stakes World Cup Test Against Ghana

England Receive Saka Boost Before High-Stakes World Cup Test Against Ghana

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

England coach Thomas Tuchel confirmed Bukayo Saka is fully fit and available for the World Cup clash against Ghana, while also voicing concerns that FIFA's mandatory hydration breaks are disrupting the flow and identity of football.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Co-hosts Mexico kickstart campaign with dominant win over South Africa

FIFA World Cup 2026: Co-hosts Mexico kickstart campaign with dominant win over South Africa

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Julian Quinones gave hosts Mexico a dream start as he scored in the ninth minute in the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening match against South Africa.

SEE: Inside Belgium's wild dressing room celebrations

SEE: Inside Belgium's wild dressing room celebrations

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Belgium's dressing room erupted in celebration after their dramatic 3-2 comeback win over Senegal, with match-winner Youri Tielemans leading the festivities.

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.

Kylian Mbappe's penalty takes France into World Cup quarter-finals

Kylian Mbappe's penalty takes France into World Cup quarter-finals

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Kylian Mbappe scored a penalty in the 70th minute to give France a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the World Cup last 16, setting up a quarter-final clash with Morocco. The goal also brought Mbappe level with Lionel Messi as the tournament's top scorer.

Underdog Cape Verde Confident Of Defying Odds Against Messi's Argentina

Underdog Cape Verde Confident Of Defying Odds Against Messi's Argentina

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Cape Verde, despite being a significant underdog, is confident of challenging Argentina and Lionel Messi in their World Cup knockout match.

World Cup Sees First Red Card Under Controversial Rule

World Cup Sees First Red Card Under Controversial Rule

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Prestianni Law enforced for the first time at FIFA World Cup as Almiron sees red.

'Injustice Is Clear!': Egypt's Zico Accuses FIFA Of 'Fixing' World Cup For Argentina

'Injustice Is Clear!': Egypt's Zico Accuses FIFA Of 'Fixing' World Cup For Argentina

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Egypt's players and Coach Hossam Hassan blasted FIFA and accused the governing body of blatantly 'favouring' Lionel Messi and his team.

'Anything is possible': Cape Verde's fairytale run continues at World Cup

'Anything is possible': Cape Verde's fairytale run continues at World Cup

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Cape Verde, a tiny island nation, has made history by advancing to the round of 32 in the FIFA World Cup.

Ivory Coast Gear Up For Haaland Challenge In World Cup Clash

Ivory Coast Gear Up For Haaland Challenge In World Cup Clash

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Ivory Coast is set to face Norway in a World Cup Round of 32 match, with much attention on Norway's star striker Erling Haaland. While Ivory Coast's defence, featuring Ousmane Diomande, will focus on containing Haaland, their coach Emerse Fae also plans to unleash their own array of attacking talent, including Yan Diomande and Nicolas Pepe, to challenge Norway.

FIFA World Cup 2026: England's Kane dependence could prove costly in knockout stages

FIFA World Cup 2026: England's Kane dependence could prove costly in knockout stages

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

England's World Cup campaign has increasingly come to rest on the shoulders of Harry Kane, whose goals, link-up play and ability to deliver in decisive moments have repeatedly rescued a side still searching for fluency and conviction.

FIFA World Cup: Ronaldo Frustrated As DR Congo Hold Portugal To Draw

FIFA World Cup: Ronaldo Frustrated As DR Congo Hold Portugal To Draw

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

Portugal and their talisman Cristiano Ronaldo were left frustrated after being held to a 1-1 draw by Group K rivals Democratic Republic of Congo in their World Cup clash in a sodden Houston.

Why Sweden's Yasin Ayari Didn't Celebrate His Goal Against Tunisia

Why Sweden's Yasin Ayari Didn't Celebrate His Goal Against Tunisia

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Yasin Ayari -- the son of a Tunisian father and a Moroccan mother -- chose not to celebrate his opener, briefly raising his hands in acknowledgement rather than joining the jubilant scenes around him.

Australia ready to defy expectations against Turkey at World Cup

Australia ready to defy expectations against Turkey at World Cup

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Australia's coach Tony Popovic expresses confidence in his team's ability to challenge favourites Turkey in their World Cup opener in Vancouver, despite being considered underdogs. He also confirmed the squad is fully fit, including Mohamed Toure.

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.

FIFA World Cup: Algeria Knocked Out As Switzerland Advance

FIFA World Cup: Algeria Knocked Out As Switzerland Advance

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Switzerland secured a vital 2-0 victory over Algeria propelling them into the Round of 16.

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.

India's men's hockey team can beat anyone in the world, says coach Fulton

India's men's hockey team can beat anyone in the world, says coach Fulton

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

India's men's hockey team head coach Craig Fulton believes the squad can defeat any country if they stick to their game plan, following confidence-boosting victories against Germany and the Netherlands in the FIH Pro League, despite finishing eighth overall. The team's improved performance and maturity are seen as crucial stepping stones for upcoming major tournaments like the World Cup and Asian Games.

Araujo saves Uruguay the blushes in draw with Saudi Arabia

Araujo saves Uruguay the blushes in draw with Saudi Arabia

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Maxi Araujo scored a late equaliser to salvage a 1-1 draw for Uruguay in their World Cup opener against Saudi Arabia on Monday, preventing another stunning upset in Group H after Spain's earlier goalless draw with Cape Verde.

FIFA World Cup: Post-match brawl erupts after Canada vs Qatar clash

FIFA World Cup: Post-match brawl erupts after Canada vs Qatar clash

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

A dominant 6-0 victory for Canada over Qatar in a World Cup 2026 Group B match in Vancouver was marred by a heated post-game confrontation between players and coaching staffs. Tensions escalated after two red cards for Qatar and Canada's continued attacking play, leading to a fiery exchange between coaches Jesse Marsch and Julen Lopetegui.

FIFA World Cup: Bellingham Has To Earn World Cup Starting Spot

FIFA World Cup: Bellingham Has To Earn World Cup Starting Spot

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

England manager Thomas Tuchel has stated that Jude Bellingham faces significant competition for a starting position in the upcoming World Cup, despite being considered a potential starter.

Argentina Prepare For Knockout Stage Amid Squad Rotation

Argentina Prepare For Knockout Stage Amid Squad Rotation

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Argentina, having secured top spot in Group J, will face Jordan in their final group match with an eye on the knockout stage. Coach Lionel Scaloni is expected to rotate the squad, potentially resting Lionel Messi, while Jordan aims to conclude their debut World Cup campaign on a positive note despite early elimination.

FIFA World Cup: 'We were treated unfairly' vs Portugal: Croatia coach

FIFA World Cup: 'We were treated unfairly' vs Portugal: Croatia coach

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Croatia's World Cup exit sparked controversy after coach Zlatko Dali launched a furious attack on the refereeing following their 2-1 defeat to Portugal.

India concede two late goals to lose 1-2 to Germany in FIH Pro League

India concede two late goals to lose 1-2 to Germany in FIH Pro League

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

India inexplicably conceded two late goals to lose to reigning world champions Germany 1-2 in their FIH Pro League match in Rotterdam on Thursday.

Pochettino's attacking blueprint shapes US mauling of Paraguay

Pochettino's attacking blueprint shapes US mauling of Paraguay

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Mauricio Pochettino's gameplan worked a treat in the United States' 4-1 win over Paraguay in their World Cup opener on Friday, the hosts showcasing an attacking fluidity and positional interplay that overwhelmed the South Americans.

Japan score late to hold Netherlands in Texas thriller

Japan score late to hold Netherlands in Texas thriller

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Japan showed their battling qualities to eke out a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands in their World Cup Group F opener on Sunday, as Hajime Moriyasu's side backed up their desire to make an impact at the tournament with a gritty display.

India's Junior Women's Hockey Squad Heads To UK For Crucial Exposure

India's Junior Women's Hockey Squad Heads To UK For Crucial Exposure

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

The Indian junior women's hockey team, led by Khaidem Shileima Chanu, will undertake an exposure tour of the United Kingdom from July 5 to 14. Under new coach Tim White, the 24-member squad will play seven matches against teams from Scotland, the United States, England, and Belgium, aiming to fine-tune strategies for upcoming international competitions like the Junior Asia Cup.

Late extra-time own goal takes Argentina past Cape Verde

Late extra-time own goal takes Argentina past Cape Verde

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Argentina secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Cape Verde in their World Cup last-32 encounter, which extended into extra time. An own goal in the 111th minute ultimately decided the match, sending the reigning champions into the last 16 where they will face Egypt.

FIFA World Cup: Spain's Yamal says the best is yet to come

FIFA World Cup: Spain's Yamal says the best is yet to come

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Spain's teenage winger Lamine Yamal says he has plenty of improvement left in his fledgling career with fans not yet having seen the best.

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.

PSG's faith in Luis Enrique pays off with consecutive Champions League titles

PSG's faith in Luis Enrique pays off with consecutive Champions League titles

Rediff.com31 May 2026

Luis Enrique arrived in Paris in 2023 promising a cultural shift rather than instant glamour, with the Spaniard wanting a team in which collective sacrifice outweighed individual status, where the biggest names defended, pressed and suffered together. Two Champions League titles later, his players speak about him less as a coach than as an architect and people leader.

Are FIFA Officials Partial To Messi?

Are FIFA Officials Partial To Messi?

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Lionel Messi broke the FIFA World Cup scoring record, but his achievement was overshadowed by controversial refereeing decisions.

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.

How The World Cup Is Fueling California's Soccer Growth

How The World Cup Is Fueling California's Soccer Growth

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

The San Jose Earthquakes, despite their strong season, are making way for the U.S. national team as California hosts World Cup knockout matches. This event is seen as a significant opportunity to showcase soccer's global appeal and accelerate its growth in the state, which already boasts a thriving football culture driven by its diverse population and numerous professional teams.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Mbappe, Haaland in focus as Norway challenge awaits leaders France

FIFA World Cup 2026: Mbappe, Haaland in focus as Norway challenge awaits leaders France

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

France can secure a more comfortable route through the World Cup when they face Norway in their final Group I match on Friday, though finishing top could leave them facing one of the toughest roads to the trophy.

Bellingham shines as England down Panama to top Group L

Bellingham shines as England down Panama to top Group L

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Jude Bellingham's stellar performance, including a goal and an assist for Harry Kane, propelled England to a 2-0 victory over Panama. This win secured England's top position in Group L of the World Cup, allowing them to avoid a difficult knockout phase route. The match saw England dominate possession and overcome a flat first half, with Kane also breaking Gary Lineker's World Cup goal record for England.

17-Year-Old vs 43-Year-Old in 2026 FIFA World Cup Face-Off

17-Year-Old vs 43-Year-Old in 2026 FIFA World Cup Face-Off

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to feature a significant generational divide, with players spanning over 25 years in age. Mexico's Gilberto Mora, 17, will be the youngest, while Scotland's Craig Gordon, 43, will be the oldest. The tournament will showcase a mix of emerging talents and seasoned veterans like Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric, with nations like Panama and Ivory Coast representing the oldest and youngest average squads, respectively.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Harry Kane leads from the front as England quell Congo challenge

FIFA World Cup 2026: Harry Kane leads from the front as England quell Congo challenge

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Harry Kane scored twice, including a 75th-minute equaliser and a late winner against DR Congo, to guide England into the last 16 with their first World Cup comeback victory since 1990.

Tete To Lead India At FIH Hockey Women's Nations Cup

Tete To Lead India At FIH Hockey Women's Nations Cup

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

India's women's hockey team, led by Salima Tete, is set to participate in the FIH Hockey Women's Nations Cup in Auckland, New Zealand. The squad blends experienced players with emerging talents, aiming to build on recent preparations and set a high standard for future tournaments.