News for 'opening matches'

India U20 Women's Football Team Faces Japan in Asian Cup Opener

India U20 Women's Football Team Faces Japan in Asian Cup Opener

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

The Indian U20 women's national football team is set to compete in the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Thailand 2026, starting with a match against Japan. This marks India's return to the tournament after two decades, with the team aiming for World Cup qualification.

Knight Riders Cricket Ground Makes Historic Debut In Los Angeles

Knight Riders Cricket Ground Makes Historic Debut In Los Angeles

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

The Knight Riders Cricket Ground in Pomona, Los Angeles, which is set to host cricket at the 2028 Olympics, recently held its inaugural competitive match. Developed by the Knight Riders Group, the venue saw the Los Angeles Knight Riders play against Washington Freedom in Major League Cricket, with Washington Freedom securing a six-wicket victory. This new, purpose-built stadium is a significant development for cricket in the United States.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Opening Ceremonies in Mexico, Canada, US

FIFA World Cup 2026: Opening Ceremonies in Mexico, Canada, US

Rediff.com9 May 2026

FIFA has announced that the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the United States, will feature separate opening ceremonies in each of the three countries. The ceremonies will feature a diverse lineup of musical performers and cultural showcases.

FIFA World Cup: 10-man US overcome red card to knock out Bosnia

FIFA World Cup: 10-man US overcome red card to knock out Bosnia

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

The United States defeated Bosnia 2-0 to advance to the World Cup round of 16. Malik Tillman scored the decisive goal from a free kick after Folarin Balogun was sent off, having previously opened the scoring. This marks their first knockout win since 2002.

Cristiano Ronaldo Cements Lasting Legacy Despite World Cup Exit

Cristiano Ronaldo Cements Lasting Legacy Despite World Cup Exit

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo's illustrious World Cup career concluded with tears after Portugal's 1-0 defeat by Spain in the round of 16, marking the end of his sixth attempt to win the coveted trophy.

Can Ronaldo Spark Portugal's Revival Against Uzbekistan?

Can Ronaldo Spark Portugal's Revival Against Uzbekistan?

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Portugal's football team faces Uzbekistan in their next World Cup match, needing a significant improvement in their attacking performance after a disappointing 1-1 draw with DR Congo.

Keegan Smith Wins Men's Singles Title At Karnataka Open

Keegan Smith Wins Men's Singles Title At Karnataka Open

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Keegan Smith defeated Philip Sekulic to win the men's singles title at the Karnataka Open. Niki Kaliyanda Poonacha and Saketh Myneni won the men's doubles title.

India Edge England In Hockey Pro League Penalty Shoot-Out

India Edge England In Hockey Pro League Penalty Shoot-Out

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

India secured a hard-fought 3-2 penalty shoot-out victory against England in the return leg of the Hockey Pro League after a goalless draw. Key contributions from goalkeepers Mohith Shashikumar and Sanjay Karkera, along with successful shoot-out conversions by Abhishek, Shilanand Lakra, and Hardik Singh, ensured India avenged their previous defeat and earned a crucial bonus point.

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.

Indian Para Archers Deliver Strong Performance In Czech Republic

Indian Para Archers Deliver Strong Performance In Czech Republic

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Indian para-archers delivered a strong performance at the World Para Archery Series in Nove Mesto, Czech Republic. Bhawna clinched a dramatic gold in the women's recurve, while world champion Sheetal Devi secured an individual silver, a compound mixed team gold, and a women's team bronze. Harvinder Singh also won a silver medal.

Quinones, Jimenez fire Mexico into last 16 with historic World Cup win

Quinones, Jimenez fire Mexico into last 16 with historic World Cup win

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Mexico ended a 40-year wait for a FIFA World Cup knockout victory as Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez scored in a 2-0 win over Ecuador, sending the co-hosts into the last 16 amid emotional scenes at the Azteca Stadium.

Argentina's title defence faces first test against fearless Algeria

Argentina's title defence faces first test against fearless Algeria

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Argentina start their bid for back-to-back World Cups on Tuesday with a side full of familiar faces from Qatar 2022, facing an Algerian team buoyed by warm-up wins and featuring a 20-year-old rising star nicknamed after Diego Maradona.

Australia Dump Sorry India Out Of Women's T20 World Cup

Australia Dump Sorry India Out Of Women's T20 World Cup

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Harmanpreet Kaur's rapid 56 helped India post 170 for four against Australia in a must-win Women's T20 World Cup match. Despite a strong start from openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma, the middle order struggled for acceleration, leaving Harmanpreet to boost the total in the final overs.

New Coach Dave Cousins Sparks Indian Compound Archers' Revival

New Coach Dave Cousins Sparks Indian Compound Archers' Revival

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

India's compound archers, under new coach Dave Cousins, have shown a significant turnaround at the Archery World Cup Stage 4 in Madrid. The women's team has advanced to the gold medal match, while the men's team narrowly missed out on a bronze. This performance marks a strong return to form after a challenging season.

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.

'A spinner bowling no-balls is a crime': Siva questions Bahutule after Bishnoi's horror show

'A spinner bowling no-balls is a crime': Siva questions Bahutule after Bishnoi's horror show

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Former India leg-spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan criticised spin coach Sairaj Bahutule after Ravi Bishnoi's costly no-balls against England, calling it "a crime" for a spinner and urging a return to attacking leg-spin fundamentals.

'A spinner bowling no-balls is a crime': Siva questions Bahutule after Bishnoi's horror show

'A spinner bowling no-balls is a crime': Siva questions Bahutule after Bishnoi's horror show

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Former India leg-spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan criticised spin coach Sairaj Bahutule after Ravi Bishnoi's costly no-balls against England, calling it "a crime" for a spinner and urging a return to attacking leg-spin fundamentals.

England series decider 'a good challenge' for India women ahead of T20 World Cup

England series decider 'a good challenge' for India women ahead of T20 World Cup

Rediff.com31 May 2026

Left-arm spinner Sree Charani acknowledged that a win in the second T20I against England would have boosted India's confidence, but the team is now focused on winning the series decider. The series is a crucial preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Balogun brace as US prove too good for Paraguay

FIFA World Cup 2026: Balogun brace as US prove too good for Paraguay

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

The United States men's national team secured a dominant 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their World Cup Group D opener, with Folarin Balogun scoring two goals and Giovanni Reyna adding another.

Indian U-21 Men's Hockey Team Gears Up For 2026 European Tour

Indian U-21 Men's Hockey Team Gears Up For 2026 European Tour

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

The Indian U-21 men's hockey team is set to undertake a crucial tour of Belgium, Austria, Germany, and the Netherlands in July 2026. This tour, featuring six high-intensity matches, is a vital preparation phase for the upcoming men's junior Asia Cup under new coach Frederic Soyez, aiming to build team cohesion and identity.

Can Sinner stop Djokovic's Wimbledon charge?

Can Sinner stop Djokovic's Wimbledon charge?

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Defending champion Jannik Sinner returns to Wimbledon with his aura of invincibility dented after a dominant stretch, leaving the world number one to prove he can impose his game on grass and keep the challengers led by Novak Djokovic at bay.

Arjun Tendulkar, Shreyas Light Up Mumbai T20 League

Arjun Tendulkar, Shreyas Light Up Mumbai T20 League

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The five standout moments that defined the league stages of the Mumbai T20 league.

Ruthless Touch And Street Smarts: The Secret Of Morocco's Evolution

Ruthless Touch And Street Smarts: The Secret Of Morocco's Evolution

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Morocco showcased their evolution as a top football nation with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Canada in the World Cup last 16.

Punjab Kings' Openers Prabhsimran-Priyansh Set IPL Partnership Record

Punjab Kings' Openers Prabhsimran-Priyansh Set IPL Partnership Record

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Punjab Kings' opening batsmen Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya have become the first uncapped pair to score over 1000 partnership runs in the Indian Premier League.

T20 World Cup: We want to play aggressive brand of cricket vs Australia, says Smriti Mandhana

T20 World Cup: We want to play aggressive brand of cricket vs Australia, says Smriti Mandhana

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana on Saturday said India will play an "aggressive brand of cricket" against Australia in the must-win Women's T20 World Cup match in London.

Will India Bring Back Sanju Samson For Must-Win 4th T20I Vs England?

Will India Bring Back Sanju Samson For Must-Win 4th T20I Vs England?

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

It remains to be seen if India will fall back on Sanju Samson to revive their sagging fortunes with a revamped batting order in the must-win fourth T20 International in Bristol on Thursday.

All-rounder Deepti Sharma's impact unmatched: Anjum Chopra

All-rounder Deepti Sharma's impact unmatched: Anjum Chopra

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Former India captain Anjum Chopra hailed Deepti Sharma as one of cricket's most influential all-rounders after her five-wicket haul against Pakistan, while also highlighting the importance of Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur to India's Women's T20 World Cup campaign.

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.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Kounde answers Yamal as favourite debate fuels war of words

FIFA World Cup 2026: Kounde answers Yamal as favourite debate fuels war of words

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

France defender Jules Kounde has brushed aside Spain star Lamine Yamal's comments that Les Bleus are not favourites ahead of La Roja at the FIFA World Cup 2026, saying the remarks do not bother him.

I just want to get completely drunk, says Sabalenka after Wimbledon exit

I just want to get completely drunk, says Sabalenka after Wimbledon exit

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

World number one Aryna Sabalenka expressed deep frustration after her Wimbledon title hopes were dashed by Naomi Osaka in a straight-sets fourth-round defeat.

3rd T20I: England hammer India by 125 runs, take 2-0 lead

3rd T20I: England hammer India by 125 runs, take 2-0 lead

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi got a taste of the fact that international cricket isn't always child's play as England pacers Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue were fast and furious in clinically decimating India by a record 125 runs in the third T20 International in Nottingham on Tuesday.

Women's T20 World Cup: Australia crush West Indies to reach final

Women's T20 World Cup: Australia crush West Indies to reach final

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Australia put in a commanding all-round display to beat West Indies by eight wickets and book their place in Sunday's final, chasing down 126 in just 13 overs.

PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen Reach Thailand Open Quarterfinals

PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen Reach Thailand Open Quarterfinals

Rediff.com14 May 2026

PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen progressed to the quarterfinals of the Thailand Open Super 500 tournament with straight-game wins. Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty also advanced, while Kidambi Srikanth and other Indian players were eliminated.

Ousmane Dembele's Hat-Trick Overshadows Haaland And Mbappe!

Ousmane Dembele's Hat-Trick Overshadows Haaland And Mbappe!

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Ousmane Dembele delivered a sensational first-half hat-trick for France against Norway in their final Group I match, overshadowing the anticipated clash between Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe.

Kostyuk crushes Andreeva to win Madrid Open title

Kostyuk crushes Andreeva to win Madrid Open title

Rediff.com2 May 2026

Marta Kostyuk defeated Mirra Andreeva in straight sets to win the Madrid Open title, marking her third singles title.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Switzerland unlock Bosnia defence, boost qualification hopes

FIFA World Cup 2026: Switzerland unlock Bosnia defence, boost qualification hopes

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Switzerland found the keys to break down a resolute Bosnia and Herzegovina defence with four late goals in a 4-1 win thanks to a brace from Johan Manzambi and further strikes from fellow substitute Ruben Vargas and captain Granit Xhaka with a penalty.

FIFA World Cup: 'We go home with our chin up': Turkey coach

FIFA World Cup: 'We go home with our chin up': Turkey coach

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Turkey's coach Vincenzo Montella expressed pride in his team's character and performance at the World Cup, despite their elimination. Following a 3-2 victory over the United States, Montella acknowledged missed opportunities but remained optimistic about the future, hoping for an earlier return to the tournament.

2nd unofficial Test: Sudharsan extends hot form as India A respond strongly on Day 2

2nd unofficial Test: Sudharsan extends hot form as India A respond strongly on Day 2

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Sai Sudharsan scored his second consecutive century, and Devdutt Padikkal added an unbeaten 94, guiding India A to a strong 247 for one on Day 2 of the second unofficial Test against Sri Lanka A, trailing by 119 runs.

FIFA World Cup: 'Messi's feats are no longer surprising'

FIFA World Cup: 'Messi's feats are no longer surprising'

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

With a dazzling hat-trick against Algeria, Lionel Messi once again defied age, expectations and logic at the World Cup, prompting coach Lionel Scaloni to call his performances "inexplicable" and admit he is simply no longer surprised by the Argentine legend's brilliance.

Deschamps thanks Mbappe, France squad for support after mother's death

Deschamps thanks Mbappe, France squad for support after mother's death

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

'Kylian's gesture touched me deeply'