News for 'opening matches'

FIFA World Cup 2026: Harry Kane double strike fires England into last 16

FIFA World Cup 2026: Harry Kane double strike fires England into last 16

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Harry Kane rose to rescue England, striking twice in the span of 11 minutes as the former champions fought back from a goal down to beat a a gritty Democratic Republic of Congo 2-1 in their FIFA World Cup last-32 clash in Atlanta on Wednesday.

'Play him now!' Ex-selector's big call on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

'Play him now!' Ex-selector's big call on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Former India selector Sarandeep Singh has advocated for the inclusion of 15-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the Indian playing eleven for the upcoming T20 series opener against England. Singh believes Sooryavanshi, who was in stellar form in the IPL and for India A, should be given an opportunity to debut, potentially becoming India's youngest cricketer.

Ex-India cricketers slam selectors over Sooryavanshi's omission from Ireland series

Ex-India cricketers slam selectors over Sooryavanshi's omission from Ireland series

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Former India wicketkeeper Syed Kirmani reckons selectors missed an opportunity by leaving teenage batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi out of the Ireland T20Is, and says he should now be backed for the white-ball series against England, starting on Wednesday (July 1).

Argentina captain Lionel Messi to start on bench against Jordan

Argentina captain Lionel Messi to start on bench against Jordan

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that star player Lionel Messi will start on the bench for their final World Cup Group F match against Jordan.

Ultimate Table Tennis: Indian Players Eye Asian Games Momentum

Ultimate Table Tennis: Indian Players Eye Asian Games Momentum

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The seventh edition of the Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) tournament is set to begin in Panaji, featuring top Indian and international players. Indian paddlers like Manav Thakkar, Manush Shah, and Diya Chitale view the tournament as crucial preparation for the upcoming Asian Games, aiming to build momentum and gain competitive experience. The league also introduces an AI-powered review system.

Mbappe scores twice as France rout Sweden to make last 16

Mbappe scores twice as France rout Sweden to make last 16

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Kylian Mbappe scored two goals, leading France to a dominant 3-0 victory over Sweden in the World Cup Round of 32. This win maintains France's perfect record and sets up a last-16 clash with Paraguay, with Mbappe continuing his impressive World Cup scoring streak.

Coach rues missed opportunities against Iran

Coach rues missed opportunities against Iran

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Belgium, who missed a slew of scoring chances against Iran on Sunday, have taken only two points from their opening two matches despite entering the tournament as favourites to progress from the group.

India Dominates Kazakhstan To Reach Badminton Junior Quarterfinals

India Dominates Kazakhstan To Reach Badminton Junior Quarterfinals

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Team India secured a dominant 2-0 victory over Kazakhstan in their opening Group C match at the Badminton Asia Junior Mixed Team Championships in Yatsushiro, Tokyo, sealing their spot in the quarterfinals. The Indian team showcased strong performances in both sets, preparing for their upcoming clash against Chinese Taipei.

England crush South Africa; meet Australia in women's T20 World Cup final

England crush South Africa; meet Australia in women's T20 World Cup final

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

England defeated South Africa by 40 runs in the semi-final at The Oval, securing their place in the Women's T20 World Cup final against Australia. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt's 75 runs and a crucial partnership with Heather Knight were key to their victory.

Shreyas Iyer rues middle-overs lapse after shock defeat to Ireland on captaincy debut

Shreyas Iyer rues middle-overs lapse after shock defeat to Ireland on captaincy debut

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

India skipper Shreyas Iyer said his bowlers had the Irish batters on tenterhooks early on but rued the lack of execution in the middle overs after the visitors suffered a shock 34-run defeat in the opening T20I in Belfast on Friday.

Why Kane Williamson decided to quit cricket

Why Kane Williamson decided to quit cricket

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

'... I see a group, a really, really talented group that have that journey ahead of them that are totally invested in wanting to do some special things with this New Zealand cricket team that I've been incredibly fortunate to have been a part of for such a long period of time.'

Sooryavanshi buzz grows as India eye redemption against England

Sooryavanshi buzz grows as India eye redemption against England

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's possible T20I debut and India's batting struggles after the Ireland whitewash dominate the build-up to the five-match series against England, where testing conditions await Shreyas Iyer's side.

FIFA WC: England's Bellingham scores, makes history in Panama win

FIFA WC: England's Bellingham scores, makes history in Panama win

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Becomes youngest England player to score a goal and assist in a World Cup match

India U-20 Women Face Japan in AFC Asian Cup Opener with World Cup Qualification at Stake

India U-20 Women Face Japan in AFC Asian Cup Opener with World Cup Qualification at Stake

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

The Indian Under-20 women's football team begins their AFC U-20 Women's Asian Cup campaign against Japan, aiming for a spot in the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Poland 2026.

2nd T20I: Hurt India Seek Revenge After Shock Loss To Ireland

2nd T20I: Hurt India Seek Revenge After Shock Loss To Ireland

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

India's star-studded top order will be under pressure to make amends when they take on a buoyant Ireland in the second and final T20I in Belfast on Sunday.

Indian Golfers Impress At Ladies European Tour Event

Indian Golfers Impress At Ladies European Tour Event

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

India's Diksha Dagar secured a tied 12th finish at the Tipsport Czech Ladies Open, continuing her strong performance on the Ladies European Tour. Pranavi Urs also delivered an impressive round, while Finland's Noora Komulainen clinched her maiden LET title after a three-way playoff.

Indian Grandmaster Praggnanandhaa Dominates In Zagreb

Indian Grandmaster Praggnanandhaa Dominates In Zagreb

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa began his Zagreb Grand Chess Tour campaign with an aggressive victory over top seed Vincent Keymer, showcasing a masterclass performance. While Praggnanandhaa holds a strong position, World Champion D Gukesh experienced mixed results, and Firouzja Alireza currently leads the tournament.

Will Manav Suthar Weave His Magic In Sri Lanka?

Will Manav Suthar Weave His Magic In Sri Lanka?

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

India A is expected to make several changes to its playing eleven for the second 'Test' against Sri Lanka A, aiming to provide exposure to all squad members.

Record alert: Harmanpreet overtakes Mithali Raj

Record alert: Harmanpreet overtakes Mithali Raj

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur has surpassed Mithali Raj to become India's highest run-getter in the Women's T20 World Cup. She achieved this milestone during India's opening match against Pakistan, where she scored a crucial 36 runs and anchored a significant partnership.

Who are the other men's contenders to look out for at the French Open?

Who are the other men's contenders to look out for at the French Open?

Rediff.com20 May 2026

With Carlos Alcaraz out, the French Open men's singles draw is wide open. Clay-court specialists and rising stars are vying for the title at Roland Garros.

FIFA World Cup: From hero to outcast: Balogun sent off, US move on

FIFA World Cup: From hero to outcast: Balogun sent off, US move on

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Balogun scored and celebrated in style before a VAR review turned his night around for the worse, as he was sent off for a foul. Even with 10 men, the United States stayed disciplined and beat Bosnia 2-0. Malik Tillman sealed the win with a free-kick goal. The result sends the U.S. into the last 16 against Belgium. Balogun is suspended for that match.

Shedge, Prince make India debuts in 2nd T20I vs Ireland

Shedge, Prince make India debuts in 2nd T20I vs Ireland

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

India handed T20I debuts to Suryansh Shedge and Prince Yadav in the second T20I against Ireland, while Vaibhav Sooryavanshi continued to wait for his senior debut as Shreyas Iyer opted to bowl first in Belfast.

Semwal Leads Indian Charge At HCL Squash PSA Challenger Tour

Semwal Leads Indian Charge At HCL Squash PSA Challenger Tour

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

India's Om Semwal defeated Spain's Hugo Jaen in a hard-fought five-game match at the HCL Squash PSA Challenger Tour in Mumbai. Several other Indian players also advanced in both men's and women's categories, showcasing strong performances on home ground.

Sinner disposes of Jodar to reach Madrid Open semi-finals

Sinner disposes of Jodar to reach Madrid Open semi-finals

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Jannik Sinner defeated Rafael Jodar in the Madrid Open quarter-finals, securing his spot in the semi-finals and becoming the sixth player to reach the semi-finals of all nine ATP 1000 Masters tournaments.

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.

Big relief as Jasprit Bumrah breaks five-match wicketless run

Big relief as Jasprit Bumrah breaks five-match wicketless run

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Mitchell McClenaghan hails Jasprit Bumrah's first-over spell as a "masterstroke" after MI pacer ends wicket drought and strikes early against Gujarat Titans.

How India's VALORANT Team Qualified For Esports Nations Cup

How India's VALORANT Team Qualified For Esports Nations Cup

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

India's VALORANT esports team has successfully qualified for the Esports Nations Cup (ENC) 2026 main event in Riyadh, emerging as one of two teams from the Asia regional qualifiers. The team, led by Sagnik Roy, overcame tough competition, including a crucial victory against Hong Kong, to secure their spot in the global tournament featuring a USD 1.5 million prize pool.

Stuttgart Open: Gauff, Rybakina storm into quarters

Stuttgart Open: Gauff, Rybakina storm into quarters

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Elena Rybakina and Coco Gauff secured their spots in the Stuttgart Open quarter-finals with straight-set victories. Mirra Andreeva also advanced, setting up a clash with Iga Swiatek.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Ancelotti banks on Neymar in Japan showdown

FIFA World Cup 2026: Ancelotti banks on Neymar in Japan showdown

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Coach Carlo Ancelotti is hopeful he will have Neymar available for more minutes in Monday's World Cup round of 32 fixture against Japan in Houston, and believes his Brazil side are ready for anything in what will be a tough knockout fixture.

Lionel Messi Breaks World Cup's All-Time Goals Record

Lionel Messi Breaks World Cup's All-Time Goals Record

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Lionel Messi became the all-time leading scorer in men's FIFA World Cup history on Monday, netting his 17th tournament goal during Argentina's match against Austria.

FIFA World Cup: 'If it was Messi, no red card' ex-US star sparks controversy

FIFA World Cup: 'If it was Messi, no red card' ex-US star sparks controversy

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

After the US's win in the round of 32 fixture against Bosnia and Herzegovina, which involved striker Flo Balogun being shown a red card and sent off after a tackle with an opponent, former US footballer Alexi Lalas questioned why Argentina superstar Lionel Messi escaped any notice

Explained: The controversy behind South Korea's World Cup elimination

Explained: The controversy behind South Korea's World Cup elimination

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

South Korea's World Cup group-stage exit has sparked a nationwide football crisis, with coach Hong Myung-bo resigning, President Lee Jae Myung ordering an investigation, and growing calls for sweeping reforms within the Korea Football Association.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Argentina stage stunning fightback to storm into quarterfinals

FIFA World Cup 2026: Argentina stage stunning fightback to storm into quarterfinals

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Argentina produced a stunning comeback after falling two goals behind, scoring twice in four minutes through Cristian Romero and Lionel Messi to beat Egypt 3-2 in their last 16 clash of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Atlanta on Tuesday.

Munoz strike sends Colombia into World Cup Round of 32

Munoz strike sends Colombia into World Cup Round of 32

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Daniel Munoz fired Colombia into the World Cup Round of 32 on Tuesday, sealing a 1-0 win over DR Congo in Group K.

Women's T20 World Cup: Harmanpreet wants India to sharpen fielding ahead of Australia test

Women's T20 World Cup: Harmanpreet wants India to sharpen fielding ahead of Australia test

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur acknowledged fielding shortcomings despite her team's T20 World Cup victory over Bangladesh. She expressed confidence in the team's ability to improve and looked forward to the challenging match against Australia. Player of the Match Shafali Verma also shared her satisfaction with her performance.

Neymar hints at return for Scotland game

Neymar hints at return for Scotland game

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Neymar missed Brazil's first two games of the FIFA 2026 World Cup and his likely to play against Scotland on Thursday.

India Poised For Victory Against Bhutan In SAFF Semifinal

India Poised For Victory Against Bhutan In SAFF Semifinal

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

India, the five-time champions, are set to face Bhutan in the SAFF Women's Championship semifinal, aiming for a spot in the final after a dominant group stage performance.

Will Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Make India Debut in First T20I Vs Ireland?

Will Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Make India Debut in First T20I Vs Ireland?

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Vaobhav Sooryavanshi, 15, stands a chance to become India's youngest international cricketer, potentially breaking Sachin Tendulkar's record.

IPL 2026, RCB vs MI: Can Royal Challengers batters snap two-match losing run vs Mumbai Indians?

IPL 2026, RCB vs MI: Can Royal Challengers batters snap two-match losing run vs Mumbai Indians?

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Royal Challengers Bengaluru will be looking to improve their batting performance and end their two-match losing streak when they face Mumbai Indians. RCB's batting lineup needs to regain its form to secure a spot in the IPL playoffs.

Marta Kostyuk downs Mirra Andreeva for Madrid Open crown

Marta Kostyuk downs Mirra Andreeva for Madrid Open crown

Rediff.com3 May 2026

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