News for 'soccer'

Soccer: Atletico book Copa del Rey final spot despite Barca thrashing

Soccer: Atletico book Copa del Rey final spot despite Barca thrashing

Rediff.com7 days ago

Barcelona came within a whisker of an improbable comeback after last month's thrashing, with 18-year-old midfielder Marc Bernal, starting in place of the injured Frenkie De Jong, scoring in each half and Raphinha converting a penalty after Pedri was fouled.

T20 World Cup final: New Zealand blend rugby and football to sharpen reflexes

T20 World Cup final: New Zealand blend rugby and football to sharpen reflexes

Rediff.com4 days ago

New Zealand's cricket team incorporates a unique training drill called 'Donny Ball,' combining elements of rugby and football, to enhance concentration and reflexes ahead of their T20 World Cup final against India.

Australia grants humanitarian visas to five Iranian women footballers

Australia grants humanitarian visas to five Iranian women footballers

Rediff.com1 days ago

The visas were granted to the five Iranian players after US President Donald Trump spoke to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese following reports that the players had requested asylum.

How the Middle East crisis has affected sporting events and athletes

How the Middle East crisis has affected sporting events and athletes

Rediff.com3 hours ago

The escalating conflict involving the U.S. and Israel with Iran has led to widespread disruption in the world of sports, with events postponed, travel plans thrown into chaos, and athletes seeking asylum.

War fears cloud Iran's FIFA World Cup trip to the USA

War fears cloud Iran's FIFA World Cup trip to the USA

Rediff.com5 days ago

Eighteen months of preparation hang in the balance at a Tucson-based multi-use sports facility, where organisers say they remain in daily contact with FIFA about hosting Iran's national soccer team, even as geopolitical turmoil threatens to upend their World Cup plans.

'Welcome to the White House': US President Donald Trump Celebrates Lionel Messi

'Welcome to the White House': US President Donald Trump Celebrates Lionel Messi

Rediff.com5 days ago

US President Donald Trump welcomed Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami team to the White House on Thursday as he boasted about the United States' ongoing operation in Iran.

Not pitch-perfect: Italy carry cricket hopes of soccer nation

Not pitch-perfect: Italy carry cricket hopes of soccer nation

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

Italy are gearing up for their Twenty20 World Cup debut, hoping a strong showing next month will help the sport break into popular culture in a soccer-obsessed nation that does not have a natural cricket pitch.

'I really don't care' if Iran play in World Cup': Trump

'I really don't care' if Iran play in World Cup': Trump

Rediff.com7 days ago

Amid an escalating regional war, questions deepen over whether Iran's soccer team will compete at this year's FIFA World Cup to be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Spain vs Argentina Finalissima in doubt after Middle East strikes

Spain vs Argentina Finalissima in doubt after Middle East strikes

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

The Finalissima match between Spain and Argentina in Doha is in doubt after the Qatar Football Association suspended soccer tournaments indefinitely following U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran and retaliatory missiles fired at the Arabian Peninsula.

MLS Eyes Defining Year Amid World Cup, Messi Mania

MLS Eyes Defining Year Amid World Cup, Messi Mania

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

MLS enters its 31st season amid World Cup buzz and Lionel Messi's impact, with Don Garber calling it a defining moment for the league's future.

Iranian football team is welcome to play in FIFA World Cup in US: Donald Trump

Iranian football team is welcome to play in FIFA World Cup in US: Donald Trump

Rediff.com10 hours ago

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on Wednesday that he met with United States President Donald Trump, who told him he welcomed Iran's participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

FIFA to lead $75m project to build football ecosystem in Gaza

FIFA to lead $75m project to build football ecosystem in Gaza

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

FIFA and Board of Peace to support Gaza reconstruction through football

No risk to World Cup fans, says Mexico President

No risk to World Cup fans, says Mexico President

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Tuesday there was "no risk" to fans coming to the country for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, after violence erupted following the capture and death of Mexico's most-wanted cartel leader, notably in Jalisco state.

Security guard tackles Messi during Inter Miami match

Security guard tackles Messi during Inter Miami match

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

Lionel Messi was accidentally tackled by a security guard during Inter Miami's friendly win over Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico after a fan invaded the pitch.

MLS Kicks Off Pivotal Season With Messi, Son In Spotlight

MLS Kicks Off Pivotal Season With Messi, Son In Spotlight

Rediff.com21 Feb 2026

MLS begins a transformative season with Lionel Messi, Son Heung-min and record transfers as North America prepares to host the World Cup.

Football games postponed in Mexico after cartel leader's death sparks violence

Football games postponed in Mexico after cartel leader's death sparks violence

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

Several soccer games in Mexico were postponed due to violence following a military operation and the reported death of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, alias "El Mencho."

Drug lord El Mencho's murder: FIFA monitoring World Cup host city

Drug lord El Mencho's murder: FIFA monitoring World Cup host city

Rediff.com24 Feb 2026

Guadalajara violence postpones matches, FIFA monitoring World Cup host city

Will Iran pull out of FIFA World Cup 2026 in US, Canada, Mexico?

Will Iran pull out of FIFA World Cup 2026 in US, Canada, Mexico?

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Iran's participation in this year's World Cup has been called into question after co-hosts the United States launched joint air strikes at the country along with Israel at the weekend.

Champions League: Benfica's Prestianni Suspended For Real Madrid Match Over Racism Allegations

Champions League: Benfica's Prestianni Suspended For Real Madrid Match Over Racism Allegations

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

UEFA has provisionally suspended Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni for one match following allegations of a racist slur directed at Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr. during a Champions League match.

T20 World Cup, India vs Netherlands: 'Bigger Than FIFA World Cup': Dutch Excited For India Clash

T20 World Cup, India vs Netherlands: 'Bigger Than FIFA World Cup': Dutch Excited For India Clash

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

The Netherlands cricket team is excited to play against India in their final T20 World Cup league fixture at the world's largest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad.

Football returns to Gaza scarred by war

Football returns to Gaza scarred by war

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

On a worn-out five-a-side pitch in a wasteland of ruined buildings and rubble, Jabalia Youth took on Al-Sadaqa in the Gaza Strip's first organised soccer tournament in more than two years.

Tendulkar lauds Italy as Mosca Brothers Star in Historic Win

Tendulkar lauds Italy as Mosca Brothers Star in Historic Win

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

Italy registered their first-ever T20 World Cup win, thrashing Nepal by 10 wickets as the Mosca brothers scripted history with an unbeaten 123-run stand.

Explained: What athletes can and cannot say at the Olympics

Explained: What athletes can and cannot say at the Olympics

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

The ejection of Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych from the Winter Games over his "helmet of remembrance" has put the spotlight on rules over where athletes are not allowed to express themselves on political matters at the Olympics.

T20 World Cup: Italy begin maiden campaign against Scotland

T20 World Cup: Italy begin maiden campaign against Scotland

Rediff.com8 Feb 2026

Football giants Italy begin cricket World Cup's maiden campaign against Scotland

Boos, cheers and fireworks mark Milan Olympics opener

Boos, cheers and fireworks mark Milan Olympics opener

Rediff.com7 Feb 2026

The Milano Cortina Winter Olympics commenced with a vibrant opening ceremony, showcasing Italian culture and athletic spirit, while also highlighting global political tensions through crowd reactions and protests.

Ex-EPL referee sentenced over schoolboy video

Ex-EPL referee sentenced over schoolboy video

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

Ex-Premier League soccer referee Coote gets suspended sentence for indecent image charge

World Football's Biggest Earners Revealed!

World Football's Biggest Earners Revealed!

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

Real Madrid are football's biggest earners, Liverpool best in Premier League

After stint in Greek League, Manisha Kalyan moves to Peru

After stint in Greek League, Manisha Kalyan moves to Peru

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

Renowned Indian women's team midfielder Manisha Kalyan has been signed up by Peruvian club Alianza Lima, a move aimed at bolstering the "team's attack"

41st Season at 58: J-League Legend Defies Time Again

41st Season at 58: J-League Legend Defies Time Again

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

Japan soccer great Kazuyoshi Miura, 58, said on Friday he had all but given up on a return to the J-League before signing for Fukushima United, adding that he hopes to contribute with goals and assists in the latest chapter of his age-defying career.

Age 40, still hungry: Ronaldo sets sights on 1,000 goals

Age 40, still hungry: Ronaldo sets sights on 1,000 goals

Rediff.com29 Dec 2025

Ronaldo's double for Saudi side Al-Nassr on Saturday took his tally to 956 goals for club and country, and with the 40-year-old set to play on for "one or two more years" his target looks achievable.

896 Balls, One GOAT: Inside Kolkata's Messi Fan Zone

896 Balls, One GOAT: Inside Kolkata's Messi Fan Zone

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

Between 9 and 13 December, the Argentina Football Fans Club of Kolkata is turning Aikatan, a cultural hub just a short walk from Salt Lake Stadium, into a full-blown Messi fan zone, drenched in Argentina's blue and white.

Aus Open: Sabalenka cruises; Fery stuns 20th seed Cobolli

Aus Open: Sabalenka cruises; Fery stuns 20th seed Cobolli

Rediff.com18 Jan 2026

Qualifier Arthur Fery delivered a stunning Australian Open win by beating 20th seed Flavio Cobolli on Sunday.

Why 2025 Became a Defining Year for Women's Sport

Why 2025 Became a Defining Year for Women's Sport

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

A deafening roar at Twickenham capped a 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup that smashed attendance records, while India's first Women's Cricket World Cup triumph sparked nationwide celebrations.

England women's head coach Wiegman gets honorary damehood

England women's head coach Wiegman gets honorary damehood

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

Idris Elba, Torvill and Dean star in Britain's New Year honours

'Class act by the Barmy Army'

'Class act by the Barmy Army'

Rediff.com19 Dec 2025

Charlie Smith, one of the thousands of England fans cheering on Ben Stokes's struggling team, stopped off on the way to the ground to buy bin bags and gather up the garbage.

Soccer PIX: Draws order of the day in Europe as Juve held in derby

Soccer PIX: Draws order of the day in Europe as Juve held in derby

Rediff.com9 Nov 2025

IMAGES from matches played across European leagues on Saturday

'Cancelled our honeymoon to see Messi'

'Cancelled our honeymoon to see Messi'

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

A newly-married couple in Kolkata revealed that they cancelled their honeymoon to catch a glimpse of Messi in Kolkata.

Messi to meet PM Modi, CJI, Army chief in Delhi

Messi to meet PM Modi, CJI, Army chief in Delhi

Rediff.com14 Dec 2025

The final day of the GOAT India Tour will also see Messi exchanging greetings with two members of the Indian cricket team at the Ferozshah Kotla Stadium.

Iran takes a U-turn, drops plan to boycott 2026 World Cup draw

Iran takes a U-turn, drops plan to boycott 2026 World Cup draw

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

Iran to attend World Cup draw after boycott threat over visa issues

Beat the heat! 2026 World Cup to have hydration breaks

Beat the heat! 2026 World Cup to have hydration breaks

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

World Cup matches to have mandatory hydration breaks in each half