News for 'soccer'

Soccer: Napoli go second; Lens top Ligue 1

Soccer: Napoli go second; Lens top Ligue 1

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Scott McTominay's early strike lifts Napoli to second in Serie A, while Lens thrash Angers 5-1 to go top of Ligue 1.

Soccer: Inter held by Atalanta; 9-man Bayern drop points

Soccer: Inter held by Atalanta; 9-man Bayern drop points

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

A summary of results from football leagues across Europe.

Diego Maradona's childhood house transformed into soup kitchen

Diego Maradona's childhood house transformed into soup kitchen

Rediff.com4 days ago

Every week, hundreds of people line up to fill a plastic container with food in an unlikely place: the humble home where Argentine soccer legend Diego Armando Maradona was born.

Iran footballers pay tribute to schoolgirls killed in US-Israeli strikes

Iran footballers pay tribute to schoolgirls killed in US-Israeli strikes

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Iran's men's national soccer team wore black armbands and held schoolbags as their anthem played ahead of a match in Turkey on Friday, in what a team official said was a protest over the killing of schoolgirls on the first day of the Iran war.

'Unacceptable disgrace': Fury as Italy fail to qualify again

'Unacceptable disgrace': Fury as Italy fail to qualify again

Rediff.com3 days ago

Italy crash out of World Cup qualification for the third straight time, losing to Bosnia on penalties, sparking outrage and calls for sweeping changes.

Italy's Football Chief Resigns After World Cup Failure

Italy's Football Chief Resigns After World Cup Failure

Rediff.com2 days ago

Italian Football federation chief Gabriele Gravina resigned on Thursday, after the national team failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third time in a row.

Jannik Sinner beats Lehecka in rain-hit Miami final to complete 'Sunshine Double'

Jannik Sinner beats Lehecka in rain-hit Miami final to complete 'Sunshine Double'

Rediff.com6 days ago

Jannik Sinner beat Czech Jiri Lehecka in a rain-hit Miami Open final on Sunday to become the first man to complete the coveted 'Sunshine Double' without dropping a set.

Chelsea report biggest-ever loss in English football

Chelsea report biggest-ever loss in English football

Rediff.com3 days ago

Chelsea FC made a loss despite a rise in revenue as they finished fourth in the Premier League and won the Europa Conference League in the 2024-25 season.

Iran bans teams from hostile nations, FIFA World Cup at risk

Iran bans teams from hostile nations, FIFA World Cup at risk

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Iran has banned national and club sports teams from travelling to countries it considers hostile, citing concerns over the safety of its athletes.

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

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

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

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.

Donald Trump says it is not appropriate for Iran to be in FIFA World Cup

Donald Trump says it is not appropriate for Iran to be in FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday the Iranian men's national soccer team was welcome to participate in the 2026 World Cup but that he believed it was not appropriate that they be there "for their own life and safety."

Lego teams up with Messi, Ronaldo for FIFA World Cup 2026

Lego teams up with Messi, Ronaldo for FIFA World Cup 2026

Rediff.com2 days ago

Lego is collaborating with football stars Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe, and Vinicius Jr. to release new sets ahead of the 2026 World Cup, featuring letter-shaped designs, display models, and a 3D wall art piece of Messi.

Spanish police probe Islamophobic chants at Spain-Egypt friendly

Spanish police probe Islamophobic chants at Spain-Egypt friendly

Rediff.com3 days ago

Spanish police investigate Islamophobic chants during Spain vs Egypt friendly, drawing condemnation from government and football authorities over racism in stadiums.

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.com7 Mar 2026

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.

Champions League: Benfica Hit With UEFA Fine After Racist Incident In Real Madrid Game

Champions League: Benfica Hit With UEFA Fine After Racist Incident In Real Madrid Game

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

UEFA has fined Benfica 40,000 euros for racist behaviour by supporters during their Champions League match against Real Madrid.

Iran footballers return home after asylum U-turn by players

Iran footballers return home after asylum U-turn by players

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Members of Iran women's football team returned home after five players withdrew asylum claims in Australia, ending a tense journey amid safety concerns.

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.

Three Iran footballers drop asylum bid, opt to return home

Three Iran footballers drop asylum bid, opt to return home

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

Iranian women footballers Mona Hamoudi, Zahra Sarbali and Zahra Meshkehkar, decided to return to their country days after seeking asylum in Australia.

Australia grants humanitarian visas to five Iranian women footballers

Australia grants humanitarian visas to five Iranian women footballers

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

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.

Iran cannot participate in FIFA World Cup, minister says

Iran cannot participate in FIFA World Cup, minister says

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Iran cannot participate in the 2026 World Cup after co-host the US launched airstrikes alongside Israel, Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali said on Wednesday.

La Liga Title Race: Barcelona Extends Lead, Real Madrid Suffers Setback

La Liga Title Race: Barcelona Extends Lead, Real Madrid Suffers Setback

Rediff.com3 hours ago

Barcelona defeated Atletico Madrid, extending their lead in La Liga after Real Madrid's loss to Mallorca. Key goals from Lewandowski and Rashford secured Barcelona's victory, while Muriqi's late goal sealed Mallorca's win against Real.

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.com6 Mar 2026

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.

Iran women's team drama: Players drop asylum bid

Iran women's team drama: Players drop asylum bid

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Five members of the Iranian women's football team, who initially sought asylum in Australia, have withdrawn their claims and are returning to Iran.

How the Middle East crisis has affected sporting events and athletes

How the Middle East crisis has affected sporting events and athletes

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

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.

'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.com6 Mar 2026

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.

'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.com4 Mar 2026

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.

Messi joins 900-goal club, but Miami exit Champions Cup

Messi joins 900-goal club, but Miami exit Champions Cup

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Lionel Messi scored his 900th career goal, but Inter Miami CF were knocked out of the CONCACAF Champions Cup by Nashville SC.

Iran execution shocks ex-athlete, sparks outrage

Iran execution shocks ex-athlete, sparks outrage

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Former Iranian water polo player Reza Soleimani expresses devastation over the execution of wrestler Saleh Mohammadi and voices support for Iranian athletes protesting against the government.

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.com11 Mar 2026

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.

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.

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.

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.