News for 'world cup friendlies'

Beware of fake FIFA World Cup streaming platforms, warn Kerala Police

Beware of fake FIFA World Cup streaming platforms, warn Kerala Police

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Kerala police have issued a warning about a sophisticated cyber fraud targeting football fans. Scammers are using fake OTT apps and social media advertisements promising free access to FIFA World Cup 2026 matches. These malicious apps gain control of users' phones and illegally withdraw money from bank accounts. The police advise downloading apps only from official stores and being cautious of suspicious permissions.

Brazil's Defence A Major Worry Ahead Of FIFA World Cup Opener

Brazil's Defence A Major Worry Ahead Of FIFA World Cup Opener

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Brazil is facing significant defensive challenges, particularly at right-back, ahead of their World Cup opener against Morocco.

The World Cup Is Here, But Where Are the Fans?

The World Cup Is Here, But Where Are the Fans?

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

High costs, visa hurdles, and logistics for the World Cup are deterring fans, leading to a disappointing boost for US hotels, airlines, and the travel industry.

Why Mexicans Feel Left Out of Their Own World Cup After 40 Years

Why Mexicans Feel Left Out of Their Own World Cup After 40 Years

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

Despite the World Cup returning to their country for the first time in four decades, many in Mexico said they feel excluded, priced out of stadiums, forced to pay for expensive TV subscriptions and constrained by strict licensing rules.

Iran to play FIFA World Cup warm-up games behind closed doors

Iran to play FIFA World Cup warm-up games behind closed doors

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Iran will play their final World Cup warm-up behind closed doors in Turkey on Thursday before departing for their tournament base in Mexico on Saturday.

FIFA World Cup: Messi dazzles with a 'trick' as Argentina crush Algeria

FIFA World Cup: Messi dazzles with a 'trick' as Argentina crush Algeria

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Lionel Messi earned a spot in the World Cup history books with a hat-trick that saw Argentina begin the defence of their title with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Algeria in their Group J opener at Kansas City Stadium, Missouri, on Tuesday.

Talismanic Kane holds key to end England's World Cup woes

Talismanic Kane holds key to end England's World Cup woes

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

The challenge for manager Thomas Tuchel has a tough task in a tricky group with Croatia, Ghana and Panama, while ensuring reliance on Harry Kane does not become over-dependence by encouraging tactical flexibility.

Despite Hurdles, World Cup Fans Find Unique Charm In Toronto

Despite Hurdles, World Cup Fans Find Unique Charm In Toronto

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Despite initial challenges like unsold tickets and a rained-out fan festival, visitors are flocking to Toronto for the first-ever World Cup soccer match in Canada. Fans are drawn by factors such as lower drinking age compared to the US, cultural similarities, and Canada's diverse immigrant population, creating a unique and determined atmosphere for the tournament.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Ghana witch doctor ends Kane spell after England's goal-less night

FIFA World Cup 2026: Ghana witch doctor ends Kane spell after England's goal-less night

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

A Ghanaian witch doctor says he has "released" England captain Harry Kane from his spell after the striker failed to find the net in Tuesday's goalless draw at the World Cup.

As Drones Hover Overhead, Displaced Gazans Gather to Watch the World Cup

As Drones Hover Overhead, Displaced Gazans Gather to Watch the World Cup

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Displaced Palestinians in Gaza are overcoming power cuts, poor internet and ongoing insecurity to follow the FIFA World Cup, finding brief moments of joy and escape amid the hardships of war and displacement.

Croatia grab late win to beat Slovenia in World Cup warm-up

Croatia grab late win to beat Slovenia in World Cup warm-up

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Luka Modric scored to put Croatia ahead before they edged Slovenia 2-1 in the international friendly before the World Cup.

Shock omission! Maguire dropped from England's World Cup squad

Shock omission! Maguire dropped from England's World Cup squad

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Harry Maguire was left shocked after being omitted from England's World Cup squad by Thomas Tuchel, while Phil Foden and Cole Palmer were also reportedly dropped ahead of Friday's announcement.

Neymar breaks down in tears after FIFA 2026 World Cup call-up

Neymar breaks down in tears after FIFA 2026 World Cup call-up

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Brazilian football star Neymar Jr. shares his emotional response to being included in the FIFA World Cup squad, expressing gratitude for the support he received during his journey.

Neymar earns Brazil World Cup recall under Ancelotti

Neymar earns Brazil World Cup recall under Ancelotti

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Carlo Ancelotti has recalled Neymar to Brazil's squad for next month's FIFA World Cup, backing the veteran forward's fitness and experience despite his injury-disrupted recent years.

Carlo Ancelotti To Manage Brazil Until 2030 World Cup

Carlo Ancelotti To Manage Brazil Until 2030 World Cup

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Carlo Ancelotti has extended his contract as the manager of the Brazilian national football team until the 2030 World Cup.

Mexico legend Ochoa closes in on historic sixth World Cup appearance

Mexico legend Ochoa closes in on historic sixth World Cup appearance

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Guillermo Ochoa said he has entered his final Mexico training camp as the veteran goalkeeper closes in on a historic sixth FIFA World Cup appearance in 2026.

Thousands Rally For Iran's World Cup Team Amid Visa Concerns

Thousands Rally For Iran's World Cup Team Amid Visa Concerns

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Iran hosted a large send-off rally for its World Cup team in Tehran, despite ongoing concerns about visa issues for entry into the United States, where the team is scheduled to play its group matches.

FIFA World Cup: Australia coach wants Trump at USA match

FIFA World Cup: Australia coach wants Trump at USA match

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Australia's coach, Tony Popovic, believes Donald Trump's potential attendance at their World Cup match against the United States would motivate his team. While midfielder Jackson Irvine voiced concerns about FIFA's Peace Prize to Trump and LGBT rights in the U.S., Popovic remains focused on the team's preparation and player fitness.

FIFA World Cup: Mexico, where every patch of ground becomes a football pitch

FIFA World Cup: Mexico, where every patch of ground becomes a football pitch

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Across World Cup co-host Mexico, soccer pitches are laid out wherever communities can find the space. On the edges of towns, on highway underpasses, and even in a volcano crater, spaces are cleared that allow the young and the old to share in the dream of the beautiful game.

Iran's football team trains in Turkey ahead of FIFA World Cup warm-ups

Iran's football team trains in Turkey ahead of FIFA World Cup warm-ups

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Iran's national football team is training in Turkey for upcoming friendlies as they prepare for the FIFA World Cup, facing heightened attention due to geopolitical tensions.

Iran Football Team Applies For US, Canada Visas Ahead Of FIFA World Cup

Iran Football Team Applies For US, Canada Visas Ahead Of FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Iran's national soccer team attended visa appointments in Ankara, Turkey, applying for Canadian visas and some players also submitting applications for US entry ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

DR Congo Unlikely To Change FIFA World Cup Plans Despite Ebola Warning

DR Congo Unlikely To Change FIFA World Cup Plans Despite Ebola Warning

Rediff.com23 May 2026

The Democratic Republic of Congo plans to continue its preparations for the 2026 World Cup despite a warning from the United States about a potential Ebola outbreak.

Xavi Simons suffers ACL injury, set to miss World Cup

Xavi Simons suffers ACL injury, set to miss World Cup

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Tottenham Hotspur on Monday confirmed that midfielder Xavi Simons will require surgery on his right knee after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament.

How Yan Diomande Went From Florida To World Cup

How Yan Diomande Went From Florida To World Cup

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Yan Diomande, a 19-year-old winger from the Ivory Coast, has experienced a meteoric rise in the world of football, going from playing in a Florida high school to representing his country at the World Cup. His journey involved overcoming cultural challenges and excelling in both the United States and Europe, ultimately leading to his selection for the Ivory Coast national team.

Brazil Football Team Likely To Play Friendly In Kolkata In October

Brazil Football Team Likely To Play Friendly In Kolkata In October

Rediff.com4 days ago

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) is in advanced negotiations to bring its national football team to Kolkata, India, for a friendly match in early October, marking a significant event for the region's large Brazilian fan base.

FIFA World Cup: 'Make the hearts of the people of Iran happy'

FIFA World Cup: 'Make the hearts of the people of Iran happy'

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Dropped Iran striker Sardar Azmoun has posted a heartfelt message on social media proclaiming his love for his country and wishing the World Cup squad well at the tournament without him.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Complete List Of All 26-Man Squads

FIFA World Cup 2026: Complete List Of All 26-Man Squads

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

The official 26-man squads for FIFA World Cup 2026.

Gattuso Resigns As Italy Manager Following World Cup Qualification Failure

Gattuso Resigns As Italy Manager Following World Cup Qualification Failure

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

Gennaro Gattuso has resigned as Italy manager after the national team failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup.

Iran drop star striker Azmoun before World Cup warm-ups

Iran drop star striker Azmoun before World Cup warm-ups

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Iran striker Sardar Azmoun has been left out of the squad for World Cup warm-ups amid reports of expulsion over alleged disloyalty, sparking controversy.

Why World Cup Hero Shivam Dube Took Train Home

Why World Cup Hero Shivam Dube Took Train Home

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Shivam Dube, fresh from winning the T20 World Cup, had to take a train home to Mumbai due to fully booked flights, disguising himself to avoid attention.

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.

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.

Argument Over T20 World Cup Celebrations Turns Fatal in Bihar

Argument Over T20 World Cup Celebrations Turns Fatal in Bihar

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

A teenager in Bihar, India, died after an argument with a friend during a viewing of the ICC T20 World Cup final. The dispute escalated into a physical altercation, resulting in fatal injuries.

Ishan Kishan Reveals Emotional Turmoil During T20 World Cup

Ishan Kishan Reveals Emotional Turmoil During T20 World Cup

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Ishan Kishan opens up about his emotional journey during the T20 World Cup, revealing the personal loss he faced and how he channelled his grief into a match-winning performance.

Can India's Fab 8 Script T20 World Cup History?

Can India's Fab 8 Script T20 World Cup History?

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

The eight players who featured in India's World Cup triumph in 2024 will aim to repeat their magic from two years ago.

T20 World Cup: How India-Pakistan Game Was Saved

T20 World Cup: How India-Pakistan Game Was Saved

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

Pakistan have agreed to play India in the T20 World Cup match in Sri Lanka after diplomatic outreach and ICC-led talks ended the boycott standoff.

Pakistan announce T20 World Cup squad amid drama

Pakistan announce T20 World Cup squad amid drama

Rediff.com25 Jan 2026

After veiled boycott threat, Pakistan name 15-member squad for T20 World Cup.

T20 World Cup semifinal: England back struggling Buttler to fire vs India

T20 World Cup semifinal: England back struggling Buttler to fire vs India

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

England are relying on Jos Buttler to rediscover his form and deliver a match-winning performance against India in the T20 World Cup semifinal, despite his recent struggles in ICC events.

How Shivam Dube Opted for a Train Journey After T20 World Cup Victory

How Shivam Dube Opted for a Train Journey After T20 World Cup Victory

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Shivam Dube, fresh from his T20 World Cup victory, travelled by train from Ahmedabad to Mumbai to be with his family, avoiding fully booked flights and potential fan frenzy.

Jr World Cup gold medallist shooter Sambhaji Patil killed in car accident

Jr World Cup gold medallist shooter Sambhaji Patil killed in car accident

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

International shooter Sambhaji Patil, a gold medallist in the 2016 Junior World Cup, was killed on Monday when his car hit a truck on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway in Palghar district of Maharashtra.