News for 'world cup challenges'

Belgium Star Jeremy Doku's World Cup Fatherhood Challenge

Belgium Star Jeremy Doku's World Cup Fatherhood Challenge

Rediff.com1 days ago

Belgian winger Jeremy Doku faces a personal dilemma during the World Cup as his wife is due to give birth to their first child. He hopes to be present for the birth, potentially requiring him to leave the tournament.

Smriti Confident As India Gear Up For T20 World Cup Challenge

Smriti Confident As India Gear Up For T20 World Cup Challenge

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana shares insights into the Indian women's cricket team's preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup, emphasising the team's good form and hard work ahead of the tournament in England and Wales.

FIFA World Cup: Bellingham Has To Earn World Cup Starting Spot

FIFA World Cup: Bellingham Has To Earn World Cup Starting Spot

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

England manager Thomas Tuchel has stated that Jude Bellingham faces significant competition for a starting position in the upcoming World Cup, despite being considered a potential starter.

FIFA World Cup: Qatar hold Switzerland for first ever World Cup point

FIFA World Cup: Qatar hold Switzerland for first ever World Cup point

Rediff.com3 days ago

Qatar snatched their first ever World Cup point with a stoppage-time goal to draw 1-1 with Switzerland in an energetic and one-sided Group B opener on Saturday.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Debut Patches Go Viral

FIFA World Cup 2026 Debut Patches Go Viral

Rediff.com20 hours ago

FIFA's 'Debut FIFA World Cup' sleeve patch for the 2026 tournament is designed to celebrate first-time players and personalise kits.

World Cup 2026: Can Football Unite a Fractured World?

World Cup 2026: Can Football Unite a Fractured World?

Rediff.com5 days ago

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is set to be football's largest tournament but will unfold against a backdrop of significant geopolitical tensions, including conflicts, strained alliances, and complex immigration policies, challenging its traditional role as a symbol of global unity.

FIFA World Cup 2026: 'We are here at the World Cup to bring joy to Iranians'

FIFA World Cup 2026: 'We are here at the World Cup to bring joy to Iranians'

Rediff.com2 days ago

Iran's coach and their key player said the national team will strive to bring joy and unity to Iranian people around the world, despite war and other tensions making their FIFA World Cup adventure uniquely challenging.

Australia ready to defy expectations against Turkey at World Cup

Australia ready to defy expectations against Turkey at World Cup

Rediff.com4 days ago

Australia's coach Tony Popovic expresses confidence in his team's ability to challenge favourites Turkey in their World Cup opener in Vancouver, despite being considered underdogs. He also confirmed the squad is fully fit, including Mohamed Toure.

Irfan Pathan Explains India's World Cup Squad Strategy

Irfan Pathan Explains India's World Cup Squad Strategy

Rediff.com4 days ago

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan discusses India's ODI series against Afghanistan as a crucial opportunity to assess squad depth for the upcoming ICC World Cup, highlighting key players and their roles, especially for South African conditions.

Expanded World Cup boosts India's qualification hopes: Bhutia

Expanded World Cup boosts India's qualification hopes: Bhutia

Rediff.com5 days ago

Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia says FIFA's expanded 48-team World Cup format significantly improves India's chances of qualification while creating new opportunities for emerging football nations across Asia and beyond.

Portugal to honour Diogo Jota with special wristbands at World Cup

Portugal to honour Diogo Jota with special wristbands at World Cup

Rediff.com3 days ago

Portugal's World Cup squad will wear commemorative wristbands in tribute to their late former teammate Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash last year. Midfielder Vitinha discussed the team's approach to the upcoming tournament, acknowledging logistical challenges and expressing his personal ambition to win the World Cup.

From War to FIFA World Cup: Iraq Captain's Journey

From War to FIFA World Cup: Iraq Captain's Journey

Rediff.com25 minutes ago

From losing his father to terrorism and watching conflict tear apart his family, to nearly abandoning football before leading Iraq back to the World Cup, Aymen Hussein has overcome obstacles that would have broken many others.

Iran Warns FIFA against unauthorised flags, slogans at World Cup games

Iran Warns FIFA against unauthorised flags, slogans at World Cup games

Rediff.com6 days ago

Iran threatened to halt its matches at the World Cup if unauthorised flags are displayed or slogans targeting the national team are chanted at stadiums, Iranian media reported, citing Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali, following criticism of the team's presence at the tournament.

Wesley Out Of Brazil World Cup Squad, Ederson Called Up

Wesley Out Of Brazil World Cup Squad, Ederson Called Up

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Brazilian defender Wesley has been ruled out of the World Cup squad due to a left thigh muscle injury sustained during a friendly match.

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.

Saba Karim On Kohli's Assured 2027 World Cup Spot And Rohit's Fitness Challenge

Saba Karim On Kohli's Assured 2027 World Cup Spot And Rohit's Fitness Challenge

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Former cricketer and selector Saba Karim discusses the prospects of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for the 2027 ODI World Cup, highlighting Kohli's assured spot due to fitness and performance, while Rohit needs to prove himself. Karim also praises Kohli's multi-format adaptability and addresses Rishabh Pant's struggles in white-ball cricket.

FIFA World Cup: Brazil's players celebrate coach Ancelotti's birthday during training

FIFA World Cup: Brazil's players celebrate coach Ancelotti's birthday during training

Rediff.com6 days ago

Brazil is preparing for their World Cup opener against Morocco without star forward Neymar, who is recovering from a calf injury.

Scorching US Summer Could Disrupt FIFA World Cup 2026

Scorching US Summer Could Disrupt FIFA World Cup 2026

Rediff.com6 days ago

Climate change has increased the likelihood of temperatures high enough to affect player performance at 97 of the 104 tournament matches.

Juergen Klopp, Legends Watch as Germany Break World Cup Opening-Match Jinx

Juergen Klopp, Legends Watch as Germany Break World Cup Opening-Match Jinx

Rediff.com1 days ago

Germany launched their FIFA World Cup campaign with a commanding 7-1 victory over Curacao with Klopp, Muller watching from stands.

Robertson promises to play for late Jota at FIFA World Cup

Robertson promises to play for late Jota at FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com7 days ago

Scotland captain Andy Robertson has announced he will dedicate his performance at the upcoming World Cup to his late former Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota, following an emotional letter from Jota's widow.

Iran Seeks FIFA Clarification On World Cup Visas

Iran Seeks FIFA Clarification On World Cup Visas

Rediff.com30 May 2026

Iran's football federation has requested FIFA to clarify the timeline for issuing tournament visas after relocating their World Cup training camp from Arizona to Tijuana due to diplomatic friction and visa complications.

Mexico Eye Winning Start Against South Africa In FIFA World Cup Opener

Mexico Eye Winning Start Against South Africa In FIFA World Cup Opener

Rediff.com5 days ago

Mexico will kick off their home World Cup campaign against South Africa at the Estadio Azteca, carrying the pressure of fan expectations and a strong unbeaten run.

World Cup 2026: Watch Out For These 6 Dark Horses!

World Cup 2026: Watch Out For These 6 Dark Horses!

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Morocco, Norway, Turkey, Colombia, Mexico and Japan are among the leading dark horses for FIFA World Cup 2026, with each side possessing the talent and momentum to challenge football's traditional powers.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Germany eye big win against Curacao in opener

FIFA World Cup 2026: Germany eye big win against Curacao in opener

Rediff.com3 days ago

Germany, aiming to repair its international reputation after two consecutive first-round exits, begins its World Cup campaign against minnows Curacao.

Despite Hurdles, World Cup Fans Find Unique Charm In Toronto

Despite Hurdles, World Cup Fans Find Unique Charm In Toronto

Rediff.com4 days ago

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.

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.com7 days ago

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

Somali soccer referee denied US entry, will miss FIFA World Cup

Somali soccer referee denied US entry, will miss FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com7 days ago

Somali football referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, expected to be the first Somali to officiate at a World Cup match, was denied entry into the United States due to "vetting concerns" by US Customs and Border Protection.

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.

FIFA World Cup: Mbappe Magic As France Sink Senegal

FIFA World Cup: Mbappe Magic As France Sink Senegal

Rediff.com7 hours ago

Kylian Mbappe became France's all-time leading scorer with a double to power his team to victory against Senegal on Tuesday.

Australia's Socceroos Dismiss US Hype Ahead Of World Cup Showdown

Australia's Socceroos Dismiss US Hype Ahead Of World Cup Showdown

Rediff.com1 days ago

Australia's assistant coach Hayden Foxe states that the Socceroos are mature enough to handle media hype and social media comments ahead of their World Cup match against co-hosts the United States. Despite being written off by some US commentators, the team is confident after a strong start to the tournament, having defeated Turkey 2-0. Players are focused on the upcoming game, drawing motivation from past criticisms while remaining grounded.

German Footballers Wary Of Venomous Snakes At World Cup Camp

German Footballers Wary Of Venomous Snakes At World Cup Camp

Rediff.com25 minutes ago

German footballers at their FIFA World Cup base camp in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, are concerned about venomous snakes, specifically copperheads, after spotting one. Captain Joshua Kimmich expressed worries about potential bites, a sentiment echoed by Swiss and Norwegian teams, highlighting an unusual distraction for players preparing for the tournament.

Why India Are T20 World Cup Favourites, According To Chopra

Why India Are T20 World Cup Favourites, According To Chopra

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Former India captain Anjum Chopra believes the Indian women's cricket team are favourites for the upcoming T20 World Cup, highlighting their familiarity with English conditions and the return of key players.

Esha Singh secures gold, sets world record at ISSF World Cup

Esha Singh secures gold, sets world record at ISSF World Cup

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Esha Singh won gold in the women's 25m pistol final at the ISSF World Cup in Munich, setting a new world record score of 43. This is India's first medal at the Munich World Cup.

Isak-Gyokeres Strike Force Faces Tunisia's Iron Defence in World Cup Opener

Isak-Gyokeres Strike Force Faces Tunisia's Iron Defence in World Cup Opener

Rediff.com4 days ago

Sweden's star strike partnership of Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres faces a stern challenge against Tunisia's rock-solid defence as the two sides begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F campaign.

Argentina retailers hit by wave of fake World Cup merch

Argentina retailers hit by wave of fake World Cup merch

Rediff.com29 May 2026

World Cup fever in Argentina, home of the defending champions, has boosted sales of counterfeit jerseys and soccer trading cards, sparking protests from retailers who are already under pressure from President Javier Milei's market-opening policies.

FIFA World Cup: Vinicius Jr rescues draw for Brazil against Morocco

FIFA World Cup: Vinicius Jr rescues draw for Brazil against Morocco

Rediff.com3 days ago

Brazil and Morocco played to a 1-1 draw in their World Cup Group C opening match. Morocco took an early lead through Ismael Saibari, but Vinicius Jr's brilliant goal brought Brazil level before halftime. Despite Brazil's second-half improvements, Morocco's strong defence held them to a point.

India women target another World Cup title

India women target another World Cup title

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Indian cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues discusses the team's motivation and preparation for the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup, highlighting the importance of consistent training and the emergence of key players like Nandani. The team aims to build on their previous success and overcome challenges, including the absence of injured player Amanjot.

FIFA World Cup: USA face 'very tough' Paraguay test in opener

FIFA World Cup: USA face 'very tough' Paraguay test in opener

Rediff.com4 days ago

Pochettino expects a "very tough game" against Paraguay, praising their aggression and discipline.

The perfect pitch is the goal for World Cup grass growers

The perfect pitch is the goal for World Cup grass growers

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

From Mexico to Canada, across 16 stadiums in wildly different climates, the continental tournament is putting turf science to its ultimate test. The goal: creating living surfaces that can withstand kicks, studs, tackles and scorching summer heat.

FIFA World Cup 2026: England open Group L campaign against old foes Croatia

FIFA World Cup 2026: England open Group L campaign against old foes Croatia

Rediff.com1 days ago

England begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia in Arlington, Texas on Wednesday, a heavyweight Group L opener that could set the tone for both teams' tournament ambitions.