football federation

Cristiano Ronaldo’s possible appearance at the 2030 World Cup has become a major topic among fans, especially with Portugal set to co-host the tournament. However, Portuguese football federation president Pedro Proença believes it would be a huge surprise to see Ronaldo play at age 45. Despite that, he praised Ronaldo’s lasting impact and said the soccer icon will always remain important to Portugal.

Sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya assured ISL clubs that the 2026-27 season will proceed as scheduled after a key meeting involving clubs, AIFF officials and ex-chief Praful Patel. A new proposal favouring a club-led model, under which AIFF would receive Rs 15.4 crore — higher than the projected earnings from the proposed Genius Sports partnership. Stadium costs also emerged as a topic of concern.

Iran's national football team has secured U.S. visas for the FIFA World Cup 2026, resolving diplomatic hurdles just before their opening match. Despite political tensions, all players and essential staff received approval, though some applicants were denied. The team will now base their operations in Mexico for the tournament.

Dribbling past hardships, MP girls now among women’s football elites

Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen is recovering well and expected to be discharged soon after a worrying on-field collapse during a friendly against Ukraine. The 34-year-old, who famously survived a cardiac arrest in 2021, clutched his chest but managed to walk off the pitch. He is in good spirits with his family, according to the team physician.

SAFF general secretary Purushottam Kattel speaks to TOI on the proposed men’s Club Championship, VAR, new competitions and South Asia’s potential. Excerpts…

Switzerland striker Breel Embolo faces an unexpected obstacle just days before the start of the FIFA World Cup. The 29-year-old forward was unable to travel to the United States with the Swiss national team after his Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) was suddenly placed under review. The issue emerged on Tuesday as Switzerland departed for North America to continue preparations for the tournament.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has been named in a criminal complaint filed by former UEFA president Michel Platini just days before the start of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The complaint has been submitted in French courts and is linked to the long-running controversy that ended Platini’s hopes of becoming FIFA president nearly a decade ago.

Christian Eriksen is recovering after collapsing during Denmark’s friendly against Ukraine when his ICD delivered a life-saving shock. The midfielder says he is focusing on recovery and family before making any career decisions. Former Denmark star Thomas Gravesen believes Eriksen should retire, while doctors confirmed the device worked as intended and helped save his life.

India's women's football team has reclaimed the SAFF Championship title after a seven-year hiatus, defeating defending champions Bangladesh 3-1 in a thrilling final. Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the team's dominant performance, predicting their success will inspire a new generation of footballers in the country.

Iran's World Cup squad faces an unprecedented challenge: same-day travel for all US matches, entering and exiting America on match days. This unusual arrangement stems from visa issues and diplomatic tensions, forcing the team to base themselves in Tijuana. Despite these hurdles, the team is in good form heading into the tournament.

Christian Eriksen collapsed during Denmark’s friendly against Ukraine and was taken to hospital for further tests. The Danish federation said he was conscious and doing well, while team doctor Morten Boesen said the pacemaker appeared to work as intended. The match was abandoned with Denmark leading 2-1. The incident recalled Eriksen’s cardiac arrest at Euro 2021 and remarkable recovery.

Switzerland striker Breel Embolo was unable to travel to the United States with his national team after his ESTA travel authorization was placed under review. The Swiss Football Association expects the issue to be resolved soon. No official reason has been given. Embolo remains an important part of Switzerland’s World Cup squad and is expected to join the team shortly.

Real Madrid publicly confirmed a €150 million bid for Julian Alvarez, but city rivals Atletico Madrid rejected the offer and pointed to the striker's release clause of €500 million. Alvarez scored 20 goals and provided nine assists last season. The rejection gained extra attention after Atletico appeared to mock Real on social media with laughing emojis following the announcement.

Carlos Godinho has seen Cristiano Ronaldo grow from an 18-year-old stepping into the squad to the most decorated international scorer of all time. Now, the former Portugal team director wants one final chapter for CR7 before the curtain falls. With the Al-Nassr forward set to lead Portugal into the 2026 World Cup at 41, those who know him best are quietly hoping his body holds out long enough to claim the trophy that has kept eluding him.