The World Cup epitomises football at its very best—a unifying force in a world too often fighting against itself

Lucky for us, one of the greatest rivalries in football is still unfolding in the here and now. Russia 2018 will be like a final contest for Ronaldo and Messi.

Ronaldo and Messi have won it five times each in the last 10 years, but a host of younger stars are being tipped to be the first Ballon d’Or winner after the decadal reign of the ‘big two’. Here are the front-runners…

Five African sides have qualified for the World Cup. With excellent organisation and a few world-class players, can they overcome history?

If Messi and Neymar have one thing in common, it is a near-fanatical hunger for victory.

A bickering world, quite rightly, gets Russia, the commonest bete noire, as host of its cup of life. Ah, but we mustn’t cavil. It might turn out to be fun after all.

A contest amid the cathedral spires of historic Russia will see 32 teams pitted against each other for football’s holy grail

Following matches through radio static to plugging in—Indian fans have been steadfast as ever. But has the dazzle of European soccer held us in enthralled stupor?

Moving away from the obvious star profiles, a look at 10 young, promising players whom you should keep an eye out for this World Cup

Triumphs, near-misses and skulduggery; every World Cup has had its highlights

Permutation or flowing stream? A look at the formations of some great sides.

Fate and flaw conspired to keep egalitarian football at the margins in India. Cricket—race-erected, race-directed—flourished under post-colonial patronage.

They play for goals, yes, but half their hearts are claimed by girls. The WAGs will tail footballers across the Russian steppe.

The long absence of the CM and two key ministers has created a peculiar situation in Goa politics

Social media rumours fan a medieval barbarity within us. This time it’s Assam.

All sides in Kashmir circle warily around a gathering mandate for peace. Will it all end in dialogue?

Missing key to a temple storehouse opens a Pandora’s box

Left out of the cabinet, Karnataka leaders turn malcontent

When fear had paralysed Kozhikode, a doctor buried Nipah victims himself

A regular column on the essential buzz

P.K Banerjee, former captain and coach of the Indian Football team on why India failed to make a mark in world football, what for him is a demanding mistress, and more.

A famous temple in Guwahati has a 'bleeding goddess' as the deity; whosoever weds 25-year-old Geeta must swear to aid her in her quest to find her parents; read all the juicy gossips here...