Crisis-hit Japan would struggle to avoid an early World Cup exit even under Jose Mourinho -- that's the stinging assessment of former coach Philippe Troussier.

England attacking midfielder Dele Alli has promised to not fall foul of new FIFA regulations introduced for the World Cup which allow referees to punish players retrospectively for infringements during a match.

After the tropical tranquillity of their base at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, reigning champions Germany fly into Russia on Tuesday hoping the rain stays away from their isolated base outside Moscow.

Portugal midfielder Manuel Fernandes said Cristiano Ronaldo "doesn't look at all worried about his future" as the Real Madrid superstar contemplates a possible exit from the Spanish giants this summer.

Spain goalkeeper David de Gea has demanded a "public apology" from Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez over comments he made in connection with a false 2016 sex slur.

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah sat out Egypt training again on Sunday following the north Africans' arrival in Grozny ahead of the World Cup in Russia.

Three international stars will thrill the fans in Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium.

Brazil superstar Neymar levels with Romario for third position on Brazil’s all-time leading goal-scorer list as he scored his 55th for the country against Austria in an international friendly.

The phoney war is over and most of the big guns arrives in Russia ahead of the start of the World Cup. Have a look at how the favourites shapes up.

Brazil's squad arrive in Russia with their star Neymar seemingly recovered from a broken foot bone as they begin their quest to win a sixth World Cup.

Jogo Bonito, The Beautiful game. It is a phrase that will always be associated with Brazil. The five-time World champions have had some great sides in the past and while their style faltered in recent World Cups, Tite has revived Brazil for the Russia World Cup.

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo was treated to a traditional Russian welcome of bread and salt when he arrived with the national team in Moscow, much to the amusement of his teammates.

Neymar marked his return to the starting line-up with another brilliant goal as Brazil eased to a 3-0 win over Austria in Vienna on Sunday in their final friendly ahead of the World Cup.

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah turned up for Egypt training in Cairo on Saturday ahead of the Pharaohs' departure for the World Cup in Russia but didn't take part, AFP witnessed.

Lionel Messi is unsure if he will continue playing for Argentina beyond the World Cup. The 30-year-old briefly stepped away from the Albiceleste in 2016 and is considering bringing a close to an international career that began in 2005.

World Cup hopefuls France salvaged a late 1-1 draw against the United States in their final friendly before the tournament, while fellow favourites Spain needed a late goal as they edged past Tunisia 1-0 on Saturday.

Neymar marks his return to the starting line-up with another brilliant goal as Brazil ease to a 3-0 win over Austria in their final friendly ahead of the World Cup.

Egypt’s Mo Salah arrives in Russia with his wing ahead of their third appearance FIFA World Cup and the Pharaohs immediately treated to the traditional ‘lezginka’ dance by locals at the team’s base in Chechnya.

Iceland need police help to keep their World Cup plans on track after coach Heimir Hallgrimsson put his bag on the wrong bus in a comical start to their debut campaign.

Encircled by expectant cheers of Egyptian fans, Mohamed Salah appeares at the Pharaohs' final pre-World Cup training session and kindled hopes he can overcome injury to aid Egypt's first shot at the tournament in nearly three decades.