Egypt coach Hector Cuper admits that he is planning for a replacement for Mohamed Salah in the coming World Cup just in case his star man is not fully fit to start in Russia, according to a report published on The Independent.

A football-mad farmer in Bangladesh unfurls a homemade German flag stretching 5.5 kilometres (3.4 miles) in a bizarre act of devotion to his favourite team ahead of the World Cup.

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba insisted that criticism about his personality and style of play will not change him.

Argentina have cancelled their final World Cup warmup match against Israel, striker Gonzalo Higuain said on Tuesday, as political pressure grew ahead of Saturday's scheduled fixture in Jerusalem.

An inhospitable climate and the smallest population of any World Cup nation have failed to dampen Iceland's burning desire to make history at this month's tournament in Russia in their own unique way.

Lukewarm Serbia stumbled to a 1-0 home defeat by Chile in a World Cup warm-up on Monday while Morocco were far more impressive in a 2-1 win over Slovakia in the other match involving a finalist.

The High Court (HC) yesterday gave the go-ahead to hoist foreign national flags across the country during the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

Iran announce its final 23-man line-up for the 2018 World Cup as it arrives in Russia with arguably its most accomplished squad ever and the wind in its sails after an unbeaten run through qualifiers.

FIFA files a criminal complaint against the secondary ticketing firm Viagogo's sale of 2018 World Cup tickets, opening a new battle between sports organisations and websites seeking a share of their profits.

Mastercard said it is changing a campaign in which thousands of free meals were to be given to the needy every time football superstars Neymar and Messi scored goals.

Elite footballers face ever-increasing physical and mental demands, with a long, gruelling seasons. In a World Cup year, how does a player make it to June fit and fired up?

Germany have included 2014 World Cup-winning goalkeeper Manuel Neuer in their final squad for the 2018 tournament, even though he has only just returned from a long-term absence through injury.

Spain goalkeeper David de Gea made a rare error which led to his side drawing 1-1 at home to Switzerland in a World Cup warm-up friendly on Sunday which the hosts dominated but failed to make their superior possession count.

Brazilian superstar Neymar says he has no desire to be Brazil's all-time leading scorer despite being third in the Selecao's charts.

Lionel Messi has risen to become football’s reigning GOAT (Greatest Of All Time).

Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah in Egypt's 2018 World Cup squad despite still underdoing treatment for a shoulder injury he suffered in the Champions League final.

Argentina are often touted as a one-man team and when Lionel Messi has failed to ignite, the team has generally shown a lack of ideas.

Germany have included 2014 World Cup-winning goalkeeper Manuel Neuer in their final squad for the 2018 tournament, even though he has only just returned from a long-term absence through injury.

Former Arsenal striker Nwankwo Kanu had $11,000 (9,300 euros) stolen from his suitcase at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport on his way to playing in a friendly match organised by FIFA

Fiery England star Dele Alli has promised to keep his cool at the World Cup. Alli has been targeted by opponents keen to provoke the volatile Tottenham midfielder, who has been involved in a series of incidents when his temper has got the better of him.