AFP, VATUTINKI (RUSSIA): Germany got down to business in the defence of their World Cup title on Wednesday with their first training session in Russia,…

France has been blessed with some of the greatest midfielders of the modern era, but the Manchester United man is yet to live up to the hype, reports…

AFP, BUENOS AIRES: Inmates in an Argentine prison have begun a hunger strike to press authorities to repair the cable TV system so they can watch the World Cup. “Cable television is an indispensable right for everyone deprived of their liberty,” according to a statement from nine inmates…

AFP, KRASNODAR (RUSSIA): Spain sacked coach Julen Lopetegui just two days before the team's opening game against Portugal at the World Cup, Spanish football federation chief Luis Rubiales confirmed on Wednesday. In a surprise announcement on Tuesday, Real Madrid named Lopetegui as their next manager…

Japan claimed their first victory of the year on Tuesday, coming from behind to beat Paraguay 4-2 and boost sagging morale a week before their opening…

AFP, SOCHI: The World Cup group stage will see 48 games crammed into two weeks. AFP Sport picks out the moments to look out for in Russia: Opening match How can anyone miss the opening game at the World Cup? It sets the tone for a month-long festival of football, even if in this case it brings together…

AFP, NOVI SAD (SERBIA): Looking for a new haircut to celebrate the World Cup in style? A hairdresser is clipping 'portraits' of stars Lionel Messi…

AFP, SOCHI: Brazil goalkeeper Alisson played down speculation over his club future on Tuesday as he lives "a boyhood dream" at the World Cup…

AFP, CAIRO: Should top athletes fast during Ramadan? The question has provoked an often heated debate in Muslim countries, particularly as national teams…

AFP,  GROZNY (RUSSIA): Mohamed Salah, a star attraction ahead of football's 2018 World Cup in Russia, has made headlines for a smiling photo with Ramzan Kadyrov, strongman of Chechnya where his Egypt team have set up camp. “Mo Salah was woken from his sleep so a man accused of 'torture…

AFP,  FRANKFURT AM MAIN: Although World Cup teams will be as boldly emblazoned with logos as ever, sportswear makers see little hope this year of repeating sales leaps that greeted past tournaments in iconic football nations like Germany and Brazil. “There is no doubt that the World Cup in…