In-focus

Panama World Cup coach Gomez quits

Gomez coached Ecuador from 1999 to 2004 and led them to the 2002 World Cup.

World Cup pitch intruder jailed for 15 days

The judge also banned Veronika Nikulshina from attending sports events for three years.

Crowds pack Champs Elysees as French World Cup winners return home

The players arrived to a raucous welcome at Charles De Gaulle airport northeast of Paris.

French World Cup victors to get Legion of Honour

No date has yet been set for the ceremony to hand over France's highest award.

FIFA World Cup 2018: How France Made Its Way To The Top

With France lifting the trophy in Moscow last evening, let's have a look at their journey to the top

Delirious French revel in World Cup victory

The country erupted in joy on Sunday after "les Bleus" clinched a 4-2 victory over Croatia.

England's Harry Kane wins World Cup Golden Boot

England's Harry Kane won the Golden Boot at World Cup for scoring six goals.

Modric wins World Cup Golden Ball, Mbappe young player award

Belgium's Thibaut Courtois won the Golden Glove award for the best goalkeeper.

France coach and players react to World Cup victory

France won the World Cup 4-2 against Croatia.

France lift second World Cup after winning classic final against Croatia

It was the highest-scoring final since England beat West Germany 4-2 after extra-time in 1966.

Scarred by World Cup attack, Uganda ups security for final

Finals are definitely most exciting part of World Cup, terrorists tend to take advantage of moments.

France and Croatia seek World Cup glory

Croatia will face France in the World Cup final in Moscow today (Sunday).

Belgium beat England 2-0 in World Cup third-place playoff

Belgium have now defeated England twice in a fortnight

From 1938 to 2014: World Cup winners of the past

With the Final of the 2018 World Cup upon us, let's have a look at the winners of the past.

Football World Cup: Road to the final

France to face Croatia tomorrow in the nerve-tickling finals of Football World Cup 2018.

France focus on World Cup glory, spurred on by 2016 Euro pain

France fine-tuned their preparations for the World Cup final against Croatia on Friday.

England's Southgate cites Germany blueprint as model for success

England will face Belgium in the World Cup third place play-off today (Saturday).

Over 540 arrested in China for online football gambling

Some 70 mobile apps and websites as well as 250 online chat groups have also been shuttered.

Croatia head for first World Cup final after foiling England

The Balkan nation of just four million people will play France on Sunday.

Croatia reach first World Cup final as England pain goes on

Croatia beat England 2-1 to reach World Cup final for the first time in their history on Wednesday.

Croatia will be ready for France in World Cup final, says coach Dalic

Croatia coach says tiredness will not be an issue for his side when they face France in WC final.

FIFA World Cup Semi Final: Players to watch out for

The closely fought encounter will host a few key players tonight.

Croatia plots 'football Brexit' as England World Cup semi looms

For the past few weeks Croatia has been living and breathing football.

French defensive strength key to World Cup charge

For the third straight knockout match, France needed a game-changing goal.

JIT formed to probe bomb attack on ANP election gathering

Strict security arrangements have been made on all entrances of the city.

FIFA World Cup Semi-Final Review: Rejuvenated France edge past determined Belgium

Both the teams came into the match having gone unbeaten throughout the tournament.

World Cup fever soars in England on #WaistcoatWednesday

Excitement is nearing fever pitch ahead of the clash with Croatiain Moscow at 1800 GMT.

France reach World Cup final after beating Belgium

France registered a 1-0 win over Belgium on Tuesday to reach World Cup final.

Pogba dedicates France win to Thai cave survivors

Paul Pogba dedicated France's World Cup semi-final win against Belgium to Thai cave survivors.

Southgate hopes England avoid World Cup semi-final stage fright

England will face Croatia in the second semi-final of World Cup in Moscow on Wednesday.

France and Belgium battle for place in World Cup final

Belgium are seeking to break new ground by reaching the final for the first time in their history.

France v Belgium: Key battles in World Cup semi-final

Belgium, after eliminating title favourites Brazil, are hoping to reach the final for the first time

FIFA World Cup 2018 Semi Final: Players to watch out for

Here is a look at all the players that are capable of producing the goods in the first Semi Final

France eye World Cup final but Belgium have Henry factor

The European neighbours France and Belgium will meet in the first World Cup semi-final today.

Croatia hopes it has finally found a team to better 1998 heroes

Croatia will play England on Wednesday for a place in the World Cup final.

France eye World Cup final but Belgium have Henry factor

Henry has been assistant manager to Belgium boss Roberto Martinez since 2016.

Wimbledon won't budge on World Cup final clash

Wimbledon has come under increasing pressure to rethink its 2pm start time for men's singles final.

England dream of World Cup glory as Russian fans thank team

England were Sunday looking forward to their first World Cup semi-final since 1990.

Belgium's Hazard spells World Cup danger for France

Belgium will face France in the first semi-final of World Cup on Tuesday.

Croatia's Vida avoids ban over pro-Ukraine celebration

Croatia will play England in the semi-final on Wednesday.

Fernando Hierro leaves job as Spain coach after World Cup exit

Hierro declined to return to his previous job as Spain's technical director.

20 million viewers back home watch England's World Cup win

Fans also damaged an ambulance car while celebrating their team's victory.

Russia’s fairytale World Cup run ends in tears

Still Russia had reason to be proud.

England reach World Cup semis as Russia take on Croatia

Leicester defender Maguire headed in the opener from a corner on 30 minutes

FIFA Quarterfinals Review: Match Day 1

Match Day 1 of the Quarterfinals featured close encounters between France-Uruguay & Brazil-Belgium.

Belgium stun 'bitter' Brazil to reach World Cup semis

Belgium beat Brazil 2-1 to reach World Cup semi-finals on Friday.

Kane sets sights on new records as he targets World Cup glory

England will face Sweden in the World Cup quarter-final today (Saturday).

Marcelo in for Brazil as Martinez tweaks Belgium line-up

Marcelo was sidelined from Brazil's 2-0 last-16 win over Mexico after suffering back spasm.

France beat Uruguay 2-0 to reach World Cup semi-finals

It is the first time France have been in the last four since 2006.

Uruguay lose Cavani for World Cup quarter-final against France

Cavani has been replaced by Cristhian Stuani.

UK sticks to World Cup boycott amid new nerve agent storm

On Saturday, VIP stands have lacked the usual smattering of royals and ministers.

Brazil and France target World Cup semi-finals

Brazil will take on Belgium and France will face Uruguay for a berth in World Cup semi-finals.

Sweden stand in the way of England's World Cup charge

England and Sweden will meet in the World Cup quarter-final on Saturday.

Croatia look to seize moment against World Cup hosts Russia

Croatia and Russia will clash in the World Cup quarter-final on Saturday.

Maradona apologises over Colombia-England referee slur

Argentina legend had landed himself in hot water with FIFA over his outburst at US official Mark.

Brazil aim to beat Belgium over 90 minutes in World Cup quarters: Tite

Brazil are bidding for a record-extending sixth World Cup.

France preparing for Cavani to play in World Cup quarter-finals

Cavani was Uruguay's hero in the 2-1 victory over Portugal in the last round, scoring both goals.

England's Stones happy to send 'dirtiest team' Colombia home from World Cup

A bad-tempered last-16 clash ended 1-1 in Moscow on Tuesday before England won on penalties.

Japan boss blasts World Cup haters, eyes new coach

Japan were knocked out in the last 16 after losing 3-2 to Belgium.

'Psychic' Football World Cup Cat breathes his last in China

Baidian'er correctly predicted the results of six World Cup games

Uruguay's immoveable defence ready for France's unstoppable Mbappe

France and Uruguay will meet in the first quarter-final of the World Cup on Friday.

Brazil seek to temper World Cup hopes of Belgium's 'Golden Generation'

Brazil will face Belgium in the second quarter-final of the World Cup in Kazan on Friday.

Uruguay's Cavani unlikely to face France in quarter-final

Uruguayan Football Association (UFA) posted photos of Wednesday's training session.

FIFA 2018: World Cup big guns primed for last-eight battles

Top half contains more heavyweights,France taking on Uruguay and Brazil set to face Brazil

FIFA Round of 16 Review: Match Day 4

Day 4 featured Switzerland taking on Sweden and Colombia locking horns with England.

England end penalty pain to beat Colombia in World Cup shootout

England beat Colombia 4-3 in penalty shootout to reach World Cup quarter-finals.

Rock-solid Brazil living up to billing as World Cup favourites

Brazil have been making serene progress towards the latter stages of the World Cup.

Colombia without James as Kane returns for England

The Bayern Munich star limped out of Colombia's final group match against Senegal.

Sweden book place in World Cup quarter-finals after edging past Switzerland

Their next opponents would be foolish to take them lightly.

Sweden and Switzerland 0-0 at half-time in World Cup last 16

The winners will face either England or Colombia in the quarter-finals.

Maradona offers to coach Argentina for free after World Cup debacle

The 57-year-old coached Argentina for two years from 2008-10.

Joachim Loew to remain Germany coach despite World Cup debacle

Germany finished bottom of their group after defeats to Mexico and South Korea.

England eye win over Colombia, Sweden take on Switzerland

England, who won the World Cup in 1966, have a dreadful record in major tournaments.

Poland and Nawalka part company after World Cup exit

The 60-year-old was appointed in late 2013 and led Poland to the quarter-finals of Euro 2016.

FIFA Round of 16 Review: Match Day 3

Match Day 3 of the last 16 featured Brazil against Mexico and Japan taking on Belgium.

Belgium strike back to beat Japan in World Cup epic

Belgium came from behind to beat Japan 3-2 in the World Cup last 16 clash on Monday.

'Pointless' to look beyond Colombia, says Southgate

England will face Colombia today (Tuesday) in the last-16 tie of World Cup.

Swiss turn to Shaqiri to prove his worth on the world stage

Switzerland will meet Sweden in their last-16 World Cup match today.

Ref duped by Neymar play-acting, says Mexico coach

"I think it's a shame for football," said Osorio.

Kompany starts as Belgium, Japan ring changes at World Cup

The winner of the knockout match in Rostov will face Brazil in a quarter-final on Friday.

Stylish Neymar steers Brazil past Mexico and into World Cup quarters

Brazil will now meet the winners of Monday's later match between Belgium and Japan.

James Rodriguez doesn't have 'serious injury', says hopeful Pekerman

The 26-year-old was the leading scorer at the 2014 World Cup.

Luis in for Marcelo, Marquez handed first start against Brazil

Mexico have never beaten Brazil at the World Cup.

FIFA World Cup 2018: Heavyweights face shock exits

Some of the favorites for lifting the trophy have already been knocked out of the FIFA World Cup.

In World Cup's shadow, Rohingya find freedom on pitch

Nine teams took part in a recent tournament to mark the major Islamic festival of Eid-al-Fitr

FIFA Round of 16 Review: Match Day 2

The four teams in action gave it their all to produce nail biting finishes to both the games.

Croatia beat Denmark on penalties to reach World Cup last eight

Croatia squeezed into the World Cup quarter-finals with a penalty shoot-out victory over Denmark.

Mexico target breaking double hoodoo in World Cup clash with Brazil

Mexico will take on Brazil today for a place in the World Cup quarter-finals.

After identity blunder, Kagawa has Belgium in his sights

Japan will face Belgium in the World Cup last 16 clash in Rostov today.

World Cup: Russia defeat Spain on penalties

The match was decided on penalty shutout.

England would find Sweden tough at World Cup: Eriksson

Eriksson said not too much should be read into England's 1-0 defeat to Belgium.

France beat Messi's Argentina 4-3 to reach World Cup quarter-finals

Mbappe, 19, struck twice within minutes in the second half to put France 4-2 ahead

France 1 Argentina 1 at half-time of World Cup last-16 match

Griezmann easily beat Argentine keeper Franco Armani with the penalty

Argentina drop Higuain, France revert to team that beat Peru

The impressive Ever Banega retains his place in a midfield

FIFA Round of 16 Preview: Day 1

Here's a look at how the teams pan out for today's matches in the round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup.

Ronaldo, Suarez put World Cup dreams on line as Portugal face Uruguay

Portugal will face Uruguay today (Saturday) for a place in World Cup quarter-finals.

Argentina must lift game for 'genius' Messi against France

France will take on Argentina in the World Cup last-16 clash today (Saturday).

Russia seek World Cup miracle against Spain

Hosts Russia must rebound quickly for Sunday's World Cup last 16 clash with Spain.

The top threes of the FIFA World Cup 2018 so far

The group stage witnessed immense drama, excitement and thrill as the teams battled for the last 16.

How the 16 teams rank ahead of the World Cup's knockout stages

Football World Cup enters into the second phase.

FIFA World Cup 2018: All you need to know

With the group stage now done and dusted, fans eagerly await the matches in the knockout round.

Januzaj stunner sees Belgium beat England to top spot

Belgium beat England 1-0 to secure top spot in World Cup Group G in Kaliningrad on Thursday.

Mina sends Colombia through as ill-disciplined Senegal exit World Cup

Colombia stormed into the last 16 of the World Cup with a 1-0 win over Group H rivals Senegal.

Japan sneak into World Cup last 16 thanks to fair play record

Japan qualified for the last 16 of the World Cup by virtue of their superior fair play record.

England and Belgium battle for World Cup group top spot

England impressed in their opening two World Cup games.

'Sorry' Germany back home after World Cup crash

The entire German Mannschaft apologised to a country in agony

British media rejoice in German World Cup despair

Pleasure derived from another person's misfortune," said the Sun's front page

FIFA World Cup: The champions curse continues

Germany became the fourth European World Cup winners to get knocked out in the group stage.

Brazil, Neymar find their mojo to cruise to last 16

Brazil beat Serbia 2-0 on Wednesday to reach last 16 of the World Cup.

Sweden power into World Cup last 16 by beating Mexico

Sweden surged into the last 16 of the World Cup with a 3-0 victory over Mexico on Wednesday.

Swiss through to last 16 but lose captain Lichtsteiner

Switzerland moved through to the World Cup last 16 after a 2-2 draw against Costa Rica on Wednesday.

Holders Germany out of World Cup after 2-0 defeat to South Korea

Sweden defeated Mexico 3-0 to advance on top of the group.

Messi's Argentina save World Cup hopes with last-gasp goal

Argentina snatched a late 2-1 win over Nigeria and set up a last-16 match against France.

Iceland crash out of World Cup after Croatia loss

Croatia secured first place in Group D on Tuesday after a hard-fought 2-1 win over gallant Iceland.

Australia bow out as Peru claim World Cup consolation victory

Peru registered a 2-0 consolation victory over Australia in the World Cup on Tuesday.

Uruguay win group as Suarez inspires 3-0 win over 10-man Russia

Luis Suarez helped fire Uruguay into the last 16 of the World Cup as Group A winners on Monday.

Last-gasp Aspas sees Spain draw 2-2 with Morocco

Spain scrambled a 2-2 draw with Morocco on Monday in a dramatic finale to their Group B campaign.

Spain, Portugal target last 16 as Russia ride momentum

Hosts Russia ride a wave of national euphoria into their clash with Uruguay.

Honda hits late Japan leveller to blow World Cup group wide open

Japan played a 2-2 draw against Senegal on Sunday that leaves World Cup Group H wide open.

World Cup fans flock to party in Moscow street of lights

Nikolskaya Street in downtown Moscow has become the unexpected party zone

Pakistani teenager makes his way to FIFA World Cup 2018

The boy also conducted the coin toss of the game between Brazil and Costa Rica

Last gasp Shaqiri seals Swiss win over Serbia in Group E

Switzerland beat Serbia 2-1 in their World Cup Group E match on Friday.

Russian who groped female World Cup reporter apologises

The Russian man said he had placed a bet with a friend.

Brazil edge towards World Cup knockouts after Costa Rica late show

Late show saves Brazil and sends Costa Rica packing.

Argentina fans shocked but still dreaming of World Cup glory

On Friday, many remained stunned by what had happened.