Iran threatened to halt its matches at the World Cup if unauthorised flags are displayed or slogans targeting the national team are chanted at stadiums, Iranian media reported, citing Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali, following criticism of the team’s presence at the tournament.

England captain Ben Stokes and teammate Gus Atkinson have been dropped from the squad for next week's second Test against New Zealand at the Oval, the England and Wales Cricket Board announced Wednesday.

The refusal of US immigration authorities to allow Somali referee Omar Artan, one of Africa's leading match officials, into the country underlined fears that US President Donald Trump's immigration policy could leave deep scars on the tournament.

Cheque handed to national footballer during a break in yesterday’s budget session

Paul Gascoigne said on Wednesday he hopes England can reproduce the same "unbelievable" team spirit as the squad at the 1990 World Cup during their quest for glory at this year's tournament.

Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry to the United States for the World Cup, returned to a hero's welcome in Mogadishu and vowed to take part in the next tournament in 2030.

Despite the many plots provided by sport's biggest tournament, one record remains unbroken: a foreign coach has never won the World Cup.

Lionel Messi stepped onto the stage. The Golden Ball was placed in his hands -- the award for the tournament’s best player. He had received it before, in 2014. But this was different.

The head of the White House Task Force for the World Cup on Tuesday defended the decision not to grant visas to a Somali referee and some support staff for the Iranian team.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino warned Los Angeles on Tuesday that it was about to be invaded by soccer fans from around the world, as he helped launch World Cup festivities at a star-studded kickoff party at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Ex-husband filed the case, alleging that Tamima married Nasir without divorcing him

Bukayo Saka is still recovering from an Achilles injury and needs to be carefully managed ahead of the World Cup, England manager Thomas Tuchel said.

Real Madrid said on Tuesday that Atletico Madrid had rejected the club's offer of 150 million euros ($173 million) for Argentine forward Julian Alvarez.

The Bangladesh skipper highlighted the performances of young opener Juairiya Ferdous and spinner Sanjida Akter Meghla, expressing optimism that the team will be better prepared when the tournament gets underway.

He channelled that fire into a series of seriously fast spells on Tuesday, registering the best bowling figures by a Bangladesh bowler against Australia in ODIs, finishing with four for 41.

Brazil's all-time record scorer is said to be "recovering well" and will hope to play a part for Carlo Ancelotti's side in the United States.

Messi started on the bench as the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is eased back to fitness after exiting Inter Miami's 6-4 win over Philadelphia with muscle fatigue on May 24.

The warm-up fixtures formed part of the final preparation phase ahead of the tournament, which gets underway on June 12 across seven venues in England.

His short spell as interim boss was marked by an early exit in the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey against second-tier Albacete and several painful defeats in La Liga that ended Real's title hopes.

A comeback that once appeared unlikely had gradually come back into view through improved domestic performances after a difficult period in his career.