2018 FIFA World Cup

Chinese firm delivers refund promise after France wins World Cup

France winning the World Cup trophy in Russia, Chinese kitchen and bathroom appliance maker Vatti Corp is now in the spotlight -- it is time for the company to deliver on a bold promise.

World Cup celebrations rock France

Newspapers and TV stations hail France's World Cup victory, while clean-up crews work against the clock to tidy up after a crazy night's partying in Paris ahead of a victory parade down the Champs Elysees.

Soaked but smiling, Croatian president wins admirers at WC final

Croatian President Kolinda Grabar Kitarovic wins many admirers for own performance at the World Cup final in Moscow, where she stands in driving rain at the closing ceremony, smiles and hugs every player from both teams.

Paris subway changes names to honour WC champs

France's soccer coach will have a subway train station named after him to celebrate his World Cup win and poet Victor Hugo will have to share his memorial slot on Paris's transport map with the team's goalkeeper and captain.

'Thank you, heroes'- press hail Croatia squad

Croatian media hails their team as heroes after the small country's historic success in reaching the World Cup final where France beat them 4-2.

Deschamps hails 'beautiful' WC win but Lovren says 'France didn’t play football'

Croatia defender Dejan Lovren is scathing of France's style of play following his side's defeat in Sunday's World Cup final.

Russia targeted by almost '25 million cyber-attacks' during WC: Putin

Russia was the target of almost 25 million cyber-attacks during the World Cup, President Vladimir Putin says, though he did not indicate who may have been behind the attacks.

Trump congratulates Putin on hosting the WC

President Donald Trump tweets Sunday to congratulate the winning team, President Vladimir Putin, and Russia after the World Cup final, which he calls "one of the best ever!"

Mental strength paid off for France, says Deschamps

France manages to overcome mistakes and imperfections in their World Cup final victory over Croatia with sheer mental strength to lift the trophy for the second time, coach Didier Deschamps says.

July 15, 2018
July 15, 2018

France lead 2-1 against Croatia at halftime

France are 2-1 ahead against Croatia at halftime in the World Cup final after a pulsating opening 45 minutes at the Luzhniki Stadium.

July 15, 2018
July 15, 2018

France and Croatia name unchanged teams for WC final

France and Croatia go into Sunday's World Cup final in Moscow with the same starting line-ups as in their semi-final wins over Belgium and England respectively.

July 15, 2018
July 15, 2018

France and Croatia seek World Cup glory

Croatia face France in Moscow attempting to win their first World Cup while Didier Deschamps' side are aiming to land their second title two decades on from their triumph on home soil.

July 15, 2018
July 15, 2018

Croatian leader hands Putin soccer shirt before WC final

Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic gave Russian President Vladimir Putin a Croatian soccer shirt with the name "Putin" printed on the back on Sunday, hours before Croatia play France in the World Cup final in Moscow.

July 14, 2018
July 14, 2018

France "in a bubble" to play the perfect final: Lloris

France shuts out all the euphoria back home over their run to the World Cup final in order to play a perfect match against Croatia on Sunday, France captain Hugo Lloris says.

July 14, 2018
July 14, 2018

Belgium third in World Cup after 2-0 win over England

Belgium finishes third in the World Cup, their best-ever performance, when they beat England 2-0 with an early Thomas Meunier goal and a breakaway finished by Eden Hazard in Saturday's playoff between the losing semi-finalists.

July 14, 2018
July 14, 2018

Belgium v England World Cup starting line-ups

Starting line-ups for the World Cup third place playoff between Belgium and England in Saint Petersburg.

July 14, 2018
July 14, 2018

I'm the little man who can, says Modric

"You don't have to be a giant to play football, I'm happy with where I am. I am happy with where I am and I never cared what anyone else said, it only further motivated me." says Modric.

July 14, 2018
July 14, 2018

Croatian players will sacrifice WC final places if not fit: Dalic

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic prepares to make changes for Sunday's World Cup final against France if some of his players have not recovered from their exertions in reaching football's biggest game.

July 14, 2018
July 14, 2018

Could the new star be Croatia's?

Can Croatia cross one final hurdle come Sunday night and become the ninth nation to win the World Cup? Standing in their way are France, whose sole ambition will be to claim that coveted piece of glory for the second time at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium.