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 10, 2018
July 10, 2018

France vs Belgium: WC semi-final, stats and analysis

The World Cup semifinal sees two of the strongest teams in the tournament face off but is still considered something of a surprise.

July 10, 2018
July 10, 2018

4 teams, 4 key attributes

The semifinal line-up is complete and two intriguing, all-European ties lie in wait. But while the teams in the last four of Russia 2018 hail from the same continent, the similarities end there. France, Belgium, England and Croatia all boast very different attributes. This article on FIFA.COM takes a look at the salient features of the four semifinalists.

July 9, 2018
July 9, 2018

Croatian midfield threat poses dilemma for Southgate

Manager Gareth Southgate has largely stuck to his guns in terms of England's tactical approach at this tournament but the challenge of a World Cup semi-final against Croatia in Moscow on Wednesday poses him a tricky dilemma.

July 9, 2018
July 9, 2018

The pope’s message to Brazilians: It will happen another time

Pope Francis, who is Argentinean, consoles Brazil football fans after the team’s World Cup exit. He tries to cheer them up in Saint Peter's Square during his traditional Sunday blessing at the Vatican in Rome, Italy.

July 9, 2018
July 9, 2018

Croatia's Football Federation sacks Vukojevic over Ukraine message

Croatia's Football Federation (HNS) sacks Ognjen Vukojevic, a member of the national team's coaching staff, over a "glory to Ukraine" video posted after Croatia beat Russia in the World Cup quarter-finals, HNS says in a statement.

July 9, 2018
July 9, 2018

England reject Hart plays cricket rather than watch WC

Joe Hart plays cricket rather than watch Jordan Pickford keep a clean sheet for England in the World Cup quarter-finals.

July 9, 2018
July 9, 2018

'Winners' Fellaini, Chadli keep African interest alive

The World Cup semi-finals may be an all-European affair but Belgium's unlikely heroes Marouane Fellaini and Nacer Chadli ensures that at least one part of North Africa retains a strong interest in the tournament.

July 9, 2018
July 9, 2018

World Cup ref gets life ban for bribery

A Kenyan linesman who had been due to officiate at the World Cup in Russia has been hands a life ban after being caught in a bribery sting.

July 9, 2018
July 9, 2018

Belgium's Hazard spells World Cup danger for France

Eden Hazard is one of the French academy system's finest exports in the past decade but he could be the man to end Didier Deschamps's bid for World Cup glory.

July 9, 2018
July 9, 2018

Mbappe deserves Ballon d'Or: Eden Hazard

Begium captain Eden Hazard recognises France’s Kylian Mbappe as a serious contender for the Ballon d'Or.