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 9, 2018
July 9, 2018

From caviar to veal tongue, fans get true taste of Russia

Many soccer fans know little or nothing about Russian cuisine before the World Cup, but have tucked into local gastronomy with relish, trying everything from luxurious caviar to staples like veal tongue.

July 8, 2018
July 8, 2018

Think about 2022, says Rivaldo to Brazil

Brazil great Rivaldo urges the Brazil national team to raise head and think about next World Cup in 2022 after their elimination against Belgium in the quarterfinals with a post on his verified instagram account.

July 8, 2018
July 8, 2018

French icon Henry plots his country’s downfall

The irony of Thierry Henry, one of France’s all-time soccer greats, plotting his own country's downfall at the World Cup in Russia.

July 8, 2018
July 8, 2018

Putin invites Russia player for discussion

Russian President Vladimir Putin invites Russian national team players and their head coach to discuss the results of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

July 8, 2018
July 8, 2018

‘Glory to Ukraine’ lands Vida in trouble

Croatia defender Domagoj Vida faces possible disciplinary sanctions from FIFA after posting a clip dedicating his country's victory over Russia in the World Cup quarter-final to Ukraine.

July 8, 2018
July 8, 2018

Russia exit with pride

Russia's unexpected World Cup run ended on penalties after a thrilling quarter-final against Croatia on Saturday, and the hosts left the stage having earned the admiration of fans both home and abroad for their indomitable spirit.

July 8, 2018
July 8, 2018

Modric's dream lives on

Croatia captain Luka Modric puts in a man of the match performance to lead his side to a penalty shootout victory over hosts Russia.

July 8, 2018
July 8, 2018

Croatia end Russia's dream

Croatia beat Russia 4-3 on penalties on Saturday to set up a World Cup semi-final against England after a dramatic match full of twists and turns.

July 7, 2018
July 7, 2018

‘Saddest day of my career’

Brazil forward Neymar accepted the fact that the disappointing quarterfinal loss to Belgium which ended Brazil's dream of winning a sixth world title was the ‘saddest day’ of his career.

July 7, 2018
July 7, 2018

Kazan: The graveyard of champions

All three of the soccer superpowers Brazil, Argentina and Germany, who have won 11 World Cups between them, bowed out of the tournament at the Kazan Arena.