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 4, 2018
July 4, 2018

Haunted Southgate persuades youngsters to forget history

Gareth Southgate will never get over his own penalty miss 22 years ago but ensuring his young charges are not be daunted by history paid off when they finally laid England's World Cup shootout curse.

July 4, 2018
July 4, 2018

Rock-solid Brazil living up to billing as WC favourites

While some of their biggest rivals already fall by the wayside in Russia, Brazil make serene progress towards the latter stages of the World Cup.

July 3, 2018
July 3, 2018

Japan's Honda calls time on international career after WC exit

Keisuke Honda announces his retirement from international football following Japan's elimination from the World Cup at the hands of Belgium.

July 3, 2018
July 3, 2018

Bring on Brazil, say Belgium after late Japan drama

Belgium passes a test of character with a display of true grit that bodes well for a World Cup quarter-final against Brazil, coach Roberto Martinez says.

July 3, 2018
July 3, 2018

Kidnappers free father of Nigerian WC skipper Obi: police

The father of Nigerian World Cup skipper John Mikel Obi who was kidnapped last week frees, police says.

July 3, 2018
July 3, 2018

Sampaoli facing Argentina sack after World Cup shambles: press

Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli is heading for the exit door following his team's World Cup elimination by France, reports says.

July 3, 2018
July 3, 2018

England vs Colombia match in numbers

The meeting between Colombia and England at the Spartak Stadium in Moscow represents the last of the Round of 16 fixtures at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia.

July 3, 2018
July 3, 2018

Egg throwers on Korean national team to go unpunished

The Korea Football Association (KFA) decides not to pursue charges against people who threw eggs at the national team after they arrived home from the World Cup, police says.

July 3, 2018
July 3, 2018

Neymar believes critics of his Brazil theatrics are trying to 'undermine' him

“The last two matches I didn't talk to the press because there's so many people talking, getting excited” says Neymar.

July 3, 2018
July 3, 2018

Neymar unfazed by critics after sweet and sour display downs Mexico

Brazil superstar Neymar brushes off his critics after firing the five-time World Cup winners to victory over Mexico on Monday and into a quarter-final showdown with Belgium.