World Cup

Roy Hodgson has heaped praise on England fans while urging them not to sing "religious or political" songs.

Europe's predominant number of World Cup places was defended by UEFA president Michel Platini on Friday.

Erik Lamela has earned a first call-up to Argentina's World Cup qualifying squad with Lionel Messi also picked but in doubt.

Russia coach Fabio Capello has called up uncapped duo Vladimir Granat and Alexei Kozlov for next month's match with Portugal.

Departing Mali coach Patrice Carteron says he is prepared to take charge of his team's two World Cup qualifiers next month.

Full-back Yuto Nagatomo has been recalled to the Japan squad for the crunch World Cup qualifier against Australia next month.

Zvjezdan Misimovic and defender Ognjen Vranjes will miss Bosnia's World Cup qualifier in Latvia on June 7.

Australia coach Holger Osieck has recalled skipper Lucas Neill to his squad for crunch World Cup qualifiers.

Marko Arnautovic, banned by his club Werder Bremen for speeding, has been included in Austria's World Cup squad.

Any attempt to move the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to the winter could lead to legal challenges by European leagues.

Andy Carroll and Republic of Ireland striker Robbie Keane have been ruled out of upcoming international friendlies.

David Pizarro has been picked by Chile for World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay and Bolivia, ending an eight-year exile.

Japan will be boosted by the return of defender Yuto Nagatomo for next month's 2014 World Cup qualifier against Australia.

Mexico need to show improvement in next month's World Cup qualifiers or they risk missing out on the 2014 final.

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff inaugurated the last of six stadiums that Brazil will use for the World Cup warm-up games.