Ireland have the opportunity to book a place in the World Cup finals in Japan and Korea next year if they can overcome Iran in the Azadi stadium in Tehran this afternoon.

Blatter has revealed there was an agreement in place for the 2018 World Cup to go to Russia.

Spain’s World Cup preparations are in turmoil after the sacking of head coach Julen Lopetegui on the eve of the tournament.

BIRMINGHAM CITY’S new signing Aliou Cisse has rubbished claims that voodoo was responsible for Senegal’s success in the World Cup finals.

The British Government has weighed into the FIFA controversy by urging the world governing body to publish the Garcia report into World Cup bidding in full.

The Wallabies’ most-capped hooker Jeremy Paul has sent a shockwave through Australian rugby by announcing he is considering quitting the international scene before next year’s World Cup in France.

Joe Cole admits it is important to keep football in perspective as he waits to hear whether he is part of the England squad for the 2010 World Cup finals.

Brazil captain Cafu revealed his desire to match Pele’s three World Cup triumphs as he celebrated his country’s return to the ‘‘top of the world’’ thanks to the inspiration of Ronaldo.

BRAZIL: The animal oracle predictions for the World Cup are well under way, with host nation Brazil getting a vote of confidence from its chosen turtle tipster.

Qatar World Cup organisers insist the crisis at FIFA will not affect their preparations for the tournament in 2022.

IRISH entrepreneurs helped Qatari football chiefs keep cool heads in their successful bid for World Cup 2022.

ARGENTINA captain Felipe Contepomi labelled Ireland one of the best teams in Europe following the Pumas’ 29-9 defeat at the Aviva Stadium.

Welshman Nigel Owens will referee next weekend’s World Cup final at Twickenham, according to New Zealand All Blacks selector Grant Fox.

Stephen Hunt has said that the Republic of Ireland are a "little bit disappointed" at their failure to win last night's World Cup qualifier against Italy at Croke Park after Sean St Ledger's dramatic late goal.

Arsenal have completed the signing of Brazilian World Cup winner Gilberto Silva from Atletico Mineiro.

The Republic of Ireland will face either Iran or the United Arab Emirates in a play-off for a place in next summer’s World Cup finals in Japan and South Korea.

Miroslav Klose insists he is focused on Germany’s World Cup campaign and not on trying to secure a move away from Werder Bremen once the tournament is completed.

Sven-Goran Eriksson has insisted continued uncertainty over his long-term future is not deflecting his concentration from leading England’s bid for World Cup glory.