UEFA’s new ’League of Nations’ tournament will see some countries win qualifying places for the World Cup and European Championships, it has emerged.

Former Australia paceman Brett Lee has agreed a short-term deal to act as Ireland’s bowling coach in the build-up to the World Cup.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup, will be held in winter, it is being reported.

Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny has revealed his “devastation” at missing out on the World Cup.

Ireland captain Brian O’Driscoll paid tribute to the tremendous Irish support after his side caused a World Cup shock by beating Australia 15-6 in Auckland today.

Thomas Muller admits he never believed he would win the Golden Boot before the World Cup began.

Armed riot police charged into hundreds of stewards at a World Cup stadium early today to break up a protest about low wages.

Hamburg striker Ruud van Nistelrooy feels his international career is over after he was left out of the Holland squad for the World Cup.

Comics David Baddiel and Frank Skinner are to rekindle their partnership to hold court about the World Cup, it was announced today.

Melbourne’s Telstra Dome has been chosen to host next year’s World Cup clash between Australia and England.

Ireland has won its first medal, bronze, at the Rowing World Cup this year thanks to a superb performance from the ever improving Orlagh Duddy in the non-Olympic lightweight single scull.

PORTUGAL coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has warned Cristiano Ronaldo to control his temper as the countdown to the World Cup continues.

Contrasting sporting events of immense significance to all those involved take place today at opposite sides of the globe.

THE powers of rugby’s Television Match Official (TMO) will be extended to the entire field in selected northern and southern hemisphere games in 2012 and, if successful, it may become permanent.

FIFA has insisted video replays played no part in Zinedine Zidane being sent off in last night’s World Cup final.

Uninspiring England moved closer to the World Cup finals with Joe Cole’s second-half goal proving sufficient to dispose of battling Wales in the Millennium Stadium.

Ernie Els and Retief Goosen have once more turned down golf’s World Cup, being held this year in Seville on October 18 to 21.

Posh and Becks have ordered 60,000 imported orchids to create the oriental feel at their fundraising World Cup party, it was disclosed today.