An estimated 35,000 Irish fans have made the journey to Paris for tonight's World Cup soccer qualifier between France and Ireland.

The IRFU today confirmed the Ireland under-21 management team for the upcoming under-21 Rugby World Cup to take place in Scotland from June 11 - 27.

Ireland have beaten Japan 53-13 in their final pool game at the under-21 Rugby World Cup in England.

A warning has been issued for soccer fans intending to travel to the World Cup to avoid unscrupulous outlets parading themselves as authorised travel agents.

Michael Owen scored his hat-trick and gave England a 4-1 lead against Germany in their World Cup qualifier in Munich.

Michael Owen gave England a 3-1 lead three minutes after half time in the World Cup qualifier against Germany in Munich.

Spain striker David Villa has announced he plans to retire from international football after the World Cup.

David Triesman has stood down as chairman of the Football Association and the England 2018 World Cup following a meeting at Wembley today.

The silver gilt cup was made in 1906, a copy of an 18th century original, and was stored in a vault at London jewellers Garrard’s until it was chosen as the trophy for the inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1987.

Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has said he will retire after the World Cup - unless he can help club side Juventus win the Champions League this season.

The 2019 Rugby World Cup is nearly upon us and the Irish Examiner is giving rugby fans a unique opportunity to hear the thoughts of our expert panel including Irish Examiner columnists Ronan O'Gara and Donal Lenihan and Munster Rugby's Johann van Graan and Stephen Larkham ahead of this highly anticipated Rugby World Cup.

FIFA have welcomed the news that the United States have pulled out of the race to stage the 2018 World Cup.

Fifa has decided that the draw for the European Zone play-offs for the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil will be seeded later this year.

An Irish-owned global pitch specialist has installed the pitch for the much-anticipated 2018 World Cup Final in Russia.

Munster’s iconic Thomond Park will host Ireland’s plum tie of the 2013 Rugby League World Cup against Australia.

France will have to get past Ukraine if they are to make it to the World Cup finals in Brazil next year.

Ulster could have to face up to losing Springbok tight-head BJ Botha to the lure of the 2011 World Cup at the end of this season.

WHILE the Euro 2012 trail is looking decidedly warm at the moment, the World Cup qualifier path just took a turn for the worse.

Wayne Rooney has been handed a two-match ban by FIFA for stamping on Ricardo Carvalho in England’s World Cup quarter-final defeat by Portugal.