David Beckham’s wife Victoria believes England can win the World Cup, despite Wayne Rooney’s foot injury.

Japan became the first country to book their place at next year’s World Cup finals, other than hosts Germany, with a 2-0 win over North Korea today.

The line-up for the 2018 World Cup in Russia is complete after Peru became the 32nd and final nation to book their place at the finals.

Wales were today awaiting the 2011 World Cup draw in the knowledge they came within a whisker of ensuring they avoided the Tri-Nations heavyweights.

CARLOS ALBERTO PARREIRA has warned his South Africa side of the threat posed by what he describes as “the most daring team” at the World Cup ahead of their showdown with Mexico at Soccer City today.

Man-of-the-match Patrick Vieira warned France’s last eight opponents Brazil that Les Bleus can still improve on a pulsating 3-1 win over Spain which set up a World Cup quarter-final between the last two teams to lift the most important trophy in world sport.

Former World Cup-winning South Africa coach Jake White is the most high-profile name on a list of contenders to take over at Leicester after the departure of head coach Marcelo Loffreda.

Sportswear retailer JJB Sports today said spring and early summer sales had failed to match the surge seen last year when World Cup fever sparked soaring demand for replica England kits.

Russia’s 2018 World Cup bid leader has highlighted London’s “high crime rate” and youth alcohol problems in an interview which appears to contravene FIFA’s bidding rules prohibiting comments about rival bidders.

The man who guided South Africa to World Cup glory believes Ireland are ready to lift the Webb Ellis Cup this time round.

The Welsh Rugby Union insists the four regions cannot demand extra compensation for releasing players to the World Cup – because they have already been paid it.

The World Cup will now go on without one of its biggest stars - but could it have been avoided?

Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni will be forced to make a change to his team for tomorrow night's World Cup qualifier with Austria at the Aviva.

Saeed bin Suroor expects to see a more grown-up Poet’s Voice in Saturday’s Dubai World Cup.

The Republic of Ireland's superb 1-0 victory over Holland has seen Mick McCarthy's team jump four places in FIFA's official rankings to 21.

Dubai World Cup winning jockey Richard Hills believes he has a great chance of winning the world’s richest race on Michael Stoute’s Maraahel this weekend.

“We are ready to bring the world to us, to share in our heritage and create a tournament … full of timeless memories for all.”

THE IRFU have reinstated Mike McGurn as fitness coach to the Irish team with immediate effect following a stand-off of almost four months.