Wayne Rooney insists the World Cup quarter-final against Portugal is not about revenge.

Staging the 2026 World Cup in North America will be “transformative” for football in the region and worldwide, leaders of the joint bid said after their crushing win over Morocco.

FIFA chairman Sepp Blatter believes England are still sore about failing to secure the 2018 World Cup.

Reports have emerged in Scotland that the Scottish Rugby Union is “ready to take legal action” against World Rugby if their clash with Japan on Sunday is cancelled.

A boost from World Cup betting failed to prevent a slide in profits at Ladbrokes today as the bookmaker counted the cost of unfavourable sporting results.

There are just hours to go until the World Cup gets underway, with an opening ceremony in Sao Paulo which WILL feature Jennifer Lopez.

Johnny Sexton has been ruled out of Ireland’s World Cup quarter-final clash with Argentina, after aggravating his groin problem in training yesterday.

The veteran half-back will lead Ireland against Russia and Spain.

Australia laid down an early marker at the Golf World Cup, taking the clubhouse lead on 11 under par to lead the field by four strokes.

New Zealand’s prime minister John Key put rugby before politics today, telling the nation he had fixed a general election date after the world cup.

Bookmaker Paddy Power has today reported a significant increase in betting on Ireland to qualify for the World Cup following the news that Franck Ribery may miss the upcoming qualifying playoff.

Roy Keane believes Wayne Bridge’s decision to make himself unavailable for England selection is further evidence that “international football is no longer the pinnacle” for top players.

Junior health minister Alex White has said he favours a “sunset date” for an end to alcohol sponsorship of major sports.

FOR one web-based Irish company, the drone of the vuvuzela horn at this year’s World Cup is music to its ears.

IT came too late to save the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup dreams but it seems the furore surrounding Thierry Henry’s infamous handball in Paris last November has persuaded UEFA of the need to give referees greater assistance.

UNITED STATES captain Carlos Bocanegra insists his side will not be using their disappointing exit from the 2006 World Cup as added incentive for tonight’s crucial clash with Algeria, although he admits it is in the back of their minds.

PORTSMOUTH midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng has apologised to Michael Ballack for the challenge which ruled the Germany captain out of the World Cup.

EDDIE O’SULLIVAN’S USA will face Ireland in the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand.

REAL MADRID have landed their second Germany international of the summer with the signing of Mesut Ozil from Werder Bremen.

FULHAM have signed central defender Philippe Senderos from Arsenal on a three-year contract.