World Cup Draw:

An al-Qaida militant suspected of planning an attack targeting the World Cup in South Africa next month has been detained by Iraqi security forces.

Embattled JJB Sports today said its stores were stocked and ready for World Cup fever in England, but annual results revealed the pain of a dire year that brought the group to its knees.

Sports kit maker Umbro said today it had experienced “unparalleled global exposure” during the summer’s football World Cup as it saw profits boom by 55%.

World Cup chiefs today convened a hearing into two misconduct complaints involving England.

The Government is coming under pressure to relax the country's licensing laws for the World Cup finals.

Godolphin are aiming ex-American-trained runner Grand Hombre at the Dubai World Cup on March 27.

Godolphin will have four representatives in Saturday's seventh running of the Dubai World Cup.

Next year’s World Cup Finals in South Africa will begin with a spectacular celebration concert.

JJB Sports said today it expected a “more positive” end to the year after comparisons with the 2006 World Cup dented first half sales figures.

Eddie Jones believes the success of England and South Africa in the World Cup is down to the strength of the countries’ domestic competitions.

BERTI VOGTS has insisted he has no intention of quitting as Scotland manager despite reports that he has been offered the opportunity to coach South Korea.

Porto midfielder Luis Gonzalez made his World Cup bow for one of the tournament favourites in this Group C encounter.

There has been Irish interest in the Rowing World Cup Regatta in Linz Austria.

Argentina goalkicker Felipe Contepomi has gone down with a bout of flu, just four days before his side’s World Cup quarter-final against Scotland in Paris.

Ireland manager Brian Kerr has said he expects Steven Reid to be fully fit for tomorrow night's crucial World Cup qualifier against Cyprus.

Arsenal striker Thierry Henry insists his future will be resolved before the World Cup finals in Germany.

IRB UNDER-19 WORLD CUP: DIVISION A RESULT:

Irish manager Mick McCarthy has refused to accept the training facilities provided to the Irish team ahead of their World Cup last-16 showdown with Spain on Sunday.

England coach Clive Woodward today signed a new four-year deal with the Rugby Football Union which will keep him in the job until after the 2007 World Cup.