Brazil legend Pele has upset his fellow countrymen with his choice of the 120 best living players in the world for FIFA.

The Ireland Women's management team have confirmed that captain Niamh Briggs has been ruled out of the Women's Rugby World Cup, writes Ciara Phelan.

Support in Sport, the Irish firm that provides sports pitches around the world, hopes to benefit from the World Cup finals next year.

Arsene Wenger today insisted it was a “mistake” not to name Arsenal captain Thierry Henry as European Player of the Year – and that the World Cup was “lowest level” of football.

Midfielder Steven Reid does not expect a two-leg play-off against Iran to trouble the Republic of Ireland side who knocked Holland out of the World Cup.

The seven Rugby World Cup matches due to be played in earthquake-hit Christchurch will be moved to other venues in New Zealand, tournament organisers have announced.

Jamie Spencer will be replaced on Crowded House by John Velazquez in the 10million Dubai World Cup at Meydan later this month.

Denis Lynch and Jessica Kurten picked up more than €11,000 between them when they finished first and second in this evening's two-phase competition at the five-star World Cup in Mechelen, Belgium.

Denmark remain top of World Cup Group One ahead of Hungary on goal difference after a 3-0 victory over Albania.

The 2013 Rugby League World Cup will be held in the United Kingdom, the Rugby League International Federation have confirmed.

England World Cup prop Andrew Sheridan has been admitted to hospital after suffering an insect bite.

Ireland are sure to face a powerful Australia side in the November International at Lansdowne Road on Sunday, November 19.

Brazil 2-0 Germany

Wales captain Scott Quinnell will retire from international rugby after next year’s World Cup but admits he needs a ‘‘miracle’’ to recover from injury in time.

Organisers of the 2002 World Cup struggled to fix website problems which have left fans in Japan and South Korea unable to order tickets over the web.

Ireland’s World Cup qualification hopes are hanging by a thread after they were stunned 2-0 by Belarus at the World League 2 in Valencia yesterday.

Jonny Wilkinson believes Ireland are one of the top three sides in the world but insists they still have work to do if they are going to win the World Cup.

Germany general manager Oliver Bierhoff has warned rivals his team will be aiming to lift the World Cup next summer.

It is being reported that Luis Felipe Scolari has left his position as Brazil manager this morning.

… The Quidditch World Cup, but it still counts.