Todibo started in Les Bleus’historic 14-0 victory over Gibraltar, and according to L’Équipe, he was also likely to start against Greece in midweek, however, injury prevented him from featuring in Athens. The former Barcelona defender suffered a minor quadriceps injury in training and that injury is now set to rule him out of Sunday’s match against Toulouse. In a sign of easing ties, a delegation from Israel's foreign ministry will be allowed to provide consular assistance from the Qatari capital for its citizens coming for the games.

For example, [Jamal] Musiala, [Jude] Bellingham [and Bukayo] Saka, these players are not only physically able to play but they are mentally ready too and not afraid to turn up in a big tournament," explained Wenger. Trippier said: “We shouldn’t be afraid of going into the tournament saying we can win it. We set high standards by getting to a semi-final and a final of a Euros. Obviously, we want to go one step further to actually win a tournament. While games rooms have been a feature of tournaments away with England, this time at Souq Al Wakra they have a huge television next to their swimming pool which would be a place to watch World Cup matches when they are not training at the nearby Al Wakrah Sports Complex. Da Mota GR, Thiengo CR, Gimenes SV, Bradley PS. The effects of ball possession status on physical and technical indicators during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Finals. Journal of Sports Sciences. 2016, 34: 493-500.

Van Gaal repeated his assertion that Qatar should not be hosting the World Cup, but said it was because it was too small for the 32-team tournament and that hosting should be restricted to major football-playing countries. Iran are England’s first opponent at the Qatar World Cup in group B on Monday. In response to questions about the oppression of women in Iran from English journalists this week, the Iran manager Carlos Queiroz cited British immigration laws. The 25-year-old’s only cap to date came in 2019 and the midfielder was braced to miss out on the 26-man selection for Qatar. Fans traveling from overseas typically do not arrive at a World Cup until closer to their teams' first game and the tournament starts on Sunday.

This is all about celebration. Everyone who wants to express LGBTQ+, go for it. There are no limits for people. Based on the experience I have had, there is no risk. They are welcome to express themselves and their love to their partners. They won’t get into trouble for sharing public displays of affection [in fan festivals]. Matt Law reports that Harry Maguire is in contention to start that match after he was handed the No 6 jersey when the squad numbers were presented to the team by Prince William.

Some of Iran’s national team players have chosen not to sing the national anthem at games in solidarity with the protestors and for months players have not been celebrating goals in the Iranian league. Wenger believes there are a number of potential reasons for this development, noting that "Players get greater medical care, greater physical preparation, and they have a better lifestyle, and all these factors accumulate to extend their careers." Naturally, the United States of America and the United Kingdom who had previously hosted the World Cup were not selected despite sustained lobbying,” he added. Iran, whose team faces England in the group stages, is in a state of political turmoil. Ali Daei, the country's most famous former player, had declared this week he will not travel to Qatar as an act of solidarity with those participating in anti-government protests.

The 27-strong squad assembled last month and Felix Sanchez's side will play a series of friendly matches before their opening Group A fixture against Ecuador on 21 November. Bradley PS, Carling C, Bush M, Hogg B, Archer D, Barnes C. Tier-specific evolution of match performance characteristics in the English Premier League: it's getting tougher at the top. Journal of Sports Sciences. 2016, 34: 980-987. When Queiroz was asked at the end of his press conference about working for a nation that oppresses women he responded to the questioner directly. “How much you pay me to answer that question? How much you pay me? Talk to your boss and give me your answer. Don’t put in my mouth words that I don’t say. I’m asking how much money to answer.” The seven journalists, from the independent London-based Iran International TV, had visas approved prior to the unrest in Iran," Iran International said. "Three were accredited by Fifa to attend events. None can now travel or cover the World Cup." Warner claimed he and others had been made scapegoats for England and the US failing in their respective bids to stage the 2018 and 2022 World Cup.

Lionel Messi won the adidas Golden Ball at the tournament that took place in December 2022, and he was born in 1987. He is the best player in the world at 35, and this extension in [his] career was evident with other players too." Mike McGrath: Argentina. Lionel Messi, probably in his last World Cup, has one last chance and has an excellent team around him. Chris Bascombe: Brazil. Other than Argentina, I cannot make a compelling case for any other nation... although it could be argued Qatar has already won. Suggestions that Qatar was hiring people to be fans followed reports this month that tournament organisers were paying all expenses for about 1,600 fans drawn from the 31 visiting teams to travel and sing in the opening ceremony on Sunday before the home team plays Ecuador.

James Maddison says he is delighted to be gearing up for a World Cup rather than reclining on a sun lounger after repeated rejections helped fuel his return to the England squad. The Paris St-Germain superstar will be 31 in February and this could well be his last chance. The expectation, as in 2014 and 2018, is huge, indeed almost overwhelming. It feels now or never for Neymar, with Brazil’s coach Tite not shying away from what he expects and what represents success. Many fans who have gathered wearing team colors are originally from India and among the large majority of overseas workers in Qatar's tiny 2.9 million population.The England manager has made a slight tweak to England's training schedule to make sure his players are not drained by the desert heat. Aside from today's light session in the afternoon, training before Monday's opening game against Iran will be in the mornings. It is expected that Kane will confirm they are doing so at his press conference on Sunday, the day before the Iran fixture, although Coady said the players had still to decide between themselves whether to resume the gesture.