LIVEWorld Cup news LIVE: England continue to gear up for their opening game against Iran, as the latest squads are revealed... with kick-off in Qatar just SIX days away
Follow Sportsmail's live blog for all the latest news and updates with the World Cup getting underway in just six days.
That draws an end to our live blog covering all World Cup updates and news for this afternoon!
Today saw a number of teams confirm their 26-man squad for the tournament with Mexico, Tunisia and Ghana all submitting their final list to FIFA.
We'll be in the same place everyday throughout the entire tournament so come back tomorrow for all things World Cup!
Eric Dier has revealed that he feared he would never play for England again before his recall earlier this year.
The defender has been named in Gareth Southgate's 26-man squad for the World Cup, which starts later this week, but spent a period of time out of the national squad before working his way back into the fold.
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Sir Geoff Hurst is tipping 'astonishing talent' Jude Bellingham to be England's breakout star of the World Cup in Qatar.
Bellingham, still only 19 years old, has proved a revelation at club level since swapping Birmingham City for Borussia Dortmund in 2020.
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If you're not familiar with Ted Lasso - played by Jason Sudeikis - then where have you been for the past year?
The comedy-drama series focuses on an American coach taking charge of a fictional Premier League team called AFC Richmond.
The programme has been a resounding success in the States and has helped grow the 'soccer' brand in the country. Now, Lasso has put up a number of billboards across the USA featuring good luck messages to the national team.
With his Manchester City future uncertain and his current contract expiring this summer, many inside the club view this month as the critical period in which Pep Guardiola will make up his mind.
The Catalan is set to jet off to Abu Dhabi, where he will hold meetings with City's top brass to inform them of his future plans.
To read more click below
In August 2019, Luis Enrique announced the death of his nine-year-old daughter after five-month battle with cancer.
So began Enrique, one of the most talented players of his Spanish generation, and his wife’s, Elena Cullell, toughest battle of their lives.
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Nine nations - including England - had initially agreed to wear a rainbow captain's armband during the World Cup as part of an anti-discrimination initiative.
However, France captain Hugo Lloris has backtracked on this and has now suggested he will 'respect' Qatar's wishes during the tournament.
'In France, when we welcome foreigners we often want them to play to our rules and respect our culture – and I will do the same when I go to Qatar. Whether I agree or not with their ideas, I have to show respect with regard to that.'
World Cup chiefs are expecting fewer fans from the UK than usual – with many put off by alcohol bans and ‘shoebox’ accommodation.
Only about 3,000 to 4,000 Three Lions supporters, and up to 3,000 cheering on the Wales team, are likely to travel to Qatar this month.
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Dua Lipa has addressed speculation she will be performing at the World Cup opening ceremony next week in Qatar.
The singer, 27, took to her Instagram Stories to rubbish the rumours and hit out at Qatar over its human rights record.
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Will Tite's Brazil side - filled with Premier League talents - make history in Qatar?
The South American side are one of the favourites to win the tournament given their star-studded squad.
They'll be looking to lift the trophy for the sixth time in their history and end their two decade wait to claim football's biggest award.
Manchester United youngster Hannibal Mejbri has been included in Tunisia's squad for the Qatar World Cup.
The 19-year-old is part of a generally experienced 26-man squad named by head coach Jalel Kadri on Monday, which includes veterans Wahbi Khazri and Youssef Msakni, who will share captaincy duties.
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If this isn't a conflict of interest for the Williams family, then I don't know what is!
Athletic Bilbao duo - and brothers - Inaki Williams and Nico Williams will both feature at the upcoming Qatar World Cup. However, they'll represent different nations.
Older brother Inaki has been selected for the Ghana squad, having switched allegiances in the summer, while younger brother Nico has been included in Spain's squad.
Raul Jimenez has been included in Mexico's final 26-man squad for this month's World Cup in Qatar, despite not featuring for Wolves since the end of August.
Jimenez has only played five times for the midlands club this season, scoring once in the Carabao Cup win over Preston in the early weeks of the season.
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The United States' men's national team have made a huge statement at the World Cup in Qatar by redesigning their crest to incorporate the rainbow flag, in a bid to show solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.
The tournament, which starts on Sunday and sees the US play their opener against Wales on Monday, has been hugely controversial in its build-up, given Qatar's human rights record and attitude to homosexuality.
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It offers six swimming pools, 30 bars and cafes, a cinema and the tallest slide on any ship in the world.
So it's no wonder that the MSC World Europa - dubbed a 'floating palace' - is said to be hosting England's WAGs during the World Cup in Qatar.
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USMNT boss Gregg Berhalter has lavished praise on 'formidable' Wales ahead of their opening World Cup clash a week today.
The US squad were one of the first to touch down in Qatar at the weekend and the team have already held multiple training sessions ahead of the tournament, which begins on Sunday.
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A couple of Belgium's national team stars - Charles De Ketelaere and Hans Vanaken - have been spotted arriving for training prior to their World Cup campaign starting next week.
Those who tuned in to watch Euro 2016 will remember this bold hairstyle from Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey.
The former Arsenal man sported the look as Wales reached the semi-finals of the competition - before eventually losing to Portugal.
The first-ever winter edition of the World Cup is now within touching distance, with hosts Qatar getting the tournament underway on Sunday.
Sportsmail tells you everything you need to know about the World Cup final below, including the match date, kick-off time and where it will be held.
To read more click below
The England players have arrived at St George's Park ahead of travelling to Qatar for their World Cup opener against Iran in a week's time.
The Three Lions stars look to be in good spirits as they greeted each other at England's training ground, excited to be representing their country at this month's tournament.
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The 2022 World Cup will - likely - be the final time Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo step onto the biggest stage in world football.
Neither have won the competition in their career, though Messi came close when Argentina were beaten 1-0 in the 2014 by Germany.
Sarina Wiegman sent a message of support to Gareth Southgate and his players as they prepare to fly out to Qatar for the World Cup this week.
Wiegman, who led England to Euro glory this summer, is hoping to extend her unbeaten run as Lionesses' manager to 26 games with their final match of the year against Norway on Tuesday.
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Football fans will be able to drink traditional English ales onboard a cruise ship in Qatar during the World Cup.
Unlike its neighbour Dubai, Qatar is not used to hosting overwhelming numbers of tourists and doesn't have enough hotels to host the massive influx of guests. As a result, organisers have come up with some innovative solutions.
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It speaks volumes for the impact Guus Hiddink has had on Australian football that Graham Arnold still addresses him as 'boss' some 16 years after he stepped down from the national side.
One of the Dutchman's assistants during Australia's historic 2006 World Cup run, Arnold is now in charge of the Socceroos himself and will lead them into the Qatar later this month.
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Bruno Fernandes has accused FIFA of spoiling the World Cup party as he hit out at the decision to stage it in Qatar in mid-season.
The Manchester United star claimed that the timing and venue ignore the wishes players and fans, and also raised concerns over human rights issues hanging over the tournament which begins this week.
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England's 26-man squad will be supported by a glamorous array of wives and girlfriends.
Many of those heading to Qatar to cheer on the squad will reportedly be staying on a £1billion cruise-liner, which has now set sail for Qatar, with their husbands not allowed on board.
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Wales will be hoping Gareth bale can recreate his LAFC final heroics from earlier this month when they travel to Qatar this week.
However, national team boss Rob Page admitted he doesn't know whether Bale is fit enough to play three games in nine days at the World Cup.
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The Three Lions have met up today ahead of their group recovery session given the intense football fixture schedule in recent weeks.
Gareth Southgate's side will then head to Qatar tomorrow morning - six days in advance of their first match.
It's all starting to sink in now. In just seven days time, Gareth Southgate's Three Lions will take on Iran in their opening match of the competition.
The side look in good spirits as they meet up at St George's Park ahead of their departure to Qatar.
Let's hope they still have smiles on their faces when the tournament comes to an end in December...
If this doesn't get you in the mood for the World Cup starting this week, then nothing will!
Adidas have rolled out their latest advert featuring a number of the sport's biggest stars ahead of the tournament getting underway on Sunday.
The star-studded line-up includes Lionel Messi, Karim Benzema, Jude Bellingham, Heung-Min Son, rap star Stormzy and many other big names!
We're only days away from one of the biggest sporting events in the world!
From the nail biting matches to the pitch-side analysis, we'll all be glued to our television screens for the next four weeks.
It's also a brilliant opportunity to invite friends and family over to watch as our players fight it out for footballing glory. So why not get the gang together and host a fun-filled football viewing party?
To read more click below
Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is set to lead Ghana at the World Cup after he was selected in the country's 26-man squad for the tournament in Qatar.
Partey is the headline name in the Black Stars side, which also includes Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu and Brighton full-back Tariq Lamptey following his switch of allegiance from England.
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A family whose daughter was raped and murdered in Qatar have written to Gareth Southgate and the England squad to tell her story.
Grieving mother Alison Patterson, 57, has asked them to highlight her case when they score in the World Cup.
Her daughter Lauren was teaching at a primary school in the capital Doha when she went missing in October 2013.
To read more click below
Though the World Cup is the pinnacle in any professional footballer's career, there are still some matters that take priority.
For England international Declan Rice, that included visiting his very own mural in Essex last night.
'Never thought I’d have a mural of me! So I had to go and see it in person last night before I left for the World Cup. Incredible!' Rice wrote.
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Germany boss Hansi Flick made the bold decision to include 17-year-old star Youssoufa Moukoko in the 26-man squad heading to Qatar.
The teenager has been a revelation for Borussia Dortmund this year and has registered six goals and three assists from his 14 Bundesliga games.
Yet to make his senior debut for the national side, Moukoko will be hoping he can help make history later this month.
With the World Cup now just days away, the excitement and anticipation surrounding the tournament continues to grow.
However, a key part of any major tournament is the battle for ratings between BBC and ITV.
With the likes of Didier Drogba, Pablo Zabaleta, Rio Ferdinand, Alan Shearer, Jurgen Klinsmann and Jermaine Jenas all involved, both company's will boast a star-studded line-up.
To read more click below
John Herdman's side arrive at the Qatar World Cup as history-makers.
Their squad, combining exciting youth prospects with experienced veterans of 'soccer', is just the second Canadian team to ever qualify for the major tournament.
How far can Canada go in a tournament full of superstar players and global footballing powers? Sportsmail answers everything you need to know about their chances in Qatar.
Hansi Flick's side stopped for a quick picture as they prepared to jet off to Qatar this morning.
The German squad - including stars such as Kai Havertz, Ilkay Gundogan and Serge Gnabry - posed for a squad snap at Frankfurt Airport.
After their shocking performance in 2018, the national side will be aiming to better their group stage exit from four years ago.
To the surprise of many, Wayne Rooney has publicly backed Gareth Southgate's England World Cup squad selections.
The ex-Three Lions star admitted that he is unconcerned by the inclusion of out-of-form stars Harry Maguire and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
'There has been some debate about Maguire but I don't have any worries about him in a tournament situation.'
To read more click below
No World Cup is complete without a cute - and sometimes creepy - looking mascot.
This year, we'll have La'eeb. Unveiled during the Qatar 2022 Final Draw, the design is inspired by the keffiyeh, a traditional headdress worn by Arab men.
'La’eeb will be known for his youthful spirit; spreading joy and confidence everywhere he goes,' FIFA said last month.
Having missed out on the 2018 tournament in Russia, USA will be looking to make a big impression in Qatar.
Led by Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic, Juventus' Weston McKennie and Leeds duo Tyler Adams and Brendan Aaronson, the side boast a number of Europe's top talents.
The squad were spotted training at the Al Gharrafa SC Stadium today in preparation for their opener with Wales next week.
Imagine having so much depth that you're able to list a full XI of players omitted from your World Cup squad and it still looks like it could win the tournament. That's France's situation.
Les Bleus have had a number of injuries in the build-up and that's caused Didier Deschamps to make some difficult decisions for his 26-man squad.
From Real Madrid's Ferland Mendy to Juventus' Paul Pogba, there are some huge names missing for the current holders' squad.
To read more click below
Aston Villa right-back Matty Cash could play a pivotal part in Poland's World Cup campaign.
From being released as a 14-year-old at Wycombe Wanderers to now, preparing to take part in football's biggest tournament, it's been quite a journey for Cash.
And the story's not over yet. He'll be looking to etch his name into history when the competition kick-starts this week.
To read more click below
The Three Lions will kick-start their World Cup campaign against Iran at the Khalifa International Stadium in exactly one weeks time.
The 45,000 seater stadium is home to Qatar's national football team and has previously been used to host FIFA Club World Cup matches.
A stadium as good as that is calling out for some memorable moments to be made...
Think you could draft up a better England starting XI than Gareth Southgate? Well, Sky pundits certainly do.
Their broadcasting team have given their pre-World Cup predictions following the final game in the Premier League ahead of the tournament next week.
An hour-long special anchored by Dave Jones, Gary Neville, Karen Carney, Jamie Redknapp and Jamie Carragher offers their predictions on the major on-field talking points for the World Cup.
To read more click below
Australia will be looking to make it out of the World Cup group stage for the first time since 2006 when they travel to Qatar.
The Socceroos will settle into their state-of-the-art training base at the Aspire Academy in the Doha Sports City.
Socceroos legend Tim Cahill arranged the accommodation which features state-of-the-art training pitches and is the perfect place for the players to prepare.
To read more click below
Didier Deschamps has confirmed the final player he'll be taking to Qatar - having only initially listed 25 names in his France squad.
It's unclear why the 54-year-old didn't originally select his full allocation of players, but he'll now have a full squad to choose from in the tournament.
Defender Presnel Kimpembe, meanwhile, has pulled out of the squad through injury, with Monaco defender Axel Disasi called up in his place.
To read more click below
Current champions France were seen meeting at the national team's training ground in Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines this morning.
Didier Deschamp's side don't plan to fly to Qatar for another two days but have met early to ensure all the players are prepared for the trip.
They won the the 2018 World Cup without Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema. With the current Ballon d'Or winner back in the side, are the clear favourites to win?
Scratch that - we'll be here all tournament! Today is the first day of Sportsmail's World Cup live blog but, don't fret, you can catch us in the same place throughout the competition.
Throughout the highs and the lows, the emotion and the drama, the winners and the losers... we'll be bringing you all the latest updates from Qatar.
Sounds pretty good, right?
It's the question on everybody's lips... just who is going to win the World Cup?
England fans remain unconvinced by Gareth Southgate's Three Lions after under-par performances but travel to Qatar as strong contenders to lift the trophy.
Brazil, meanwhile, are the bookies' favourites to win the tournament and reigning world champions France also stand a good chance of success in Qatar.
To read more click below
Iran - who are England's first opponents in the tournament - have confirmed their 26-man squad that'll be travelling to Qatar.
Injured forward Sardar Azmoun has been named in Iran's World Cup squad, despite pressure from the Iranian government to leave him out.
One name that didn't make the squad was midfielder Omid Ebrahimi who was left out after picking up a groin injury in a friendly this week.
To read more click below
With the World Cup commencing in less than a week, final preparations are well underway for every competing nation.
FIFA set the deadline for country's to announce their 26-man squads for today - so expect a number of updates regarding that!
But for now, check out which football superstars are confirmed to be featuring in Qatar across the next month.
To read more click below
Welcome to Sportsmail's live blog providing news and updates for the Qatar World Cup - which kicks-off in just six days time!
With the tournament just around the corner, a number of countries have finally confirmed their 26-man squad that will be flying out to compete this week.
So stick around throughout the day as we provide you with every detail needed ahead of Qatar's opening game on Sunday.
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