Defeated Deschamps says his French future will be decided in New Year
December 19 – Following a heartbreaking World Cup final defeat to Argentina, French coach Didier Deschamps left his future as manager of the national team in the balance.
World Cup
Argentina stop France in World Cup final classic. Messi attains immortality
By Samindra Kunti in Lusail
December 18 – In one of the greatest World Cup finals of all time, Argentina and Lionel Messi attained immortality defeating France and hat-trick star Kylian Mbappe from the penalty spot after a 3-3 draw.
Argentina vs France; Messi vs Mbappe. A crowning and a de-throning, but which way round?
December 16 – After 62 matches, it’s down to the last two: on Sunday France and Kylian Mbappe and Argentina and Lionel Messi will face off to crown the world champion and bring the 22nd edition of the World Cup, the first one in the Middle East, to a close.
Shadow of Cristiano? Portugal end Santos’ contract two years early
December 18 – Portugal have parted company with coach Fernando Santos following their shock 1-0 quarter-final defeat to Morocco at the World Cup.
English fans leave Qatar with clean record of no arrests
December 16 – In something of a first, no doubt fuelled in part by the widespread alcohol ban, not a single British fan has been arrested at the World Cup in Qatar, according to the UK’s football policing lead.
Man City trained most players for national teams, but Ajax had highest number in Qatar
December 15 – Dutch giants Ajax have trained more players for World Cup teams (11) than any other club, according to latest data from the CIES Football Observatory.
Morocco’s record breaking World Cup run broken by French resistance, and Mbappe
By Samindra Kunti in Al Khor
December 15 – After a history-making run, Moroccan hearts were finally broken. But following their 2-0 semi-final defeat to defending champions France coach Walid Regragui said that with a sense of pride prevailed that his side had shown “a good image”.
Nepalese call on Infantino to ‘stop looking the other way’ over migrant worker compensation
December 15 – More than three dozen Nepali civil society groups have called on FIFA President Gianni Infantino to “stop looking the other way” while migrant workers in Qatar are denied compensation.
Moroccan fans left at home for semi-final after Qataris restrict flights into Doha
December 14 – Morocco’s national airline said it was cancelling all flights it had scheduled for today to carry hundreds more fans to Doha for the eagerly awaited World Cup semi-final, citing what it said was a decision by Qatari authorities to restrict air travel.
Messi says final will be his last World Cup game as Argentina aim for third title
December 14 – Lionel Messi is just one match away from the securing the biggest achievement of his glittering trophy-rich career after leading Argentina into their sixth World Cup final.
Kaili says she feels betrayed by EU over Qatar bribery allegations
December 14 – Eva Kaili, one of the key figures caught up in the latest burgeoning scandal involving World Cup hosts Qatar, says she feels betrayed by European Parliament colleagues who stripped the Greek MEP of her role as vice president of the assembly.
Scaloni defends players ahead of Argentina-Croatia semi-final clash
By Samindra Kunti in Doha
December 13 – Ahead of Argentina’s semi-final clash with Croatia, Lionel Scaloni has defended his players following their controversial behaviour during their quarter-final victory against the Netherlands, saying it is “out of touch with reality.”
Atleti and Sevilla stars shine in the Gulf
By David Owen
December 13 – Atlético Madrid and Sevilla may have disappointed in this season’s Champions League, but their players are doing the business at Qatar 2022.
Qatar’s EU bribery scandal casts uncomfortable shadow over World Cup closing
December 13 – A Belgian judge has charged four people after the seizure of €600,000 in cash and detained members of the European Parliament as part of an international investigation into claims that football World Cup host Qatar sought to buy influence, rocking the heart of the continent’s politics.
Al Rihla at journey’s end as Adidas brings in new Al Hilm ball for final rounds
December 12 – FIFA will debut a new Adidas ball for the final four matches of the Qatar 2022 World Cup, with the ball in action for the first time tonight in the Argentina vs Croatia semi-final.