World Cup 2018: Qualifying draw in full

The draw for the 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign took place in St Petersburg, Russia, on Saturday.
The Fifa confederations of Africa, Oceania, South America, Concacaf (North, Central America and the Caribbean) and Europe were drawn. Qualifying has already started in Asia.
Europe

Group A
Netherlands, France, Sweden, Bulgaria, Belarus, Luxembourg
Group B
Portugal, Switzerland, Hungary, Faroe Islands, Latvia, Andorra
Group C
Germany, Czech Republic, Northern Ireland, Norway, Azerbaijan, San Marino
Group D
Wales , Austria, Serbia, Republic of Ireland, Moldova, Georgia
Group E
Romania, Denmark, Poland, Montenegro, Armenia, Kazakhstan
Group F
England, Slovakia, Scotland, Slovenia, Lithuania, Malta
Group G
Spain, Italy, Albania, Israel, FYR Macedonia, Liechtenstein
Group H
Belgium, Bosnia-Hercegovina, Greece, Estonia, Cyprus
Group I
Croatia, Iceland, Ukraine, Turkey, Finland
Nine group winners qualify. Eight runners-up with the best record against the teams first, third, fourth and fifth in their groups proceed to play-offs. Russia automatically qualify as hosts.
Africa

Round one
Two-legged ties, played 5 October and 13 October.
Somalia v Niger, South Sudan v Mauritania, Gambia v Namibia, Sao Tome e Principe v Ethiopia, Chad v Sierra Leone, Comoros v Lesotho, Dijibouti v Swaziland, Eritrea v Botswana, Seychelles v Burundi, Liberia v Guinea-Bissau, Central African Republic v Madagascar, Mauritius v Kenya, Tanzania v Malawi
Round two
Two-legged ties, played 9 November and 17 November.
Somalia/Niger v Cameroon, South Sudan/Mauritania v Tunisia, Gambia/Namibia v Guinea, Sao Tome e Principe/Ethiopia v Congo, Chad/Sierra Leone v Egypt, Comoros/Lesotho v Ghana, Djibouti/Swaziland v Nigeria, Eritrea/Botswana v Mali, Seychelles/Burundi v Congo DR, Liberia/Guinea-Bissau v Ivory Coast, Central African Republic/Madagascar v Senegal, Mauritius/Kenya v Cape Verde, Tanzania/Malawi v Algeria, Sudan v Zambia, Libya v Rwanda, Morocco v Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique v Gabon, Benin v Burkina Faso, Togo v Uganda, Angola v South Africa
The 20 winners from the second round will go into a third round comprising five groups of four. The winners of each group qualify for the World Cup.
Concacaf

Third round
Two-legged ties, played from 31 August to 8 September.
Curacao v El Salvador, Canada v Belize, Grenada v Haiti, Jamaica v Nicaragua, St Vincent & Grenadines v Aruba, Antigua & Barbuda v Guatemala
Group A
Honduras, Mexico, Curacao/El Salvador, Canada/Belize
Group B
Panama, Costa Rica, Grenada/Haiti, Jamaica/Nicaragua
Group C
Trinidad & Tobago, USA, St Vincent & Grenadines/Aruba, Antigua & Barbuda/Guatemala
The top two teams from each group will play in a six-team mini-league. The top three qualify and the fourth goes into an inter-continental play-off.
Oceania

Round one (group stage)
American Samoa, Cook Islands, Samoa, Tonga
Round two (group stage)
Group A
Winner of round one between American Samoa, Cook Islands, Samoa and Tonga. Plus Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, Tahiti
Group B
New Zealand, Vanuatu, Fiji, Solomon Islands
The top three teams in Group A and Group B progress to round three. That will comprise of two groups of three, with the top team in each progressing to a two-legged play-off. The winners of that qualify for the inter-continental play-off.
South America

Group stage
Colombia, Chile, Paraguay, Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Venezuela, Bolivia, Peru, Uruguay
Top four automatically qualify. Fifth place goes into a play-off.

World Cup 2018: Qualifying draw in full

The draw for the 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign took place in St Petersburg, Russia, on Saturday.
The Fifa confederations of Africa, Oceania, South America, Concacaf (North, Central America and the Caribbean) and Europe were drawn. Qualifying has already started in Asia.
Europe

Group A
Netherlands, France, Sweden, Bulgaria, Belarus, Luxembourg


Probably the worst possible outcome for us (but then, France and Sweden face the same problem).


Group F
England, Slovakia, Scotland, Slovenia, Lithuania, Malta


That shouldn't be too hard for England, I think. Although, on the other hand: Scotland and Slovakia could cause some serious damage.


Concacaf

Third round
Two-legged ties, played from 31 August to 8 September.
Curacao v El Salvador, Canada v Belize, Grenada v Haiti, Jamaica v Nicaragua, St Vincent & Grenadines v Aruba, Antigua & Barbuda v Guatemala
Group A
Honduras, Mexico, Curacao/El Salvador, Canada/Belize
Group B
Panama, Costa Rica, Grenada/Haiti, Jamaica/Nicaragua
Group C
Trinidad & Tobago, USA, St Vincent & Grenadines/Aruba, Antigua & Barbuda/Guatemala
The top two teams from each group will play in a six-team mini-league. The top three qualify and the fourth goes into an inter-continental play-off.


Please note that Curacao have already had to play two rounds to even get here: first they saw off Montserrat, and then Cuba. FYI: Curacao are the lowest ranked country still in play in Concacaf zone (currently ranked #182 on FIFA ranking). As much as I'd love to see them progress even further, I think El Salvador will prove to be too high a hurdle.

That shouldn't be too hard for England, I think. Although, on the other hand: Scotland and Slovakia could cause some serious damage.

England seems to be getting worse, at least we are not in the same group as Germany.

Italy salvaged a draw (1-1) in a 2018 World Cup qualifier against Spain with a late Daniele de Rossi penalty.

Seamus Coleman's first international goal gave the Republic of Ireland a narrow victory over Georgia (1-0) in their 2018 World Cup qualifier in Dublin.

The Republic of Ireland's Robbie Brady is set to miss the World Cup qualifier in Moldova after being knocked out in Thursday's 1-0 win over Georgia. The Norwich player's neck was put in a brace and he was given oxygen as he was carried off on a stretcher late on. Republic manager Martin O'Neill said that concussions protocols are likely to rule out Brady on Sunday. Brady was "out cold" after a clash of heads but quickly regained consciousness and went to hospital.

Defender Phil Jagielka has pulled out of England's squad to face Malta and Slovenia because of a thigh injury.

Michael O'Neill's main selection issue for Northern Ireland's World Cup qualifier against San Marino looks to be whether to start Kyle Lafferty.
Lafferty, 29, made little impression in the draw against the Czech Republic last month and has since remained largely out of favour at Norwich.
Manager O'Neill must decide whether to again opt for a lone central striker in Saturday's game at Windsor Park.

Angry Chinese fans have called for the resignation of the president of China's football association, after the country lost to Syria in a World Cup qualifier. Syria's 1-0 victory on Thursday shocked fans in the Chinese city of Xi'an who took to the streets. China has said it wants to become a "world football superpower". But the loss means the team could now miss out on a place in the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored four goals for Portugal as they thrashed Andorra 6-0 in a 2018 World Cup qualifier.

Italy striker Graziano Pelle has been released from their World Cup qualifying squad to play Macedonia on Sunday for refusing to shake the coach's hand.
The ex-Southampton forward, who now plays in China, was substituted by Giampiero Ventura in the 1-1 draw against Spain on Thursday.
But he walked past Ventura and ignored his outstretched hand as he made his way off the pitch for Ciro Immobile.
Italy were 1-0 down at the time.

England must be "brave with the ball" when they face Malta in Saturday's World Cup qualifier, says interim manager Gareth Southgate. Forward Theo Walcott will start Southgate's first game in charge, while captain Wayne Rooney will win his 117th cap at Wembley (17:00 BST kick-off).

Michael O'Neill's main selection issue for Northern Ireland's World Cup qualifier against San Marino looks to be whether to start Kyle Lafferty. Lafferty, 29, made little impression in the draw against the Czech Republic last month and has since remained largely out of favour at Norwich.

Scotland boss Gordon Strachan will make a late decision on his starting 11 as his side aim to build on an opening win in Malta with victory over Lithuania.
Strachan is likely to keep changes to a minimum but has selection dilemmas at left-back, midfield and up front.
Full-back Kieran Tierney, midfielder James McArthur and winger James Forrest have all been in good form of late.

Joe Allen is out of Sunday's 2018 World Cup qualifier against Georgia in Cardiff, Wales manager Chris Coleman has confirmed.

Gareth Southgate started his reign as England's interim manager with a comfortable win against minnows Malta (2-0) at Wembley.

Substitute James McArthur's late header salvaged a draw against Lithuania (1-1) to avoid a potentially major blow to Scotland's World Cup qualifying hopes.

Kyle Lafferty scored two late goals as Northern Ireland finished strongly to complete their expected win over San Marino (4-0) at Windsor Park.

Wales suffered a setback in their World Cup qualifying campaign as a sloppy display saw them held at home by lowly Georgia (1-1).

Chelsea striker Diego Costa and Manchester City's Nolito scored as Spain beat Albania to top Group G in qualifying for the 2018 World Cup. Premier League players David de Gea, Nacho Monreal and David Silva all featured for Spain in the 2-0 win.

Italy needed a 91st-minute winner from Ciro Immobile to snatch victory over Macedonia (2-3) in World Cup qualifying. The Lazio striker headed home his second goal of the game in injury time having earlier equalised against the team ranked 146th in the world.

England captain Wayne Rooney is set to be dropped to the bench for Tuesday's World Cup qualifier against Slovenia.
Barring any last-minute injuries, manager Gareth Southgate will leave Rooney out of the starting XI as England look to preserve a 100% record.

Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos suffered a knee ligament sprain during Spain's World Cup qualifying win over Albania on Sunday. The 30-year-old was replaced in the 80th minute after he fell awkwardly.

Northern Ireland will face their toughest test in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers when they meet Group C leaders Germany in Hanover.

Scotland captain Darren Fletcher faces a late fitness test for the World Cup qualifier against Slovakia in Trnava.
Manager Gordon Strachan has confirmed changes will be made even if the midfielder recovers from the thigh knock he picked up against Lithuania.

Wayne Rooney is set to be dropped to the bench for Tuesday's 2018 World Cup qualifier in Slovenia. The 30-year-old forward, who has been a substitute for Manchester United in their last three games, started in Saturday's 2-0 win over Malta. Rooney is England's record goalscorer with 53 goals but has scored once in 12 games for club and country this season. Meanwhile, Sunderland keeper Jordan Pickford has been called up to the squad for his first England call-up. He replaces Burnley's Tom Heaton, who has picked up a minor injury.

Joe Hart made a string of fine saves as England escaped with a point against Slovenia (0-0) in 2018 World Cup qualifying. The hosts almost netted in the first half through Jasmin Kurtic, whose curling strike came back off the post. It took England until the second half to test Jan Oblak with long-range shots from Andros Townsend and Jesse Lingard. Visiting goalkeeper Hart made a stunning stop by tipping Kurtic's header onto the crossbar and also kept out Josip Ilicic's close-range effort.

Scotland suffered their first World Cup qualifying defeat in Group F as Slovakia (3-0) registered their first points. The Scots fell behind in controversial circumstances with Robert Mak netting moments after the visitors felt they should have had a free-kick.

First-half goals by Julian Draxler and Sami Khedira earned Germany victory over Northern Ireland (2-0) in Tuesday's World Cup Group C qualifier in Hanover.

Iran fans watched their team beat South Korea 1-0 in a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday, despite the constraints imposed by a holy day. The match at theran's 100,000-seater Azadi Stadium was held on the first of two mourning days on the Shia Islam calendar. Fans had been asked to replace football chants with religious slogans and wear black.

Wayne Rooney will captain England in the World Cup qualifier against Scotland at Wembley on Friday, says interim manager Gareth Southgate. The 31-year-old forward and skipper was dropped for the previous game, a 0-0 draw in Slovenia last month. "He's in a better place than for the last get-together in terms of sharpness and confidence," said Southgate. "He's an experienced player for a game like this and there is no hesitation to be playing him."

Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey has been missed by Wales in their World Cup qualifying campaign so far, and Chris Coleman will not be hesitating to put the 25-year-old straight back into his team.

Uruguay gained a vital 2-1 win over Ecuador in the latest round of World Cup qualifiers and they are closing in on qualification to Russia 2018.

Neymar and Philippe Coutinho each scored as Brazil beat Argentina 3-0 in their 2018 World Cup qualifier.

Gareth Southgate took a significant step towards being appointed England's full-time manager and intensified the pressure on Scotland counterpart Gordon Strachan with a comfortable World Cup qualifying win (3-0) at Wembley.

Northern Ireland replaced Azerbaijan in second place in Group C thanks to an impressive World Cup qualifying win (4-0) at a rain-lashed Windsor Park.

Poland striker Robert Lewandowski needed treatment after a flare thrown by home fans exploded near him during a heated World Cup qualifier in Romania.

Paul Pogba and Dimitri Payet were on target as France marked the first anniversary of the Paris attacks with victory over Sweden (2-1) in a World Cup qualifier at Stade de France. A minute's silence was observed before kick-off to remember the 130 victims of the attacks on 13 November 2015. Emil Forsberg's free-kick put Sweden ahead in the second half but Manchester United's Pogba quickly equalised. Payet's 65th-minute winner moved France three points clear in Group A.

Ex-Arsenal midfielder Serge Gnabry scored a debut hat-trick as Germany brushed aside San Marino (0-8) in a one-sided World Cup qualifier in Serravalle.

Wales' hopes of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup were dealt a severe blow as Aleksandar Mitrovic's late equaliser for Serbia denied them victory in Cardiff.

England are short of the quality required to unlock defences at next year's World Cup, says former captain Terry Butcher. Gareth Southgate's side won 4-0 away to Malta on Friday to remain top of their qualifying group. However, the scoreline masked a laboured display by England, with three of the goals coming late on.

England survived a scare as they came from behind to beat Slovakia (2-1) at Wembley and take a giant stride towards qualification for next summer's World Cup in Russia. Stanislav Lobotka took advantage of sloppy defensive work to put Slovakia ahead after just three minutes - the start of a shoddy first-half display by Gareth Southgate's side. Marcus Rashford was culpable in conceding possession for the goal but recovered superbly to inspire England to a win that leaves them five points clear at the top of Group F with just two rounds of games to play. Rashford's clever near-post corner was swept in by Eric Dier eight minutes before half-time, and the Manchester United teenager was England's match-winner as he powered a superb shot past Slovakia keeper Martin Dubravka after 59 minutes. England will confirm their place in Russia with victory against Slovenia at Wembley in their next qualifier on 5 October.

Syria claimed a play-off spot in 2018 World Cup qualifying following a 2-2 draw against Iran in theran. The visitors took a shock lead through Tamer Haj Mohamad's stooping header - the first goal Carlos Queiroz's Iran had conceded in 10 qualifying games. But on the stroke of half-time, Sardar Azmoun headed Iran level before giving them a second-half lead. Syria looked to be heading out, but Omar Al Somah coolly slotted home an equaliser deep in injury time.

Wales left it late to beat lowly Moldova (0-2) as goals from Hal Robson-Kanu and Aaron Ramsey gave them a second win in four days to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup. Despite a gulf of 141 places between the two in the Fifa world rankings, the game was goalless at half-time thanks to a combination of stubborn Moldovan defending and a dearth of quality in the Welsh attack.

Manchester City midfielder Fabian Delph and Southampton keeper Fraser Forster have been recalled for England's final two World Cup qualifiers in October.

Phil Jones and Fabian Delph are doubts for England's World Cup qualifier against Slovenia. Both players are being assessed by the England medical team ahead of the game on Thursday. Daniel Sturridge, Jordan Henderson and Harry Kane also missed out on Monday's training at St George's Park and instead took part in a recovery session. England can guarantee qualification for the World Cup with a win at Wembley. Gareth Southgate's side travel to Lithuania for their final Group F match on Sunday.

England are nearly there but a World Cup place for the other home nations hangs in the balance before the final group qualifying matches. Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland all have the chance to finish second in their group, which may well seal a place in the play-offs for Russia 2018. But coming second and staying in contention are not necessarily the same thing. More on that later. Meanwhile, the Netherlands and Iceland face a battle to go through, while Argentina are in trouble and Syria are in a play-off to keep their unlikely World Cup dream alive.

England coach Gareth Southgate is yet to decide who will captain the team at the 2018 World Cup as they close in on qualification. Tottenham striker Harry Kane will lead England against Slovenia on Thursday, where victory will ensure them a place at next summer's finals in Russia. "We have several people that I think can step into that fold now - and that can only benefit us," Southgate said. Previous permanent skipper Wayne Rooney retired from internationals in August. Southgate has rotated the captaincy since taking over from Sam Allardyce last November.

Harry Kane's injury-time winner secured England's qualification for next summer's World Cup with victory against Slovenia (1-0) - but this was a display designed to dampen any sense of expectation. Kane, England captain for the night, bundled in Kyle Walker's cross for his 11th goal in 22 international appearances to finally break down Slovenia's resistance as they looked likely to hold out for a point.

Tom Lawrence's thunderous second-half strike against Georgia kept Wales' hopes of automatic World Cup qualification alive and in turn boosted their prospects of reaching the play-offs.

England ensured they ended their World Cup qualification campaign unbeaten with victory in Lithuania (0-1)- but it was another poor performance only rescued by Harry Kane's first-half penalty.

Scotland's hopes of playing in a first World Cup since 1998 were ended by an agonising draw in Slovenia (2-2). Needing a win to move into the play-offs for the 2018 tournament in Russia, Scotland went in front when Leigh Griffiths cracked in an angled volley. But substitute Roman Bezjak punished some poor defending with two goals after the break before Robert Snodgrass hooked in an equaliser late on. The result means Scotland finish third on goal difference behind Slovakia.

Northern Ireland lost in Norway in their final World Cup group game after their place in the play-offs for Russia 2018 was confirmed by Scotland's draw in Slovenia prior to kick-off in Oslo. A Chris Brunt own goal in the second half gave the Norwegians the victory

A Lionel Messi hat-trick ensured Argentina came from behind to win in Ecuador and avoid missing a World Cup finals for the first time since 1970.

The United States failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1986 after losing to Trinidad & Tobago and a controversial goal for Panama. The US started the night in the third qualifying place but ended up fifth after losing 2-1.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/41574810

The United States failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1986 after losing to Trinidad & Tobago and a controversial goal for Panama. The US started the night in the third qualifying place but ended up fifth after losing 2-1.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/41574810


Costa Rica is the other country who qualified over the US >:(

Costa Rica is the other country who qualified over the US >:(
I have always like the USA in the World Cup, they brought a difference to the game.

Northern Ireland have dropped below Denmark in the Fifa rankings, meaning they will not be seeded for the 2018 World Cup play-offs. The Danes have moved up seven places in the rankings and will be seeded along with Switzerland, Italy and Croatia. They will each be drawn against unseeded Northern Ireland, who dropped three places, Republic of Ireland, Sweden and Greece. The draw will take place on Tuesday, 17 October at 13:00 BST in Zurich.

Honduras and Australia played out a goalless draw in the first leg of their intercontinental World Cup play-off. The Socceroos - who will probably be happier with their home leg to come - had the better chances in San Pedro Sula. They were initially awarded a penalty for a foul on Bailey Wright, but the referee then changed his mind and awarded a free-kick to Honduras. Luzern striker Tomi Juric had their best opportunities.

Northern Ireland's hopes of making the World Cup finals for the first time since 1986 ended with Switzerland winning the play-off 1-0 on aggregate after Sunday's stalemate in Basel.

Four-time champions Italy failed to reach the World Cup for the first time since 1958 after a play-off defeat against Sweden (0-0). It means the Azzurri will not be present in the competition for only the second time in their history having declined to play at the inaugural tournament in 1930.

The Republic of Ireland failed to reach the World Cup as Christian Eriksen's hat-trick gave Denmark an emphatic victory (1-5) in the play-off to reach Russia 2018.
After a goalless first leg, the hosts made the perfect start by scoring after just six minutes as defender Shane Duffy nodded in his second international goal when the visitors failed to clear a free-kick.

World Cup draw: England play Belgium, Panama and Tunisia in Group G

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/42199903

World Cup groups in full:

Group A: Russia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Uruguay
Group B: Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Iran
Group C: France, Australia, Peru, Denmark
Group D: Argentina, Iceland, Croatia, Nigeria
Group E: Brazil, Switzerland, Costa Rica, Serbia
Group F: Germany, Sweden, Mexico, South Korea
Group G: Belgium, Panama, Tunisia, England
Group H: Poland, Senegal, Colombia, Japan

There will be no British referee at the World Cup this summer for the first time since 1938. Fifa has chosen 36 officials for the tournament in Russia but none from England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. Mark Clattenburg was the only Briton on Fifa's long list of officials, collated in summer 2016, from which it would choose the final selection for Russia. But he left his job with the Premier League and forfeited his place.

Rafael Marquez could become the third player to appear in five World Cups after being included in Mexico's preliminary 28-man squad.

Uncapped 19-year-old Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has been named in Gareth Southgate's 23-man England squad for this summer's World Cup.

https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/11F43/production/_101593537_fddfdfdfdfdfdf.jpg
Goalkeepers: Jack Butland (Stoke), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Nick Pope (Burnley).

Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Fabian Delph (Manchester City), Phil Jones (Manchester United), Harry Maguire (Leicester), Danny Rose (Tottenham Hotspur), John Stones (Manchester City), Kieran Trippier (Tottenham Hotspur), Kyle Walker (Manchester City), Ashley Young (Manchester United).

Midfielders: Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspur), Eric Dier (Tottenham Hotspur), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Jesse Lingard (Manchester United), Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Chelsea).

Forwards: Harry Kane (Tottenham), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City), Jamie Vardy (Leicester), Danny Welbeck (Arsenal).

Standby: Lewis Cook (Bournemouth), Tom Heaton (Burnley), Adam Lallana (Liverpool), Jake Livermore (West Brom), James Tarkowski (Burnley).

Gareth Southgate confirms Harry Kane as England's World Cup captain.

https://www.cornwalllive.com/sport/gareth-southgate-confirms-harry-kane-1593978

The Republic of Ireland will aim to ensure a winning farewell for John O'Shea in the Aviva Stadium friendly against the USA today. The 37-year-old Sunderland defender is set to make his 118th and final appearance for the Irish before retiring from international football. Republic striker Shane Long will miss the game with a knee injury. Martin O'Neill's side will hope to bounce back from Monday night's 2-0 defeat by France in Paris. The Republic have won five and drawn two of their nine games with the USA.

England v Nigeria, friendly, tonight.

Preparations for a World Cup can be nerve-wracking, but the mood in the Nigeria camp is far from dour. "We have a lot of great players who have a lot of personality," vice-captain Ogenyi Onazi told BBC Sport before Nigeria's friendly against England at Wembley on Saturday.

England v Nigeria, friendly, tonight.

Preparations for a World Cup can be nerve-wracking, but the mood in the Nigeria camp is far from dour. "We have a lot of great players who have a lot of personality," vice-captain Ogenyi Onazi told BBC Sport before Nigeria's friendly against England at Wembley on Saturday.
Half time score:

England 2-0 Nigeria

England's World Cup build-up continued with a friendly win over Nigeria (2-1) at Wembley. Chelsea defender Gary Cahill celebrated his return to England's squad and stepped up his claims for a starting place against Tunisia in Volgograd on 18 June by opening the scoring with a powerful header after only seven minutes. England's total first-half domination was emphasised when captain Harry Kane scored his eighth goal in his last seven appearances six minutes before the interval when Nigeria keeper Francis Uzoho allowed his 18-yard shot to slip in. Arsenal's Alex Iwobi gave Nigeria's thousands of fans inside Wembley hope two minutes after the break with a crisp finish but England - who had Raheem Sterling booked for diving - closed out the victory in relatively untroubled fashion. England's preparations continue with another friendly against Costa Rica at Elland Road on Thursday.

John O'Shea's international farewell saw the Republic of Ireland come from behind to beat the United States (2-1). Earning his 118th cap, the 37-year-old Sunderland defender was given a rousing send off in Dublin when he was substituted after 33 minutes. Bobby Wood put the visitors ahead in first-half injury-time but striker Graham Burke turned in debutant Darragh Lenihan's shot to equalise. And substitute Alan Judge's 91st-minute goal sealed a first win since October.

Giovani dos Santos' early goal was enough to ensure a victory for World Cup-bound Mexico as Scotland ended their Americas tour with two defeats. Dos Santos' side-footed finish off the inside of a post came after only 13 minutes in the Estadio Azteca. Miguel Layun and Hirving Lozano both hit the woodwork for Mexico. Scotland's Oli McBurnie did the same, but it was the hosts who dominated and Oribe Peralta also had the ball in the net but was flagged offside.

Daniel Arzani - the youngest player at this summer's World Cup - scored his first goal for Australia as they beat Hungary 2-1 thanks to a late own goal in an International Friendly. The 19-year-old Melbourne City forward scored from 20 yards just one minute after coming on for his second cap. Hungary equalised with a comical own goal as Trent Sainsbury headed past his wrong-footed keeper from 14 yards. But Tamas Kadar deflected a cross into his own net in injury time to win it for the Socceroos in Budapest. Australia's next game is their Group C opener against France on Saturday, 16 June. They are also in the same group as Peru and Denmark.

France were held to a 1-1 draw at home to the USA despite fielding a strong side in their final friendly match before the World Cup gets under way in Russia.

Gabriel Jesus, Neymar and Philippe Coutinho scored as Brazil swept aside Austria 3-0 in their final World Cup warm-up game in Vienna. Manchester City striker Jesus calmly curled past Heinz Lindner to open the scoring on 35 minutes. Neymar, making his first start since February, doubled the lead midway through the second half, slotting in after a nice piece of skill. Barcelona midfielder Coutinho added the third goal shortly afterwards.

Robbie Williams is to open the 2018 World Cup in Moscow - just two years after Russian newspapers said he should be banned from performing there. The pop star, whose hits include Angels and Let Me Entertain You, will headline the tournament's opening ceremony at the Luzhniki Stadium on Thursday. He will perform alongside Russian soprano Aida Garifullina, just half an hour before the first match kicks off. But he will presumably exclude the song Party Like A Russian from his setlist.

Senegal completed their World Cup preparations with a 2-0 victory over South Korea in a friendly that was played behind closed doors in Austria.

Romelu Lukaku scored twice as Belgium eased to victory against Costa Rica (4-0) in their final World Cup warm-up match. Belgium, England's Group G opponents, were again without injured defender Vincent Kompany in Brussels, while Eden Hazard limped off in the 70th minute.

JUST ANNOUNCED:

The 2026 World Cup will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico after their joint bid beat Morocco's proposal to host it. The 'United 2026' bid was selected by FIFA member nations, winning 134 votes compared to 65 for Morocco. The 2026 tournament will be the biggest World Cup ever held - with 48 teams playing 80 matches over 34 days. Both Mexico (1970 and 1986) and the United States (1994) have previously hosted World Cups.

Results and matches so far:

Thursday June 14th 2018
Group A
Russia 5 - 0 Saudi Arabia


Friday June 15th 2018
Group A
Egypt 0 - 1 Hungary

Group B
Morocco 0 - 1 Iran
Portugal 3 - 3 Spain


Saturday June 16th 2018
Group C
France 2 - 1 Australia
Peru 0 - 1 Denmark

Group D
Argentina 1 - 1 Iceland
Croatia 2 - 0 Nigeria


Sunday June 17th 2018
Group E
Costa Rica 0 - 1 Serbia
Brazil 1- 1 Switzerland

Group F
Germany 0 - 1 Mexico


Monday June 18th 2018
Group F
Sweden 1 - 0 South Korea

Group G
Belgium 3 - 0 Panama
Tunisia 1 - 2 England

Results and matches so far:

Thursday June 14th 2018
Group A
Russia 5 - 0 Saudi Arabia


Friday June 15th 2018
Group A
Egypt 0 - 1 Hungary

Group B
Morocco 0 - 1 Iran
Portugal 3 - 3 Spain


Saturday June 16th 2018
Group C
France 2 - 1 Australia
Peru 0 - 1 Denmark

Group D
Argentina 1 - 1 Iceland
Croatia 2 - 0 Nigeria


Sunday June 17th 2018
Group E
Costa Rica 0 - 1 Serbia
Brazil 1- 1 Switzerland

Group F
Germany 0 - 1 Mexico


Monday June 18th 2018
Group F
Sweden 1 - 0 South Korea

Group G
Belgium 3 - 0 Panama
Tunisia 1 - 2 England

The Portugal/Spain match has been described as one the best World Cup matches ever.

Tuesday June 19th 2018
Group H
Colombia 1 - 0 Japan

Japan profited from Colombia's nightmare start to the World Cup as they secured a victory against 10 men in their Group H opener in Saransk, despite James Rodriguez's late introduction. Colombia conceded a penalty and had a man sent off inside three minutes, with Carlos Sanchez dismissed for handling Shinji Kagawa's shot at a goal left exposed by terrible defending. After the first red card shown at this World Cup - and the second fastest in history at two minutes 56 seconds - Kagawa scored the spot-kick. Japan should have increased their lead soon after as Takashi Inui and Yuya Osako wasted fine openings. They were punished when Juan Quintero's clever free-kick, fired low under the jumping wall, brought Jose Pekerman's Colombia on level terms six minutes before the break.

WORLD CUP RESULT

Tuesday June 19th 2018
Group H
Poland 1 - 2 Senegal

Senegal deservedly defeated Poland in a game of few chances to claim the first win by an African team at the World Cup - although there was a hint of controversy about their second goal.

WORLD CUP RESULT

Tuesday June 19th 2018
Group A
Russia 3 - 1 Egypt

Russia moved to the brink of qualifying for the last 16 of the World Cup after the host nation beat Mohamed Salah's Egypt in St Petersburg. Russia, who beat Saudi Arabia 5-0 in their opening game, took the lead thanks to a bizarre 47th-minute own goal from Ahmed Fathi, who diverted Roman Zobnin's shot into his own net. Denis Cheryshev doubled Russia's advantage after he finished from Mario Fernandes' pull-back, before Artem Dzyuba sealed the victory with a fine individual goal. Liverpool forward Salah, playing for the first time since sustaining a shoulder injury in the Champions League final, converted a penalty after he had been fouled - but it was not enough to mount an Egypt fightback. Russia will qualify for the last 16 and Egypt will be eliminated from the competition if Saudi Arabia fail to beat Uruguay in Rostov-on-Don on Wednesday.

Group tables and schedules can be view here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/schedule/group-stage

TOMORROW'S MATCHES

Wednesday June 20th 2018

Group A
Uruguay v Saudi Arabia

Group B
Portugal v Morocco
Iran v Spain

TOMORROW'S MATCHES

Wednesday June 20th 2018

Group A
Uruguay v Saudi Arabia

Group B
Portugal v Morocco
Iran v Spain
In the currently being played match of Portugal v Morocco, Ronaldo has is carrying on where he left off last Friday, but scoring the only the goal of the match so far.

WORLD CUP RESULT

Wednesday June 20th 2018
Group B
Portugal 1 - 0 Morocco

Cristiano Ronaldo continued his sensational start to the World Cup with the winner as Portugal knocked Morocco out of the tournament. All eyes at the Luzhniki Stadium were on the Real Madrid star after his hat-trick in Portugal's opening game with Spain and, typically, he did not disappoint. It took the captain only four minutes to make his mark in the way Morocco had feared, diving to get on the end of a Joao Moutinho cross and planting an unstoppable header into the net. Ronaldo's goal put the European champions top of Group B before Spain play Iran at 19:00 BST on Wednesday, and extended his lead as the top scorer in Russia in the race for the Golden Boot.

Group tables and schedules can be view here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/schedule/group-stage

WORLD CUP RESULT

Wednesday June 20th 2018
Group A
Uruguay 1 - 0 Saudi Arabia

Uruguay's slender victory over Saudi Arabia ensured that they and host nation Russia reached the last 16 of the World Cup. Luis Suarez scored the only goal at the Rostov Arena, sweeping in from close range on his 100th appearance for La Celeste. It was hard on the Green Falcons, who were knocked out despite a vast improvement from their 5-0 defeat by Russia in the tournament's opening game. However, while they largely eliminated their defensive errors and enjoyed more possession than their opponents, they were made to pay for one lapse by goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais, whose misjudgement allowed Suarez to score. Russia's 3-1 win over Egypt on Tuesday means both they and Uruguay have collected maximum points from their two Group A games. Both nations are six points clear of third-placed Egypt with one game to play.

Group tables and schedules can be view here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/schedule/group-stage

England manager Gareth Southgate dislocated his right shoulder while running on Wednesday. The squad had a scheduled day off from training and Southgate suffered the injury near England's base in Repino. Southgate celebrated acrobatically after Harry Kane sealed a 2-1 win over Tunisia in England's opening World Cup game on Monday. "The doc has made it clear that punching the air is not an option," said Southgate.

WORLD CUP RESULT

Wednesday June 20th 2018
Group B
Iran 0 - 1 Spain

Spain edged out a gallant Iran in an absorbing contest to ensure they will reach the World Cup knockout stage with a win in their final group game. The 2010 champions needed a fortuitous Diego Costa goal after half-time, having been frustrated in an opening period in which they had 81% possession.

Group tables and schedules can be view here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/schedule/group-stage

TOMORROW'S MATCHES

Thursday June 21st 2018

Group C
Denmark v Australia
France v Peru

Group D
Argentina v Croatia

Group tables and schedules can be view here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/schedule/group-stage

WORLD CUP RESULT

Thursday June 21st 2018

Group C
Denmark 1 v 1 Australia

Australia kept alive their hopes of reaching the World Cup knockout stage after Mile Jedinak's penalty secured a first Group C point against Denmark. Christian Eriksen put Denmark ahead with a super finish after Nicolai Jorgensen's clever lay-off. Australia levelled through Jedinak's penalty awarded after a video assistant referee (VAR) review. Yussuf Poulsen's close-range handball was analysed on video before the referee pointed to the spot.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/schedule/group-stage

WORLD CUP RESULT

Thursday June 21st 2018

Group C
France 1 v 0 Peru

Kylian Mbappe's first-half strike helped France overcome - and eliminate - a resilient Peru to earn a spot in the knockout round of the World Cup.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/schedule/group-stage

WORLD CUP RESULT

Thursday June 21st 2018

Group D
Argentina 0 v 3 Croatia

Lionel Messi and Argentina are facing the very real prospect of an early World Cup exit after a dreadful error from goalkeeper Willy Caballero set Croatia on their way to victory and a place in the last 16.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/schedule/group-stage

TOMORROW'S MATCHES

Friday June 22nd 2018

Group D
Nigeria v Icelanda

Group E
Brazil v Costa Rica
Serbia v Switzerland

Group tables and schedules can be view here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/schedule/group-stage

WORLD CUP RESULT

Thursday June 21st 2018

Group D
Argentina 0 v 3 Croatia

Lionel Messi and Argentina are facing the very real prospect of an early World Cup exit after a dreadful error from goalkeeper Willy Caballero set Croatia on their way to victory and a place in the last 16.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/schedule/group-stage
Maradona is not very happy?

https://the18.com/sites/default/files/styles/feature_image_with_focal/public/feature-images/20180616-The18-Image-Maradona-Main.png?itok=KxK24ZZU

WORLD CUP RESULT

Friday June 22nd 2018

Group E
Brazil 2 v 0 Costa Rica

Philippe Coutinho and Neymar bailed Brazil out with stoppage-time strikes against Costa Rica following another uninspiring display at the 2018 World Cup. Coach Tite's team were heading for a second successive inglorious draw when Barcelona midfielder Coutinho popped up to poke home from Roberto Firmino's nod down. And with seconds remaining Neymar, the world's most expensive player, tapped in Douglas Costa's cross to secure Brazil's first win of the tournament. Their hopes of victory looked to have been dashed when they had a penalty decision overturned by VAR in the 78th minute after referee Bjorn Kuipers had initially ruled Neymar had been brought down in the area. As it stands Brazil currently lead Group E and could go through with a draw in their final pool match against Serbia.


Group tables and schedules can be view here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/schedule/group-stage

WORLD CUP RESULT
Friday June 22nd 2018

Group D
Nigeria 2 v 1 Iceland

Ahmed Musa scored both goals as Nigeria swept aside World Cup debutants Iceland to leave Group D intriguingly poised with one round of games to go. The Super Eagles would have gone out with defeat but came good in Volgograd. Musa showed superb technique to fire Nigeria ahead on the half-volley before the Leicester player rounded keeper Hannes Thor Halldorsson to make it 2-0. Iceland missed a late penalty awarded after a video assistant referee review, Gylfi Sigurdsson firing over.

Group tables and schedules can be view here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/schedule/group-stage

England midfielder Dele Alli has not returned to training and is likely to miss their second World Cup Group G game against Panama on Sunday. The Tottenham player, 22, has missed training with a thigh injury picked up during Monday's 2-1 win over Tunisia. Pictures of assistant manager Steve Holland's training notes seemed to indicate Ruben Loftus-Cheek would replace him in England's starting XI.

WORLD CUP RESULTS
Saturday June 23rd 2018

Group F
South Korea 1 v 2 Mexico
Germany 2 v 1 Sweden

Group G
Belgium 5 v 2 Tunisia

Sunday June 24th 2018

Group G
England 6 v 1 Panama

Group H
Japan 2 v 2 Senegal
Poland 0 v 3 Colombia

WORLD CUP RESULTS (bringing the group stages to the end)
Monday June 25th 2018

Group A
Saudi Arabia 2 v 1 Egypt
Uruguay 3 v 0 Russia

Group B
Iran 1 v 1 Portugal
Spain 2 v 2 Morocco

Tuesday June 26th 2018

Group C
Australia 0 v 2 Peru
Denmark 0 v 0 France

Group D
Iceland 1 v 2 Croatia
Nigeria 1 v 2 Argentina

Wednesday June 27th 2018

Group E
Serbia 0 v 2 Brazil
Switzerland 2 v 2 Costa Rica

Group F
South Korea 2 v 0 Germany
Mexico 0 v 3 Sweden

Thursday June 28th 2018

Group G
England 0 v 1 Belguim
Panama 1 v 2 Tunsia

Group H
Japan 0 v 1 Poland
Senegal 0 v 1 Colombia

Group tables and schedules can be view here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/schedule/group-stage

WORLD CUP FIXTURES

Round of 16
Saturday June 30th 2018
France v Argentina
Uruguay v Portugal

Sunday July 1st 2018
Spain v Russia
Croatia v Denmark

Monday July 2nd 2018
Brazil v Mexico
Belgium v Japan

Tuesday July 3rd 2018
Sweden v Switzerland
Colombia v England

WORLD CUP RESULT

Round of 16
Saturday June 30th 2018
France 4 v 3 Argentina

Kylian Mbappe announced himself on football's biggest stage with two fine goals that gave France victory in a classic World Cup encounter with Argentina, and a place in the quarter-finals. Though much of the focus before the game was on Argentina superstar Lionel Messi, it was Mbappe who produced a brilliant performance that will linger long in the memory. The 19-year-old's second-half double turned the game decisively in France's favour, and inflicted more pain on Argentina in what may be their final chance to win the World Cup during Messi's prime. Antoine Griezmann had already hit the bar with a free-kick by the time he put France ahead from the penalty spot in the ninth minute, following a searing Mbappe run that was ended by a clumsy Marcos Rojo foul. Argentina looked unable to reply for much of the first half, until Angel di Maria hauled his side level with a stunning long-range curler shortly before the break.

WORLD CUP RESULT

Round of 16
Saturday June 30th 2018
Uruguay 2 v 1 Portugal

Edinson Cavani scored two superb goals as Uruguay beat Portugal to set up a World Cup quarter-final meeting with France on Friday.

WORLD CUP RESULT

Round of 16
Saturday June 30th 2018
France 4 v 3 Argentina

Kylian Mbappe announced himself on football's biggest stage with two fine goals that gave France victory in a classic World Cup encounter with Argentina, and a place in the quarter-finals. Though much of the focus before the game was on Argentina superstar Lionel Messi, it was Mbappe who produced a brilliant performance that will linger long in the memory. The 19-year-old's second-half double turned the game decisively in France's favour, and inflicted more pain on Argentina in what may be their final chance to win the World Cup during Messi's prime. Antoine Griezmann had already hit the bar with a free-kick by the time he put France ahead from the penalty spot in the ninth minute, following a searing Mbappe run that was ended by a clumsy Marcos Rojo foul. Argentina looked unable to reply for much of the first half, until Angel di Maria hauled his side level with a stunning long-range curler shortly before the break.


Don't cry 4-3 Argentina

WORLD CUP UPDATE

Round of 16
Sunday July 1st 2018
Spain 1 v 1 Russia

As finishing level after 90 minutes, extra time of 30 minutes now being played.

WORLD CUP UPDATE

Round of 16
Sunday July 1st 2018
Spain 1 v 1 Russia

As finishing level after 90 minutes, extra time of 30 minutes now being played.
Now going to penalties!

WORLD CUP UPDATE

Round of 16
Sunday July 1st 2018
Spain 1 v 1 Russia

As finishing level after 90 minutes, extra time of 30 minutes now being played.
The mighty Spain are out, Russia go through on penalties, 4-3, and will play either Croatia or Denmark (playing later) on Saturday.

England's World Cup campaign in Russia ended with a 2-0 defeat by Belgium in St Petersburg that meant the Three Lions finished in fourth place.

Scores from the knockout stage can be seen here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/schedule/knockout-stage

It is a World Cup final few would have predicted. Croatia face France at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium on Sunday aiming to win a first major international trophy, while their opponents are in a third final in six World Cups and attempting to add a second title to the one they won in Paris 20 years ago. The man leading them, Didier Deschamps, is in his third tournament in charge and hoping to become only the third person to lift the trophy as a player and manager. His counterpart, Zlatko Dalic, has been Croatia manager for just nine months but is 90 minutes from winning football's biggest prize and completing one of the more unlikely triumphs in World Cup history.

It is a World Cup final few would have predicted. Croatia face France at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium on Sunday aiming to win a first major international trophy, while their opponents are in a third final in six World Cups and attempting to add a second title to the one they won in Paris 20 years ago. The man leading them, Didier Deschamps, is in his third tournament in charge and hoping to become only the third person to lift the trophy as a player and manager. His counterpart, Zlatko Dalic, has been Croatia manager for just nine months but is 90 minutes from winning football's biggest prize and completing one of the more unlikely triumphs in World Cup history.
I will not give out the progress score in case anyone is recording it to watch later, and does not wish to know the score and result.

Congratulations french users for the victory! While Croatia, you did an incredible World Cup ;)

Congrats to France! Champions Du Monde! Allez Les Bleus!

France's victorious football World Cup team is to receive their country's highest accolade, the Légion d'Honneur, the French presidency has announced. France defeated Croatia 4-2 in the final in Moscow on Sunday - the country's second World Cup in 20 years. Crowds of fans gathered at Paris' Charles de Gaulle airport on Monday to give the team a hero's welcome.

Topic now closed due to the tournament is now over.