Taliban and Afghan government agree to reduce violence

London's transport authority banned Qatar tourism ads due to the Gulf state's anti-LGBTQ laws. A spokesperson for Qatar accused London's city's mayor of "virtue signaling" for political points during the World Cup.

The 2022 Soccer World Cup in Qatar is hugely controversial. The allegations range from corruption in the awarding of the tournament to Qatar to harsh criticism of the host nation for its human rights record, and its World Cup carbon emissions.

German Economy Minister Robert Habeck sees corruption as the only explanation for Qatar getting the World Cup. Qatar's Energy Minister Saad Sharida al-Kaabi has now fired back in an interview with a German tabloid.

Some female fans in Qatar say their World Cup experience feels safer than other tournaments because of a more conservative culture and reduced alcohol consumption.

Afghanistan's ultra-conservative Taliban leadership has announced what it says is the first public execution that has taken place since its return to power.

We've seen a very different kind of fan during this World Cup in Qatar, be it for reasons of cost, travel or even politics. These changes are substantial and it's made for some dramatic changes to the ambiance and atmosphere. One of the most visible effects is perhaps what we saw after Morocco's victory over Spain: a show of immense unity in the Arab World.

Official statements from FIFA, the Qatar Supreme Committee and the Qatari government as authorities say they're probing the death of a worker at a World Cup team base.

From its numerous controversies to its diplomatic match-ups, the World Cup in Qatar has been a gold mine for anyone interested in the intersection between sports and diplomacy.

In a nail-biting match full of high quality, France advanced to the World Cup semi-finals with a 2-1 win over England. Aurélien Tchouaméni opened with a scorching long-range effort, before Harry Kane equalised with a penalty but Olivier Giroud won the game with a bullet header.

It was a tough round of officiating for the men in charge as players voiced frustration and anger at decisions and referee appointments. Portuguese stars like Bruno Fernandez and Pepe questioned why an Argentinian referee took charge of their 1-0 loss to Morocco, while Harry Maguire's fury at Brazil's Wilton Sampaio was clear in England's 2-1 loss to France. But were the match officials to blame or do the laws need a review?

We look ahead to all the action at this week's World Cup semi-final fixtures in Qatar. Argentina face 2018 runners-up Croatia on Tuesday, while defending champions France play surprise semi-finalists Morocco on Wednesday. What can we expect from what will no doubt be two thrilling matches?

We look ahead to all the action at this week's World Cup semi-final fixtures in Qatar. Argentina face 2018 runners-up Croatia on Tuesday, while defending champions France play surprise semi-finalists Morocco on Wednesday.