Why Qatar fosters close contact with the Taliban

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.

When the Taliban seized power in 2021, many people, including some Western diplomats, expected the fundamentalist group to rule differently this time around. A year later, Afghanistan's rulers have proven them wrong.

Senegal are through to the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar after a sensational 2-1 victory over Ecuador. Also, lawyers are striking in Chad over a mass trial of detained anti government protestors, following deadly demonstrations in late October.

On the outskirts of Doha, migrant workers are finally getting to enjoy the World Cup that they made possible. Far from the city's shiny lights, the lives lost and their impact on the event are not forgotten.

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.