Child’s play The kindergartens driving China’s football dream

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.

We take a look at how the papers are celebrating Argentina's majestic win against Croatia in the World Cup semi-finals. We also see how they are covering the historic nature of this Wednesday's upcoming France-Morocco match, especially amid tensions between President Emmanuel Macron and King Mohammed VI.

Morocco has said seven flights were canceled due to "restrictions imposed by Qatari authorities." The national Moroccan carrier had announced 30 flights to support the team in the World Cup semifinals.

An autopsy report says that Grant Wahl, a US soccer journalist known for his opposition to Qatar hosting the FIFA World Cup, died of an aortic aneurysm at the tournament. New York medical examiners ruled out foul play.

Brazil’s Ronaldo Luís Nazário has congratulated Argentina and Lionel Messi after they beat France to win the World Cup. Messi was also honored with the Golden Ball award for the tournament’s best player. In a tweet, Ronaldo said that “football of this type dispels any rivalry”. He noted that many Brazilians were cheering for Messi during the "electrifying final”. "A farewell worthy of the genius who, far beyond being a World Cup star, led an era.

Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pele, was a football pioneer. He has passed away at the age of 82 after a battle with cancer.

In football everyone has their eye on the strikers. This week we take a closer look at two of the best goal-getters in the game at the moment: Paris St. Germain’s Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland of Borussia Dortmund. Will they dominate their generation in the same way that Leonel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo did in theirs? Sports Life explains why they stand out and what makes them so special.

Between left-wing leader Lula returning to power and the death of football legend Pelé, it's been a hugely significant New Year for Brazil. Marieke Riethof, a senior lecturer in Latin American Politics at the University of Liverpool, joined us for Perspective to give some insight into this new chapter.

The Brazilian soccer legend's coffin has moved through the streets of Santos, in the Sao Paulo state, where well over 200,000 people have gathered to pay their respects.

After Argentina’s 2022 FIFA World Cup win in Qatar, internet rumours claim that the country has issued - or is planning to issue - new currency featuring Lionel Messi’s face. But is this real legal tender? We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake with Vedika Bahl

Brazil's iconic yellow jersey has long stood for some of football's best moments. But that's also made it a target for political movements which have used its imagery for their own gain.

A football and a lot of skill: That's all the "funguiceiros" need to put on a show! In the Angolan city of Malanje, a version of freestyle football is attracting more and more young people. Now, the Sem Stress project is on the search for fresh and creative talent.