From ‘Brexit Derby’ to Albania’s double-headed eagle: Politics invade World Cup

Qatar is confident that the FIFA World Cup will go ahead as planned after a rapid progress in the COVID vaccine production. And Melbourne has received its first international flight since June. Follow DW for the latest.

The Times of Malta announces "a momentous turning point" in the case of slain journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia after a suspect pleads guilty to planting the bomb that killed her. Still, "complete justice" remains to be seen. We also look at reactions to a report from the Guardian which found that 6,500 migrant workers have died building World Cup infrastructure in Qatar. Plus: Al Jazeera launches a news platform for US conservatives, French actor Gérard Depardieu is investigated for rape and finally, why Canadian butter is no longer melting.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson says it is the "right time" for the United Kingdom and Ireland to launch a bid to host the 2030 soccer World Cup, while he added the country would also be willing to host extra Euro 2020 matches this year if required.

This year's women's Rugby World Cup in New Zealand is set to be pushed back until next year after the sport's global governing body said it was difficult to host the event as planned due to uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.

President of FIFA Gianni Infantino names host cities for 2023 Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

New Zealand's national women's team, the Black Ferns, showcase their own version of the haka at an exhibition in Auckland. Team captain Lesley Ketu says the fearsome Maori challenge would motivate the five-time World Cup winners as they defend their title on home soil for the first time.

"I'm desperate to win the Champions League and obviously keep hold of the Premier League title", says Jack Grealish as he enjoys the tag of becoming the most expensive English player in history following his £100 million ($139 million) transfer to Premier League champions Manchester City from Aston Villa.

Captain Hugo Lloris admits France must "regain confidence" as they prepare for the first of three World Cup qualifiers, after a humiliating early exit at this summer's Euros. "We've had very little time to prepare for this match, but we're enthusiastic, we're motivated," says the French goalkeeper.

World Cup qualifier between Brazil and Argentina suspended after Brazilian health officials say three Argentine players broke quarantine rules

At a compound set to host attendees of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, a few hundred Afghan refugees await their fate, hoping they will be accepted in Europe or America. Some like Ahmad Wali Sarhadi, who hasn’t spoken to his wife and five children since he left them behind in Kandahar, have no idea what lies ahead.

England manager Gareth Southgate says some traditions are worth protecting as FIFA propose to hold the World Cup every two years, though concedes the game needs to evolve and be 'forward-thinking'.

Argentina football fans share their excitement over watching their national team and star Lionel Messi play against Bolivia in the World Cup qualifiers. Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick to overtake Pele as the top international goalscorer in South American football history on Thursday as Argentina cruised to a 3-0 victory over Bolivia in their 2022 World Cup qualifier.