Press conference ahead of CAF Champions League final

Unpaid wages, under-reporting of migrant worker deaths and an eye-watering carbon footprint are just some of the concerns being expressed by human rights groups and environmentalists as Qatar prepares to host one of the planet's biggest sporting events. Just weeks before the opening match, we bring you a special edition on the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The 2022 World Cup in Qatar has become a focal point for geopolitics. Iran's team refused to sing their national anthem before their first match, in a gesture of support for protesters. Some Iranian visitors also took the opportunity to support the anti-government protests back home with signs and chants outside the stadium in Doha.

A 'hunt' for Haitian migrants in the Dominican Republic, and the Indian state that's crazy for football

Belgium playmaker Eden Hazard has retired from international football at the age of 31. Hazard made his Belgium debut in 2008 at the age of 17, and went on to win 126 caps, scoring 33 goals. Credit: @ujuochulo for The Guardian

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.

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.