Football has an unbelievably crazy fan following in Brazil, who are the only country to appear in every World Cup and the only nation to win the tournament five times.
Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest forwards of all time but his latest struggles with Manchester United and Portugal have raised many questions about whether his brilliant career is nearing a bitter end.
FIFA tweeted a picture of the cutouts, saying 'World Cup fever has hit Kerala'.
'I have much more freedom here (than at PSG). The coach knows that there is a number nine like Olivier who occupies the defences. I can wander around, go into space, ask for balls.'
Iran's winger Alireza Jahanbakhsh said on Thursday that the focus of the team will be on the World Cup, not political issues related to the country's nationwide protests.
Ronaldo's future at United is up in the air after he said he felt 'betrayed' by the Premier League club
'It's a personal interview, very personal actually, and we have to respect that'
'I am not going to try and set up any particular tactical plan to counter Kylian'
Kane, like most of the squad, was in Premier League action last weekend and there are only five days for Gareth Southgate to prepare his players for the opening game against Iran.
Rodrygo said arch-rivals Argentina could pose a threat after their continental success.
Scotland's Scott McTominay grabbed another brace of goals as they stunned a much-changed Spain side to earn a deserved 2-0 victory in their Euro 2024 qualifier.
Here's what you need to know about the opening ceremony that will take place ahead of the November 20-December 18 World Cup in Qatar:
Kolo Muani replaces injured Nkunku in France's World Cup squad
The 48-year-old has previously also worked with Chelsea FC, one of the top clubs in Europe; he has also played an important role in fine-tuning the Chelsea squads that won the UEFA Champions League in the 2011-12 and 2020-21 seasons.
Copa American champions Argentina are unbeaten in 35 games and if this is to be Messi's final World Cup, they are in the form to deliver the title.
Norway last qualified for the World Cup in 1998.
"I don't see it as pressure, a team like Brazil is always a contender for the World Cup or any other title that they play for. The demand of the fans is normal because we are a high-quality team, with big names,"
World Cup 2022: start date, schedule, teams, venues and final
FIFA boss Infantino urges World Cup ceasefire in Ukraine
"We've once again shown the rest of the world that English football is healthy and we've got some players not only for now but for the future as well."
"There are other steps and it starts on Wednesday. Let's be happy with what we've done tonight even if it's not enough. At least we broke the (defending champions') curse," he added.
Regragui's tactical masterclass sends Portugal packing
The team may be able to rely on Real Madrid's young trio of Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo and Eder Militao and Premier League rising stars Bruno Guimaraes, Antony and Gabriel Martinelli, among others.
The 71-year-old, who has battled with cancer over the last year, concluded his third spell as the Netherlands coach with their penalty shootout loss and will be replaced by Ronald Koeman.
Gritty Croatia came back from 1-0 in extra-time to claim a 4-2 penalty shootout victory and with it a spot in the semi-finals.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning went on the offensive saying "we do not believe the entry restriction measures some countries have taken against China are science-based".
"We are also a country that has a chance to become world champions because I hope we are the best team."
Both players have been timed among the fastest in the game, with top speeds of around 36.5kpm (22.6 mph), but it is how quickly they get there that makes them different.
France hoping Mbappe will be enough to match England's impressive depth
Scaloni has helped get one over the Dutch Master at least once before when he was at Deportivo, who pipped Van Gaal's Barcelona to the 1999-2000 La Liga title.
England begin their World Cup group campaign against Iran on November 21.
Morocco relied on the usual mixture of North African style, combining committed defence with counter-attacks
Ramos could not have hoped for a more magical night in Qatar, having made his international debut only three days before the World Cup started.
Brazil spread the ball beautifully with a plethora of one-touch passing combinations that cornered the South Koreans who had no plan to defend against so much talent.
Putting their bitter club rivalries aside, Kolkata's Big Three football clubs joined in to mourn the loss of Pele and remember his magical presence that wowed the metropolis 45 years back.
Such is Argentina's passion for soccer, that the World Cup remains a priority for some, despite a sluggish economy, painful inflation estimated to hit 100% this year and currency controls that push up the price of travelling overseas.
England spent little time celebrating Sunday's 3-0 World Cup win over Senegal before turning their thoughts to an intimidating quarter-final next Saturday against reigning champions France.
Images from the FIFA World Cup match between Senegal and England on Sunday.
Giroud, at 36, brings experience and guile to France's attack, while Mbappe, 23, is blessed with pace
Lewandowski huffed and puffed, but he cut a lonely and frustrated figure
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