The Latest Breaking News from Qatar

From Messi to Suarez to Benzema, these are the prominent players likely to make final bow in top competition.

Human rights groups have moved quickly to condemn Gianni Infantino’s extraordinary defence of hosts World Cup hosts Qatar, accusing the FIFA president of “deflection and whataboutery" and warning that “history will not judge this moment kindly”.

Some players, teams will not ignore unsavory aspects of the tournament hosted by Qatar.

Luis Enrique is plotting Spain's route to World Cup glory in Qatar but would happily see Lionel Messi and Argentina triumph if his nation were not successful

The host nation were awarded the tournament in 2010 while occupying their lowest world ranking ever. Now, more than a decade on, they seek respect on the pitch

Gareth Bale will wear the armband during the Qatar tournament, despite being told by FIFA not to

The hosts get the tournament, which has been plagued by controversy, under way against Ecuador on Sunday.

Gianni Infantino wants football to be the only talking point in Qatar but the irony is that even the most engaging 90 minutes of the World Cup will struggle to top the extraordinary drama of the FIFA president’s hour-and-a-half press conference on the eve of the tournament.

Technology to assist VAR is designed to ensure offside calls in Qatar are quicker and more accurate – but it is not without flaws