In a World Cup shaping as one of the most competitive in decades, how teams cope with the demanding travel schedules is emerging as one of the critical success factors.

Wayne Rooney has told England manager Roy Hodgson he is ready for the World Cup, and has dismissed the doubts of former teammate Paul Scholes.

A mobile scanner designed to spot a 3D-printed plastic pistol hidden under a gunman's clothing is to be used in Brazil after threats by organised criminals to disrupt the World Cup.

Champions Spain will open their defence of the World Cup at next year's finals against the Netherlands, a repeat of the ill-tempered 2010 final.

Part of the stadium that will host the World Cup opener in Brazil next year collapsed today, causing significant damage and killing two people, authorities said.

From her office in a painted shipping container high up in Rio de Janeiro's biggest favela, the woman with the toughest police job in the city has a definitive view of the divided landscape.

Sky TV have confirmed it will screen every match of the 2014 soccer World Cup in Brazil live.