It was uncharted territory for the Israeli journalist. Wandering through the rustic outdoor marketplace in Doha before the start of the World Cup, he zeroed in on a Qatari man in his traditional headdress and white flowing robe and asked for an interview.

"Which channel?" the Qatari asked. The journalist replied he was from Kan, Israel's public broadcaster.

Spain launched their bid to lift a second World Cup in spectacular style on Wednesday by shredding Costa Rica 7-0 in a brutal display which will serve as a warning to their rivals.

Japan stunned Germany 2-1 in their World Cup opener on Wednesday, punishing the four-time champions for not taking their chances after they dominated the first half.

Saudi Arabia's unexpected World Cup victory over giants Argentina triggered a rare moment of joint celebration across the fractured Arab world including among Qataris -- less than two years after a seething regional dispute.

Lionel Messi stood with his hands on his hips near the center circle, looking stone-faced as Saudi Arabia's jubilant players ran in all directions around him after scoring one of the biggest World Cup upsets ever against Argentina.

The South American champion and one of the tournament favorites slumped to a 2-1 loss against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, in a deflating start to Messi's quest to win the one major title that has eluded him.

Lionel Messi will embark on Tuesday on what will surely be his last chance to win the World Cup, with Argentina and holders France both in action in Qatar.

Iran's players didn't sing their national anthem and didn't celebrate their goals. In the stands, many Iranian fans showed solidarity with the protest movement that has roiled the country for months.

Iran's World Cup opener Monday against England was not just about football, but the political struggles gripping the Islamic Republic. And for some Iranian women, barred from attending men's football matches at home, it was a precious first chance to see the national team live.

Iran's World Cup players chose not to sing their national anthem in apparent support for anti-government protesters in their homeland on Monday, as European teams ditched rainbow-themed armbands.

With defending champion France missing so many big names through injury at the World Cup, there is even more of an onus on Kylian Mbappé to become the team's leader in Qatar.

He was 19 years old when he took the last World Cup by storm, scoring in the final and becoming a superstar every team in the world would love to have.

Problems with FIFA's mobile application for World Cup tickets caused hundreds of fans to miss the start of England's match against Iran on Monday.

Fans said their tickets had disappeared from their phone apps and lines began to form outside the Khalifa International Stadium about an hour before the 4 p.m. kickoff in Doha.