When Neymar was preparing to play for Brazil at his first World Cup back in 2014, the hype surrounding him was considerable.

He had just moved from Santos to Spanish club Barcelona as one of the most promising young players in the world. And he had impressed early on with the Catalan club, quickly gaining the status of star in the world of soccer.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino is getting four more years in charge of soccer's governing body after no candidate stepped up to challenge him.

FIFA said Thursday the 52-year-old Swiss lawyer was the only person to enter the race by the time the deadline passed overnight — exactly four months before election day on March 16 in Kigali, Rwanda.

The Australian government confirmed on Thursday that Novak Djokovic had been granted a visa to compete in the Australian Open in January a year after he was deported over his stance against COVID-19 vaccination.

The 21-time Grand Slam singles champion had his visa canceled on public interest grounds on Jan. 14 and lost an appeal against deportation in the Full Federal Court.

As well as coping with injuries to key players again, France has the weight of World Cup history to contend with in Qatar.

Good luck, Les Bleus.

When Brazil coach Tite uttered the name of veteran Dani Alves in his call for the World Cup squad, reactions around the country spanned from anger to disappointment.

The Brazil coach, who has faced little criticism in his six years on the job, described his pick in a paused, not-so-confident tone.

French President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday that "sports should not be politicized," days after it was announced — to criticism — that he would attend the World Cup in Qatar if France reaches the semifinals.

Speaking in Bangkok, Macron said issues about Qatar's human rights record and the environment were "questions you have to ask yourself when you award the event."

Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has been given three-match ban in La Liga for showing "disrespect" towards a referee, which he will serve when Spanish domestic football resumes after the World Cup.

Cristiano Ronaldo appears to have burnt his bridges with Manchester United after launching a stinging tirade against the club and faces an uncertain future as he prepares for the World Cup.

Facing a storm of European criticism ahead of the start of the World Cup, Qatar on Tuesday stepped up its diplomatic and media riposte which has included threatening "legal" action to defend its name.

Cristiano Ronaldo is "always happy" when playing for Portugal and his problems at Manchester United will not damage the country's prospects at the World Cup, international teammate Joao Mario said on Tuesday.