Ten thousand French fans have registered for World Cup fan passes and France will not boycott the tournament in Qatar, its ambassador to the Gulf state has said.

Teenage striker Garang Kuol, who recently signed for Newcastle United, was included Tuesday in Australia's squad for the World Cup, but influential midfielder Tom Rogic missed out.

A smooth operator with the dedication of a monk and a philosophical mind, Tite has brought back Brazil's aura as the Selecao begin their quest for a sixth World Cup crown in Qatar.

It is said that good things come in pairs, and for Brazilian attacker Pedro that was certainly true Monday: He proposed marriage to his long-time girlfriend after hearing that he'd made Brazil's team to play in the World Cup in Qatar.

An advanced guard of Argentina football fans chanted their certainty that Lionel Messi's last World Cup will end in success Monday ahead of the Latin American side becoming the first to set up their base camp in Qatar.

Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas's preparations for the World Cup have been far from ideal without any appearances so far for Paris St Germain this season but the national side's captain is the first name on coach Luis Fernando Suarez's teamsheet.

Liverpool's Roberto Firmino was left off the list Monday as Brazil coach Tite named his World Cup squad, seeking a sixth title with a team led by Neymar and 39-year-old veteran Dani Alves.

Brazil coach Tite made a surprise early announcement for his World Cup squad Sunday, naming football influencer and internet sensation Luva to his team, in a gag video that went viral on social media.

Pessimism surrounds Mexico as they gear up for the World Cup in Qatar after inconsistency in qualifying and warm-up matches.

Kevin De Bruyne’s mercurial talent is indisputable and Romelu Lukaku will be a powerful force up front, so the big question for Belgium heading to the World Cup in Qatar is whether they can get the best out of playmaker Eden Hazard.

Aston Villa's Philippe Coutinho will miss their next two games and could be out for longer due to a quadriceps injury, manager Unai Emery said, casting doubt on the Brazilian's availability for the World Cup.

Tottenham boss Antonio Conte is confident Son Heung-min will be fit for the World Cup after the South Korean forward had surgery for a serious facial injury.

Tunisia will pin their hopes on Montpellier's Wahbi Khazri to steer them through the World Cup group stage, given that he is their standout player in a squad that mainly comprises players based in Egypt, the Arab Gulf and at lowly clubs in Europe.

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been named the best player in the world five times, will arrive in Qatar with a mission to prove that he can still make a difference.

Brazil's Neymar will be 31 years old in February and Qatar could be his final bid to help his nation win a record-extending sixth World Cup title.

Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers said his playmaker James Maddison should be called up to Gareth Southgate's England squad after an excellent all-round attacking display in their 2-0 Premier League win over Everton on Saturday.

Fans in stadiums across Germany on Saturday called for boycotts of the upcoming Qatar World Cup.

Ghana captain Andre Ayew is heading to an extraordinary 10th major tournament and has won a record tally of caps for his country, yet he still lives in the shadow of his father.

Federico Valverde is as irreplaceable for Uruguay as he is for Real Madrid and will be central to his country's World Cup hopes as a player with youth and experience on his side in a squad blessed with an abundance of both.

South Korean superstar Son Heung-min has undergone a successful surgery following a facial injury, the country's football federation said Saturday, but declined to say if he will be ready for the World Cup in Qatar.