This gallery captures the defining images of the world cup so far, celebrating the unmatched passion of the fans, the unforgettable matchday atmosphere, and the pure joy of the global game.

Carlo Ancelotti has delivered an encouraging update on Neymar ahead of Brazil's decisive World Cup group-stage clash against Scotland, declaring the veteran forward fully fit and ready to play after recovering from a calf injury.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has defended the introduction of hydration breaks at the World Cup, insisting that for football's governing body they are driven purely by sporting considerations and not commercial interests.

When Sweden's Yasin Ayari scored seven minutes into his World Cup debut he raised his arms in apology rather than celebration out of respect for Tunisia, where his father is from.

England coach Thomas Tuchel said his team had been frustrated by one of the most robust defensive displays he had ever seen in Tuesday's 0-0 World Cup draw with Ghana, and he urged fans to stay positive.

England coach Brendon McCullum has dismissed speculation of a rift with Test captain Ben Stokes, saying he was amused by suggestions their relationship had soured.

The new head-to-head World Cup tiebreak rule has already produced group winners and early exits, while the scramble for one of the eight best third-placed spots means plenty still hinges on the final round of group games beginning on Wednesday.

With qualification scenarios still open across all three groups, tension is expected to run high as teams battle for direct progression and potential wild-card berths.

The draw leaves England and Ghana level on four points, with qualification still in their own hands heading into the final round of group matches.

Colombia moved to six points from two matches and guaranteed their progress to the knockout stage ahead of their final group game against Portugal, who beat Uzbekistan 5-0 earlier on Tuesday.

When coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed last week that Neymar would be available for Hexa-chasing Brazil’s final Group C game against Scotland in Miami on Thursday morning, the news likely felt sweeter than ever for Selecao fans.

At just 27, Kylian Mbappe has already become one of those rare figures whose name inevitably surfaces whenever the FIFA World Cup conversation begins.

And decades later, that mischievous prince remains. He plays with the singular, pure focus of a child with a ball at his feet, bringing an ethereal beauty and grace back to a hyper-mechanised sport.

On a night when Croatia captain Luka Modric became the second European to earn a 200th cap, the Balkans side broke the deadlock when Budimir, alone at the back post, converted a deep cross in the 54th minute.

The United States will ease travel restrictions imposed on the Iranian team during the World Cup, allowing them to arrive in Seattle two days before their next match, the US Department of Homeland Security said Tuesday.

Morocco goalkeeper Munir El Kajoui said captain Achraf Hakimi has the support of his teammates despite facing a trial in France on rape charges.

England suffered a World Cup setback on Tuesday as Thomas Tuchel's side were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Ghana, leaving them with work still do as they bid to progress to the knockout stage as Group L winners.

France coach Didier Deschamps is to return home after his mother died and will miss his team's final World Cup Group I match against Norway, the French Football Federation announced Tuesday.

Cristiano Ronaldo answered his critics in the most emphatic fashion yesterday, scoring twice in Portugal's 5-0 demolition of Uzbekistan and setting remarkable milestones in the process.

Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score in six World Cup campaigns and silenced his critics after "a dark week" as the Portugal captain struck twice in a 5-0 annihilation of Uzbekistan on Tuesday.