Major General Ali al-Ali, Assistant Executive Director for Security Affairs at the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), has confirmed reaching final stages of the security programmes with the Russian side in securing the 2018 World Cup

Host nation Russia were in control at half-time against Saudi Arabia in the opening match of the 2018 World Cup on Thursday after taking a 2-0 lead.

Hosts Russia, and Saudi Arabia are the two lowest-ranked teams at the tournament by some distance and they are both in dire form.

Russia has increased the budget for the 2018 World Cup by 34.5bn roubles ($600mn), according to a decree published on the government's official site on Tuesday.

Mali could be thrown out of the 2018 World Cup qualifying competition after the government sacked the national football federation leaders.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino hopes to see video referees used at the 2018 World Cup in Russia -- if its teething problems have been fixed in time.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino is hoping video replays will be used at the 2018 World Cup in Russia to help referees avoid serious mistakes during the tournament.

Qatar salvaged some hope of reaching the 2018 World Cup finals with a narrow and desperately needed victory against Syria in a crucial Group A Asian qualifier on Tuesday.

Just 12 days into the job Jorge Fossati faces his first test as Qatar coach when his side play away at South Korea in a crucial 2018 World Cup qualifier on Thursday.

FIFA on Wednesday said work on Moscow's flagship Luzhniki stadium for the 2018 World Cup appeared to be on course, ahead of a visit to the delay-hit arena in Saint Petersburg.

Disgraced ex-FIFA president Sepp Blatter says he plans to attend the 2018 World Cup finals as a guest of Russian President Vladimir Putin, which would currently contravene his six-year ban.