The problem-plagued preparations have been well chronicled, with critics condemning the range of issues from budget blowouts to construction delays.   Organizers need Brazil to kick off the...

A confident Croatia is ready to spoil Brazil's party in their World Cup opener and continue a long tradition of first match upsets at the tournament.   With all the pressure on the host...

Roberto Mancini has left as manager of Galatasaray after just nine months in charge.   The Turkish club says Wednesday the two sides reached a "mutual agreement" to terminate the...

The day Brazilians have been anxiously waiting for is finally arriving.   Brazil plays Croatia on Thursday to get the home World Cup underway, beginning its quest for a sixth world title...

When the England World Cup squad was announced a month ago, the prospects of advancing far seemed so low that the focus was already turning to the European Championship two years down the...

The World Cup uniforms will provide a carnival of color and fashion, from Brazil's bright yellow jerseys to the Netherlands' classic orange to Croatia's red checkered home kit and the...

Overshadowed by a floor-to-ceiling portrait of himself at England's World Cup base, Roy Hodgson seems uneasy at finally being in the limelight with his national...

Spain's chances of retaining the World Cup trophy will be a lot better if Sergio Ramos can do for his country what he did at Real Madrid this season.   Ramos is enjoying a...

Shortly after coming on as a second-half sub in Argentina's last World Cup warm-up, Lionel Messi doubled over and appeared to vomit on the pitch.   He's done it at least a half-dozen...

Netherlands captain Robin van Persie and defender Daryl Janmaat have survived a close encounter with a kite surfer on Rio's Ipanema beach.   Janmaat, who is expected to be in Louis van...