PM Blair to fly the flag for England

Prime Minister Tony Blair will fly the England flag over his official residence as British politicians vie with each other to be the most fervent supporters of the English team at the World Cup.

All-Star team to be chosen before final

Although only one squad can emerge as World Cup champions, all 735 players involved have a chance of making the All-Star team which will be named two days before the final on July 9.

World Cup Player Escort Program kicks off in China

Even though the Chinese football team failed to reach the final stage of the 2006 World Cup, Chinese children, however, still have the hope of making an appearance at the football extravaganza this summer. The World Cup Player Escort Program has kicked off for the first time in China.

Ballack out of World Cup opener

Germany captain Michael Ballack will miss Friday's World Cup opening match against Costa Rica because of a calf injury, coach Juergen Klinsmann told a news conference on Thursday.

60 players celebrate their birthday during World Cup

Of the 736 players participating at the 2006 FIFA World Cup, 60 will celebrate their birthday during the competition, said FIFA Communications Division on Wednesday.

Fans may drink to make up for not playing

World Cup fever is sure to bring scenes of rowdy fan behavior fueled by alcohol -- which, it seems, may be triggered by feelings of inadequacy

England's Rooney cleared to return

England striker Wayne Rooney was cleared to rejoin his country's World Cup squad after having his broken right foot examined, FIFA's Web site reported Wednesday.

Cisse will miss World Cup

Djibril Cisse will miss the World Cup after injuring his right leg in France's 3-1 victory over China in a World Cup warmup Wednesday.

World Cup: information of the first two games

World Cup tickets almost sold out

All tickets for the World Cup, which kicks off in Munich on Friday, are expected to be sold despite a limited number going on sale after late returns from some soccer associations, Franz Beckenbauer said on Tuesday.

Top-shelf treatment for celebrities at World Cup

Elton John, Prince Albert of Monaco, Boris Becker and Sir Howard Stringer of the Sony Corporation — all are zealous soccer fans, and all are expected to make the trip to Germany for the World Cup.

China HR managers fret about late nights

Chinese human resources managers are biting their nails ahead of the World Cup, worried about the effect of successive late nights on their staff, a Shanghai newspaper said on Wednesday.