Brazil mobilizes 157,000 security force for World Cup
Brazil said Friday it is mobilizing 157,000 soldiers and police to ensure security during the World Cup, which opens in 20 days against a backdrop of violent protests and strikes.
Rocky test for unfinished World Cup kick-off stadium
The still-unfinished stadium hosting the World Cup opening game on June 12 held its first official match Sunday, getting off to a shaky start after delays and deadly accidents marred its construction.
Clashes near Sao Paulo airport 27 days from World Cup
Dozens of protesters clashed with police late Friday, throwing fireworks and torching at least two vehicles near Sao Paulo's airport, which has just opened a new international terminal ahead of the World Cup.
Football: Kazakhstan women's team wins Bulgaria in FIFA qualifications
The women’s national football team of Kazakhstan has won 4:1 over Bulgarian team in a qualifying match of the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Sao Paulo airport opens new terminal for World Cup
Sao Paulo's airport, one of the busiest in Latin America, opened a new international terminal Sunday -- just in time for the football World Cup.
Brazil remains non visa-free for Kazakhstan during FIFA World Cup
Brazill will be not be able to provide the promised visa-free enrty for Kazakhstanis for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
Police crack down on homeless in Sao Paulo
Police in Brazil cracked down with tear gas on about 1,000 homeless demonstrators in Sao Paulo who were hurling rocks, authorities said, with World Cup action here looming.
Football: World Cup ticketing centers open
World Cup ticketing centers opened in Brazil on Friday allowing fans who have managed to purchase match tickets for the June 12 to July 13 extravaganza to claim them.
Pele's hair turned into diamonds for superfans
Pele has unveiled an unusual line of diamonds using strands of the football legend's own hair, local media reported.
Russell Crowe slates Rio's traffic chaos
Ten weeks before the city expects to welcome throngs of World Cup fans, Hollywood star Russell Crowe slated Rio's chaotic traffic during a visit to promote biblical epic Noah.
Brazil sees Cup risks: report
A secret Brazilian government report lists several security "risks" in having the country host of the World Cup this year, including political protest and strikes.
Speed-skating: Kazakh star Denis Kuzin falls at finish at World Cup
Kazakhstan speed-skater Denis Kuzin has fallen at the finish of his favourite track during the World Cup in the Netherlands.
Coca-Cola hoping to score big at World Cup
The world's football stars will not be the only ones competing for glory at this year's World Cup in Rio de Janeiro. Coca-Cola will also be running hard.
Huge price hikes for Brazil World Cup hotels
Football fans heading to Rio for the World Cup will have to pay at least double the going rate for hotel accommodation despite government attempts to limit price-gouging during the tournament.
'Sexist' Cup shirts withdrawn after Brazil complaint
Brazil forced the withdrawal of a line of World Cup shirts bearing suggestive motifs seen as harming the country's image.
Manaus World Cup stadium is 'fantastic': FIFA's Valcke
FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke on Sunday praised work on the controversial World Cup stadium being built deep in the Amazon rainforest in the city of Manaus.
Power outages hit three million in Brazil
Several Brazilian states, including three set to host June World Cup action, suffered power outages Tuesday, fueling fears over the country's ability to keep the lights on.
Brazil braces for World Cup protests
Brazil was bracing Saturday for a first wave of nationwide demonstrations against staging the World Cup after activists from the radical protest group Anonymous went on social media calling for action.
Franco Dragone to direct Kazakh folk opera Kyz-Zhibek
Kazakh tragic folk legend opera Kyz-Zhibek will be directed by Franco Dragone in Astana Opera theater.
Football: FIFA's policeman vows match-fixing won't ruin World Cup
FIFA corruption-buster Ralf Mutschke has warned that soccer's world governing body will do all in its power to ensure that match-fixing by mafia gangs does not ruin the 2014 World Cup.