World Cup 2022 LIVE: Official says homosexuality is ‘damage in the mind’ as Blatter admits Qatar ‘mistake’

The 2022 World Cup is almost upon us with managers frantically finalising their squads this week.

The deadline to confirm the 26-man squads is 13 November, a week before the tournament starts in Qatar with the hosts taking on Ecuador. Gareth Southgate has plenty of issues to scrutinise over in the coming days, before the final squad is announced on Thursday, with injuries and breakout performances and form from the likes of James Maddison and Ben White, as well as the fitness of Kalvin Phillips.

Meanwhile Fifa’s claims that everybody is welcome at the World Cup has been put into further question after a tournament ambassador told German TV that homosexuality is “damage in the mind”. The former Fifa president who oversaw Qatar’s controversial win in the bidding process 12 years ago, Sepp Blatter, has now admitted it was a “mistake” to let the Gulf state host the tournament.

Follow all the latest news and squad announcements from the 32 teams below:

World Cup news

• Sepp Blatter admits ‘Qatar was a mistake’ on eve of World Cup

• Qatar World Cup ambassador says homosexuality is ‘damage in the mind’

• Gareth Southgate finalising England squad for World Cup ahead of Thursday announcement

• Australia announce 26-man World Cup squad

• Christian Eriksen named in Denmark’s preliminary World Cup squad

• Tite announces Brazil World Cup squad as Roberto Firmino misses out

• World Cup 2022 kits: Every shirt ranked and rated

South American nations back Fifa message to end ‘disagreements and fights’ over Qatar

15:15 , Michael Jones

The South American Football Confederation (Conmebol) echoed Fifa’s message of focusing on the football at the World Cup in Qatar, saying the time has come for “disagreements to take a back seat” with the tournament kicking off in two weeks.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino said the sport should not be dragged into “ideological or political battles”, a message that Conmebol has got behind despite European nations urging the world soccer governing body to act on migrant workers’ rights.

“The Conmebol and its ten Member Associations calls on the football world to support the Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022,” Conmebol said in a statement on Monday.

South American nations back Fifa message to end World Cup ‘disagreements’ over Qatar

Qatar World Cup ambassador says homosexuality is ‘damage in the mind’

15:00 , Michael Jones

A Qatar World Cup ambassador has told German television broadcaster ZDF that homosexuality was “damage in the mind”, as the Gulf state prepares to host the global tournament in less than two weeks.

In an interview filmed in Doha and to be screened later on Tuesday, former Qatari international Khalid Salman addressed the issue of homosexuality, which is illegal in the conservative Muslim country.

Some soccer players have raised concerns over the rights of fans travelling to the event, especially LGBT+ individuals and women, whom rights groups say Qatari laws discriminate against.

The country expects more than one million visitors for the World Cup.

Qatar World Cup ambassador says homosexuality is ‘damage in the mind’

Qatar World Cup ambassador says homosexuality is ‘damage in the mind’

14:45 , Michael Jones

A Qatar World Cup ambassador has told German television broadcaster ZDF that homosexuality was “damage in the mind”, as the Gulf state prepares to host the global tournament in less than two weeks.

In an interview filmed in Doha and to be screened later on Tuesday, former Qatari international Khalid Salman addressed the issue of homosexuality, which is illegal in the conservative Muslim country.

Some soccer players have raised concerns over the rights of fans travelling to the event, especially LGBT+ individuals and women, whom rights groups say Qatari laws discriminate against.

Callum Wilson’s ‘brilliant mentality’ hailed as he waits on England call

14:30 , Michael Jones

Eddie Howe has saluted Callum Wilson’s “brilliant mentality” as he waits to see whether his latest battle to return from adversity will be rewarded with a World Cup call-up.

The 30-year-old striker is back in the Newcastle team and among the goals after a six-week lay-off with a hamstring injury, which came at the worst possible time as England boss Gareth Southgate assessed his options.

Wilson has previously fought his way back from two cruciate ligament ruptures and Magpies head coach Howe, who gave him his chance at Bournemouth, is convinced his fortitude and positivity would serve his country well in Qatar if he made it into Southgate’s 26-man squad on Thursday.

Callum Wilson’s ‘brilliant mentality’ hailed as he waits on England call

England’s World Cup squad: Our writers pick their 26 players for Qatar 2022

14:15 , Michael Jones

Gareth Southgate is set to announce his England squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar on Thursday.

The World Cup gets under way on 20 November and England will kick off their tournament the following day when they take on Iran at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha.

Southgate faces several selection dilemmas across the pitch as well as questions over the fitness of right backs Kyle Walker and Reece James, and Walker’s Manchester City teammate Kalvin Phillips. Ben Chilwell’s hamstring injury leaves England short of left-sided defenders, while there is growing clamour for James Maddison to be on the plane and a choice to be made over Harry Kane’s deputies up front.

But the increased squad capacity of 26 – up from 23 at the previous World Cup – does at least give Southgate some flexibility as he makes his final decision.

We asked 12 members of the Independent Sport team to cast their votes and come up with a joint 26-man selection. We divided the squad by goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders (deep-lying or box to box players), forwards (attacking midfielders and wingers), and strikers (No 9s).

England’s World Cup squad: Our writers pick their 26 players for Qatar

Dani Alves: Brazil manager Tite explains defender’s World Cup squad inclusion

14:00 , Michael Jones

Brazil named their squad for the World Cup 2022 on Monday, with one of the most intriguing inclusions being that of veteran full-back Dani Alves.

Now aged 39, Alves is playing in Mexico for UNAM but has not featured for a month due to a knee issue.

However, he’s in the 26-man Selecao group as one of four full-backs, where he’ll likely go up against Juventus’ versatile performer Danilo for a starting spot on the right side of defence.

Head coach Tite has detailed exactly why Alves, the oldest and most-capped player in the squad, has been retained as Brazil look to end a wait of 20 years to win the World Cup again.

Brazil manager Tite explains Dani Alves World Cup squad inclusion

Fifa tells World Cup teams to avoid ‘ideological or political battles’ in Qatar

13:51 , Michael Jones

Football’s top officials have urged the 32 teams preparing for the most political World Cup of the modern era to focus on the game in Qatar and avoid handing out lessons in morality.

A letter urging teams to “let football take centre stage” was sent by Fifa president Gianni Infantino and secretary general Fatma Samoura ahead of intense media focus on coaches and players when World Cup squads are announced next week.

“Please, let’s now focus on the football!” Infantino and Samoura wrote, asking the 32 soccer federations to “not allow football to be dragged into every ideological or political battle that exists”.

Qatar’s victorious World Cup hosting bid in 2010 sparked scrutiny on its treatment of low-paid migrant workers needed to build projects costing tens of billions of dollars, and its laws criminalizing same-sex relationships.

Eight European teams have committed to their captains wearing heart-shaped armbands – in breach of Fifa rules – to support an anti-discrimination campaign.

Fifa tells World Cup teams to avoid ‘ideological or political battles’ in Qatar

Jurgen Klopp unhappy that players bear burden of taking a stand against Qatar World Cup

13:40 , Michael Jones

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp insists it is wrong for players at the forthcoming World Cup to be asked to take a stand against issues in Qatar as more scrutiny should have taken place previously.

Fifa has sent a letter to all competing nations at the tournament starting later this month asking them to focus on the football and not become involved in a number of social and human rights issues which have been raised since the country was awarded the event 12 years ago.

Thousands of migrant workers are alleged to have died building World Cup infrastructure while homosexuality is banned in Qatar.

England captain Harry Kane will wear the OneLove armband in support of the LGBTQ+ community at the World Cup but Klopp said it is wrong to ask participants to make bold statements when he believes there has not been enough questions asked over the decision to award the World Cup to Qatar in the first place.

Jurgen Klopp unhappy that players bear burden of taking a stand at Qatar World Cup

World Cup 2022 kits: Every shirt ranked and rated

13:30 , Michael Jones

The Qatar World Cup is nearly upon us, and that means an array of delightful/grotesque international football shirts for us to enjoy/convulse over.

What do we think of Portugal’s bold diagonal stripe? Who has picked a mesmerising shade of red? Why have Argentina dressed like they need 144 off 20 overs? Is that... is that Jafar? Please do share your opinions in the comments below.

Here are the World Cup 2022 kits, ranked and rated from worst to best:

World Cup 2022 kits: Every shirt ranked and rated

Pele, Messi, Moore: Could this be the greatest all-time World Cup XI?

13:18 , Michael Jones

A host of the best players on the planet will be in action at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

They will all be hoping to make a name for themselves alongside some of the greats who have featured in the showpiece tournament over the years.

Here is a greatest all-time World Cup XI:

Pele, Messi, Moore: Could this be the greatest all-time World Cup XI?

Wales out to make mark in Qatar after ending 64-year wait for World Cup chance

13:07 , Michael Jones

Look out for the bucket hats and wait for ‘Yma o Hyd’ to stir the soul. Wales are back at the World Cup.

It may have taken 64 years – the longest gap for any nation between successive appearances in the finals – but Wales have rejoined FIFA’s party and plan to enjoy the ride in Qatar.

Back in 1958, the football landscape was unrecognisable to the one driven by mass media and million-pound contracts today.

Sweden hosted the only World Cup to feature all four home nations, and Pele announced himself in spectacular style as Brazil won the first of their record five titles.

Wales would rue Pele’s presence as the 17-year-old settled their Gothenburg quarter-final with a second-half winner.

But, sometimes, the more things change the more they stay the same.

Wales out to make mark in Qatar after ending 64-year wait for World Cup chance

Antonio Conte confident Son Heung-min will be fit for World Cup

12:58 , Michael Jones

Tottenham boss Antonio Conte has eased fears surrounding Son Heung-min by expressing his confidence that the South Korea star will be fit to feature at the World Cup.

The Spurs attacker sustained a fracture around his left eye on Tuesday during their 2-1 win at Marseille following a collision with Chancel Mbemba.

It has left Son in a race against time to be available for the tournament in Qatar, which gets under way on November 20.

The 30-year-old had surgery on Friday and therefore missed Tottenham’s 2-1 defeat to Liverpool.

He is also expected to sit out next week’s matches against Nottingham Forest and Leeds but his club manager provided a positive update with South Korea set to begin their World Cup with a Group H fixture with Uruguay on November 24.

Antonio Conte confident Son Heung-min will be fit for World Cup

Which players are out of Qatar 2022 and who is racing to be fit?

12:48 , Michael Jones

The staging of a Fifa World Cup partway through the domestic seasons of many major leagues was always likely to be a problematic one for many reasons - not the least of which is the propensity for players missing out due to injuries.

While a handful suffering tournament absences is nothing new, the issue is exacerbated this time around because club matches will be continuing right up until a week before Qatar 2022 gets underway, with more matches crammed in and less recovery time for players beforehand too.

Unfortunately, a host of names are already confirmed as being out - while more are being added to the list of those racing against time to rediscover fitness with each passing round of fixtures.

That includes at least two players who could make Gareth Southgate’s England squad, with Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell the latest to be dealt a fitness blow.

Here’s a run-down of the players definitely out, and a regularly updated list of those who are facing an uphill battle to make it back in time:

World Cup injuries: Which players are out of Qatar 2022 and who is racing to be fit?

Qatar 2022: A World Cup plagued by controversy from the start

12:40 , Michael Jones

It is safe to say no World Cup has generated as much debate and controversy before a ball is kicked as the finals in Qatar, which will at last get under way this month after a build-up of almost 12 years.

This was a tournament “awarded in an unacceptable way, with unacceptable consequences”, Norway’s Football Association president Lise Klaveness told Fifa’s Congress in Doha earlier this year.

“Human rights, equality, democracy, the core interests of football, were not in the starting XI,” she added.

There were immediate calls for a rerun of the vote, and even talk of boycotts, when Fifa’s executive committee awarded the tournament to Qatar in December 2010, ignoring warnings even from Fifa’s own bid evaluation report of the “potential health risk” of playing the tournament in searing desert heat in June and July.

Qatar 2022: A World Cup plagued by controversy from the start

Players should not be going to World Cup fearing racist abuse says Ferdinand

12:30 , Michael Jones

Rio Ferdinand is deeply concerned for footballers he believes will become the targets of racist abuse and “hate behaviours” during the World Cup.

The former England defender, who earned 81 caps for the Three Lions, has called on social media companies to do more for athletes he says are not afforded enough protection against virtual vitriol from keyboard warriors, with some incidents warranting criminal investigations.

Ferdinand, himself frequently subjected to attacks, expressed exasperation on behalf of players who could fly to Qatar fearing their lifelong dreams of playing on football’s biggest stage will be ruined by racism.

Rio Ferdinand: Players should not be going to World Cup fearing racist abuse

When will England’s squad be announced for the World Cup 2022?

12:19 , Michael Jones

Gareth Southgate is preparing to manage England at a third major tournament as he begins to narrow down his squad for the 2022 Fifa World Cup in Qatar.

Fifa have permitted an expanded squad size for the tournament, with countries now permitted to include up to 26 players in their selection, with a minimum of 23.

Each nation’s final squad must be submitted by 13 November 2022, one week before the World Cup begins on 20 November.

The replacement of injured or Covid-19 positive players will be permitted until 24 hours before the start of a team’s first match in Qatar.

When will England’s squad be announced for the World Cup 2022?

Kalvin Phillips gives injury update ahead of England World Cup squad announcement

12:08 , Michael Jones

Kalvin Phillips says he is “hopeful” of being included in England’s World Cup squad after recovering from a shoulder injury.

Phillips underwent surgery on his shoulder in September and has not played since, although the Manchester City midfielder could return to the bench for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup fixture against Chelsea.

However Phillips, who starred for England during their run to the Euro 2020 final, has completed 90 minutes just once this season - raising fears that he may not be fit enough to play a part for England in Qatar.

But the 26-year-old believes he is able to start for England if required, ahead of their opening game against Iran on 21 November.

Kalvin Phillips gives injury update ahead of England World Cup squad announcement

Maddison is built for a World Cup says Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers

11:58 , Michael Jones

Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers insists James Maddison is “built for a World Cup” as the playmaker starred in their 2-0 victory at Everton.

The 25-year-old has not been picked by England since October 2019 but is still holding out hope of making the final cut for Gareth Southgate’s squad for the tournament in Qatar, which starts in 15 days.

He provided the assists for Youri Tielemans’s brilliant volleyed opener late in the first half and then teed up Harvey Barnes for an 86th-minute second to clinch a third victory in four matches to lift them out of the relegation zone.

“This boy is built for a World Cup, this boy can go into a 150,000 stadium, it doesn’t matter,” said Rodgers.

James Maddison built for a World Cup, says Brendan Rodgers

Should James Maddison go to Qatar?

11:50 , Michael Jones

As fans await the announcement of Gareth Southgate’s England squad on Thursday speculation from the media and in pubs, schools and offices across the country is all about who will make it onto the plane and if there will be any surprise selections.

Leicester’s James Maddison is the big wildcard here.

He hasn’t featured for England since 2019 and has only one cap to his name but since August 2021 he is the English player with the most goal involvements in the Premier League (30) ahead of Phil Foden, Raheem Sterling and Jack Grealish who are all sure of a place in the squad.

Is it a bit optimistic to think Maddison will elevate England to the level needed to become World Champions? Probably.

England’s route to Qatar: How the Three Lions qualified for the 2022 World Cup

11:42 , Michael Jones

England booked their place at the 2022 World Cup finals by easing through their qualifying group with eight wins and two draws to finish six points ahead of nearest challengers Poland.

Here, the PA news agency charts their route to sealing qualification:

England’s route to Qatar: How the Three Lions qualified for the 2022 World Cup

England defender Lotte Wubben-Moy will not watch World Cup due to Qatar’s laws on homosexuality

11:30 , Michael Jones

England and Arsenal defender Lotte Wubben-Moy has said she will not watch the men’s World Cup because of Qatar’s laws which make homosexuality punishable by death.

Wubben-Moy said she would support the England men’s team in the tournament, which begins in less than two weeks’ time, but will keep her television turned off amid the controversy surrounding Qatar’s staging of the showpiece event.

“It’s tough,” the 23-year-old said. “As an England team we all have strong values. And a lot of those values aren’t reflected in the way that we see it in Qatar. I think it’s a tough conversation to have and there’s a lot of dialogue around it.”

England defender Lotte Wubben-Moy will not watch World Cup due to Qatar’s LGBT+ laws

English FA and other European nations tell Fifa ‘human rights are universal’ ahead of Qatar World Cup

11:21 , Michael Jones

Ten European nations competing at the 2022 World Cup this winter in Qatar, including England, have responded to Fifa’s message to focus on football over politics by insisting “human rights are universal and they apply everywhere.”

England’s FA, along with the likes of Wales, Portugal, Sweden and Germany, released a joint statement pledging to ensure the game’s governing body followed through on promises to provide recompense to migrant workers, while also reiterating that football had to use its standing to drive improvements throughout the world.

Earlier this week, Fifa wrote to all involved nations amid rising criticism and perceived hostility toward the hosts, saying “let’s now focus on the football” and asking the 32 federations to “not allow football to be dragged into every ideological or political battle that exists”.

Those requests have been rejected by the ten European nations though, who point out that while improvements have been made by Qatar with their human rights record, much work still lies ahead and noted that the “security and inclusion” of LGBTQ+ fans in particular was an element needing highlighting ahead of the finals.

European FAs tell Fifa ‘human rights are universal’ ahead of Qatar World Cup

‘We all let it happen’: Jurgen Klopp left ‘angry’ over Qatar World Cup

11:12 , Michael Jones

“The situation makes you angry. How can it not?” asked Jurgen Klopp. It is no secret that he is a critic of a winter World Cup, but his anger was not merely a consequence of the congested fixture list or the injuries that seem to have resulted from it.

The Liverpool manager is aggrieved about the initial award of the tournament to Qatar, amid a backdrop of alleged corruption within the Qatari bid that continues to be denied. There is also the lack of scrutiny he feels their bid attracted both before it succeeded and since, and the human rights implications of building stadia in the scorching heat of the summer. He feels it is unfair to ask footballers and managers to make political stances when he believes the media failed. He laments the controversial vote in 2010, to the subterfuge and lack of accountability when many of the 21 voters were indicted or found guilty of corruption or banned for ethics violations.

“I watched an old documentary about the whole situation, about when it got announced that Russia and Qatar are the places for the next World Cups,” he said. “I think it was the first time in history they announced two in one go. We all know how it happened and that we can still let it happen, with no legal thing afterwards. Now it is open, now everybody knows, but still it was hidden and you think: ‘How can that all happen?’ It was 12 years ago. It’s nothing to do with Qatar. They won the World Cup and now it is there. But in the moment you put it there, all the things that followed it up were clear. And the people who were involved at that time should have known.

‘We all let it happen’: Jurgen Klopp left ‘angry’ over Qatar World Cup

South American nations back Fifa message to end ‘disagreements and fights’ over Qatar

11:00 , Michael Jones

The South American Football Confederation (Conmebol) echoed Fifa’s message of focusing on the football at the World Cup in Qatar, saying the time has come for “disagreements to take a back seat” with the tournament kicking off in two weeks.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino said the sport should not be dragged into “ideological or political battles”, a message that Conmebol has got behind despite European nations urging the world soccer governing body to act on migrant workers’ rights.

“The Conmebol and its ten Member Associations calls on the football world to support the Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022,” Conmebol said in a statement on Monday.

South American nations back Fifa message to end World Cup ‘disagreements’ over Qatar

Brazil: Players to watch out for

10:50 , Michael Jones

Thiago Silva

It looks likely that Thiago Silva will be the only other player in the squad – along with Neymar – to have represented Brazil at the 2014 and 2018 World Cups. He is sure to be included in Tite’s squad and is still seen as one of the best centre-backs in the world despite being 38-years-old.

The Chelsea defender is excellent on the ball, is physically strength and reads the game extremely well, quickly closing off spaces in the back line. During his time with the Blues he has won the Champions League, the Super Cup and the Club World Cup.

Former Chelsea captain, John Terry said of Thiago: “I absolutely love him. To play so well at his age in the best league in the world is incredible. I wish I could have played like him. He does everything so well without taking any risks while keeping things simple.”

Marquinhos

One half of a formidable defensive partnership alongside Thiago Silva the 28-year-old Marquinhos is in his prime and brings a host of experience from one of Europe’s top leagues. He’s spent nine years at Paris Saint-Germain and made 250 appearances for the club but it’s his presence in the national side that could define his career.

Marquinhos is extremely agile, can cover plenty of ground and is comfortable on the ball. He has starred regularly for Brazil for many years and is seen as a true a leader on the pitch. With Brazil’s attacking talent guaranteed to score goals a long run through the tournament could come to down how solidly they are defensively and Marquinhos has a big role to play in that.

Brazil: Players to watch out for

10:40 , Michael Jones

Neymar

The 30-year-old has been Brazil’s go-to star since 2014 and his influence on the team has only grown in recent years. The PSG forward is technically gifted and has made an incredible start to the season with the French side.

Neymar should be given the freedom to operate anywhere in the attacking third at the World Cup in Qatar and will play alongside a young, passionate forward partner which may just bring out the best in him.

Lucas Paqueta

Lucas Paqueta scored the only goal in Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Colombia in November 2021, confirming his side’s place at Qatar 2022.

The 25-year-old possesses all the skills required for effective build-up and attacking play and his place in the Brazil starting line-up is more or less guaranteed.

He developed an excellent understanding with Neymar in particular during the Qatar 2022 qualifying campaign, registering many goals and assists along the way and will likely be an important cog to transition Brazil from defence into attack.

Richarlison thriving for Brazil and excited for the World Cup

10:30 , Michael Jones

Tottenham’s Brazilian forward Richarlison watched his home side on tv when they went to the Russia for the 2018 World Cup and hoped to play a part in the next one.

Since 2018 Richarlison has made himself a key part of the national side with only Neymar scoring more goals for this country than the 25-year-old. Richarlison has scored 16 in total including a penalty in the final of the 2019 Copa America in Brazil’s 3-1 victory over Peru at the Maracana which was something of a rite of passage.

“From the moment I put on the Seleção jersey, I felt good. I score goals, I make assists, I do it all for this jersey. I hope it stays that way. I was the top scorer at the Olympics, so I think it really suits me,” he explained.

“I would say that my favourite goal was the one from the Copa America final, because that’s how we won the title, and the Maracana stadium was jam-packed.

“I was only 22. My friends asked if I was crazy for taking that penalty. I said no, because I had trained for it. I’m the third penalty taker on the team. Neymar is ahead of me, but he wasn’t at the tournament. Coutinho had left the field so that left me.

“My first World Cup… it’s like a dream. Before, I only watched it on TV. I was a national team fan during the last World Cup, and now I’m going to be on the pitch fighting for every ball, for every tackle, so that we come out on top.”

Brazil’s Roberto Firmino misses out but Gabriel Martinelli included for Qatar

10:22 , Michael Jones

Arsenal forwards Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus have been included in Brazil’s World Cup squad, but there is no place for Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino in manager Tite’s 26-man group.

Martinelli has been rewarded for his excellent start to the season for the Premier League leaders and joins a star-studded group of forwards that includes Neymar and Vinicius Junior, as well as Richarlison, Antony and Raphinha.

Jesus and Martinelli had both missed out on Brazil’s previous squad in September, despite Arsenal’s strong start to the campaign.

Firmino, who was included in Brazil’s 2018 squad, has scored eight times for Liverpool this season but misses out on a recall.

Roberto Firmino misses out on Brazil’s World Cup squad

Sepp Blatter admits ‘Qatar was a mistake’ on eve of World Cup

10:12 , Michael Jones

Sepp Blatter, the former president of Fifa, has admitted the decision to award the World Cup to Qatar was a “mistake”.

Blatter was Fifa president in 2010 when its executive committee controversially voted to award the hosting rights for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar respectfully.

Qatar has faced criticism over its treatment of migrant workers and discriminative LGBT+ laws, while the tournament also had to be moved to November and December due to heat.

Fifa’s decision to stage the World Cup in Qatar has also been the subject of scepticism after several members of the executive committee who voted in 2010 were later convicted or indicted in criminal or ethics cases.

Sepp Blatter admits ‘Qatar was a mistake’ on eve of World Cup

Qatar World Cup ambassador says homosexuality is ‘damage in the mind’

10:05 , Michael Jones

A Qatar World Cup ambassador has told German television broadcaster ZDF that homosexuality was “damage in the mind”, as the Gulf state prepares to host the global tournament in less than two weeks.

In an interview filmed in Doha and to be screened later on Tuesday, former Qatari international Khalid Salman addressed the issue of homosexuality, which is illegal in the conservative Muslim country.

Some soccer players have raised concerns over the rights of fans travelling to the event, especially LGBT+ individuals and women, whom rights groups say Qatari laws discriminate against.

The country expects more than one million visitors for the World Cup.

Qatar World Cup ambassador says homosexuality is ‘damage in the mind’

Socceroos speak out for workers in Qatar

09:56 , Michael Jones

The Australian Socceroos are the first team involved in the 2022 World Cup to speak out about the conditions, workers rights and treatment of LGBTQ+ people in Qatar and have called for the World Cup to bring lasting positive change to the host nation.

Check out their statement in this video:

Australia World Cup 2022 squad guide: Full fixtures, group, ones to watch, odds and more

09:51 , Michael Jones

Australia did not exactly cruise through ‘Asian’ qualifying for this World Cup, finishing third in their group behind the two automatic qualifiers Saudi Arabia and Japan, and only just edging out fourth-placed Oman to reach a play-off. There, they narrowly saw off the United Arab Emirates to book a spot in the inter-continental play-offs with Peru, and that match would become famous for goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne’s dancing on the goalline as he made the crucial penalty shootout save to send the Socceroos to their fifth successive World Cup.

They did it by playing 8 per cent of their qualifying games away from home. Tough border laws meant Australia didn’t host any international games for more than two years, so 16 of their 20 qualifiers were on the road in an extra-long campaign that started in September 2019. The Aussies are already comfortable with the conditions in Qatar, where they were unbeaten in four qualifiers for 2022 and where they’ve won 10, drawn three and lost two games since 2008.

The Socceroos will open Group D against defending World Cup champion France in a familiar situation: Australia lost to France 2-1 in their opening group game four years ago in Russia. The Australians then play Tunisia before taking on Denmark — another group rival in 2018. They have not won a World Cup game since 2010, however, and realistically will need to beat Tunisia in match two if they are to give themselves a shot at reaching the knockout rounds.

Australia World Cup 2022 squad guide, fixtures and ones to watch

Who is Guarang Kuol?

09:38 , Michael Jones

Socceroos coach Graham Arnold has named the 18-year-old striker in his World Cup squad in the hopes that he can be an ‘impact player’ for the team when they need to inject some intensity and pace into games.

Kuol is yet to start a league match at senior level and has made just 12 league appearances as a substitute but was called up to his first national squad in September before making his international debut in a friendly against New Zealand.

The teenager will join Newcastle United in January and has been rewarded with a squad place due to his performances off the bench for the Australia A-League outfit Central Coast Mariners.

“We’ve seen these types of things happen many times before at World Cups and massive games where players who are unknown come out and shock the whole of the country” said Arnold.

“He is really a player that has absolutely zero fear who just goes out and wants to entertain. He did that against New Zealand and he’s shown from the start of the A-League this season that he’s a player that can change a game.”

Australia’s World Cup squad in full

09:33 , Michael Jones

Here’s a better breakdown of Australia’s 26-man squad including where each player plays their domestic football:

Goalkeepers: Mathew Ryan (Cpt) (FC Copenhagen, Denmark), Andrew Redmayne (Sydney FC, Australia), Danny Vukovic (Central Coast Mariners, Australia)

Defenders: Nathaniel Atkinson (Heart of Midlothian, Scotland), Aziz Behich (Dundee United, Scotland), Milos Degenek (Columbus Crew, USA), Thomas Deng (Albirex Niigata, Japan), Fran Karacic (Brescia Calcio, Italy), Joel King (Odense Boldklub, Denmark), Kye Rowles (Heart of Midlothian, Scotland), Harry Souttar (Stoke City, England), Bailey Wright (Sunderland AFC, England)

Midfielders: Aaron Mooy (Celtic FC, Scotland), Riley McGree (Middlesbrough FC, England), Ajdin Hrustic (Hellas Verona FC, Italy), Jackson Irvine (FC St. Pauli, Germany), Cameron Devlin (Heart of Midlothian, Scotland), Keanu Baccus (St. Mirren, Scotland)

Forwards: Martin Boyle (Hibernian FC, Scotland), Jason Cummings (Central Coast Mariners, Australia), Mitchell Duke (Fagiano Okayama, Japan), Craig Goodwin (Adelaide United, Australia), Garang Kuol (Central Coast Mariners, Australia), Mathew Leckie (Melbourne City FC, Australia), Awer Mabil (Cadiz CF, Spain), Jamie Maclaren (Melbourne City FC, Australia)

Socceroos name 26-man squad

09:13 , Michael Jones

Australia have announced their squad for the World Cup in Qatar with 18-year-old Garang Kuol called up despite not having played a match at senior level.

The two big omissions are defender Trent Sainsbury and in-form goalkeeper Mitch Langerak who have both been left out.

Lotte Wubben-Moy will not watch World Cup due to Qatar’s laws on homosexuality

09:05 , Jamie Braidwood

England and Arsenal defender Lotte Wubben-Moy has said she will not watch the men’s World Cup because of Qatar’s laws which make homosexuality punishable by death.

Wubben-Moy said she would support the England men’s team in the tournament, which begins in less than two weeks’ time, but will keep her television turned off amid the controversy surrounding Qatar’s staging of the showpiece event.

England defender Lotte Wubben-Moy will not watch World Cup due to Qatar’s LGBT+ laws

Christian Eriksen named in Denmark’s preliminary World Cup squad

08:55 , Jamie Braidwood

Christian Eriksen has been named in Denmark’s preliminary World Cup squad.

Eriksen said it would be a “dream” to feature in the World Cup ahead of his return to the pitch in January, following his cardiac arrest while playing for Denmark at the Euro 2020 finals.

Denmark have named 21 players, and will add a further five ahead of the deadline next week.

Denmark preliminary squad

Goalkeepers: Kasper Schmeichel (Nice), Oliver Christensen (Hertha Berlin).

Defenders: Simon Kjaer (AC Milan), Joachim Andersen (Crystal Palace), Joakim Maehle (Atalanta), Andreas Christensen (Barcelona), Rasmus Kristensen (Leeds United), Jens Stryger Larsen (Trabzonspor), Victor Nelsson (Galatasaray), Daniel Wass (Brondby).

Midfielders: Thomas Delaney (Sevilla), Mathias Jensen (Brentford), Christian Eriksen (Manchester United), Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (Tottenham).

Forwards: Andreas Skov Olsen (Club Bruges), Jesper Lindstrom (Eintracht Frankfurt), Andreas Cornelius (Copenhagen), Martin Braithwaite (Espanyol), Kasper Dolberg (Sevilla), Mikkel Damsgaard (Brentford), Jonas Wind (VfL Wolfsburg).

Kalvin Phillips gives injury update ahead of England World Cup squad announcement

08:50 , Jamie Braidwood

Kalvin Phillips says he is “hopeful” of being included in England’s World Cup squad after recovering from a shoulder injury.

Phillips underwent surgery on his shoulder in September and has not played since, although the Manchester City midfielder could return to the bench for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup fixture against Chelsea.

However Phillips, who starred for England during their run to the Euro 2020 final, has completed 90 minutes just once this season - raising fears that he may not be fit enough to play a part for England in Qatar.

But the 26-year-old believes he is able to start for England if required, ahead of their opening game against Iran on 21 November.

Kalvin Phillips gives injury update ahead of England World Cup squad announcement

Dani Alves: Brazil manager Tite explains defender’s World Cup squad inclusion

08:47 , Jamie Braidwood

Brazil named their squad for the World Cup 2022 on Monday, with one of the most intriguing inclusions being that of veteran full-back Dani Alves.

Now aged 39, Alves is playing in Mexico for UNAM but has not featured for a month due to a knee issue.

However, he’s in the 26-man Selecao group as one of four full-backs, where he’ll likely go up against Juventus’ versatile performer Danilo for a starting spot on the right side of defence.

Head coach Tite has detailed exactly why Alves, the oldest and most-capped player in the squad, has been retained as Brazil look to end a wait of 20 years to win the World Cup again.

Brazil manager Tite explains Dani Alves World Cup squad inclusion

Gareth Southgate finalising England squad for World Cup ahead of Thursday announcement

08:45 , Jamie Braidwood

Gareth Southgate is preparing to manage England at a third major tournament as he begins to narrow down his squad for the 2022 Fifa World Cup in Qatar.

Fifa have permitted an expanded squad size for the tournament, with countries now permitted to include up to 26 players in their selection, with a minimum of 23.

Each nation’s final squad must be submitted by 13 November 2022, one week before the World Cup begins on 20 November.

The replacement of injured or Covid-19 positive players will be permitted until 24 hours before the start of a team’s first match in Qatar.

When will England’s squad be announced for the World Cup 2022?