The much-awaited World Cup qualifier between the South American giants Argentina and Brazil was suspended shortly after kick-off and dramatic scenes erupted on Sunday (September 5) over the controversy related to COVID-19 protocols.

Explained: Health officials and police invaded football pitch, here's why Argentina vs Brazil was suspended

France`s winless streak stretched to five games as Les Bleus were held to a 1-1 draw away to Ukraine in their World Cup qualifier in Group D on Saturday. The world champions fell behind when Mykola Shaparenko found the back of the net after 44 minutes before Anthony Martial restored parity early in the second half.

France's winless run continues with Ukraine draw

Memphis Depay scored twice to guide the Netherlands to a first win following the return of coach Louis van Gaal with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Montenegro in their World Cup Group G qualifier in Eindhoven on Saturday.

Memphis Depay at the double as Dutch cruise to win over Montenegro

England's star Raheem Sterling and other players were subjected to racist abuses by a group of angry Hungary supporters during the qualification match for the 2022 World Cup.

Video: Raheem Sterling pelted with beer cups as England players targeted with racial abuses by Hungary supporters

Victories for Brazil and Argentina on Thursday set the two sides up for an enticing World Cup qualifying clash in Sao Paulo this weekend. Argentina beat Venezuela 3-1 in Caracas to extend their unbeaten run to 21 games and know they can overcome Brazil on their home turf, having beaten them 1-0 in the Copa America final at the Maracana stadium in July.

Wins for Argentina, Brazil set up mouth-watering World Cup qualifier

England manager Gareth Southgate has condemned the racist chants directed towards Raheem Sterling and some other English players during a qualification match for the 2022 World Cup against Hungary.

Gareth Southgate on racism: 'Some people will end up being dinosaurs as world is modernising'

England footballer Declan Rice gave an epic response to Hungary fans who pelted Raheem Sterling with plastic beer cups on Thursday (September 2) during the qualification match for the 2022 World Cup.

Watch: England footballer's epic on-field response to Raheem Sterling racism incident

European clubs have accused world soccer`s governing body FIFA of abusing its regulatory function in a growing row over the extended-release of players for World Cup qualifiers in September and October.

European clubs and FIFA at odds over World Cup qualifiers

Real Madrid and Germany midfielder Toni Kroos has sharply criticised 2022 World Cup host nation Qatar in the wake of several European teams protesting about conditions in the Emirate state.

Germany's Kroos slams World Cup hosts Qatar amid protests

Denmark on Sunday joined Norway and other European national teams in a growing movement protesting against the treatment of migrant workers involved in building venues for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Qatar human rights protests spread across World Cup qualifiers

The start of the FIFA World Cup qualifier match between Switzerland and Lithuania was delayed by 15 minutes on Sunday due to the goal-posts being too big. Ground staff at the Kybunpark Stadium was called into action in a bid to replace the goal-posts which media reports claimed were between five to 10 cm too high on one side when inspected by match officials before the start of the game.

Goalposts too big! Switzerland vs Lithuania WC qualifier delayed under bizarre circumstances - watch

Chelsea star N'Golo Kante will return to the club after sustaining a hamstring injury during France's World Cup Qualifiers match against Ukraine on Wednesday, the country's soccer federation (FFF) said.

N'Golo Kante returns to Chelsea after hamstring injury: France Football Federation

Former champions Germany, England and Italy got off to winning starts in their World Cup qualifying campaigns on Thursday but Spain were held to a 1-1 home draw by Greece.

Germany, England, Italy win but Spain held in World Cup qualifying

Germany's national team lined up in T-shirts which spelled the message 'Human Rights' before their World Cup qualifier against Iceland on Thursday, less than two years before the finals are controversially staged in Qatar.

Germany players in 'Human Rights' message ahead of World Cup qualifier

Spanish coach Luis Enrique on Thursday explained the reason why skipper Sergio Ramos was taken off at halftime in a 1-1 draw with Greece in a World Cup qualifier.

'Sergio Ramos is..': Luis Enrique provides an update on Spanish skipper after substituting him in half-time

Portugal coach Fernando Santos insisted on Tuesday that Cristiano Ronaldo's morale has been unaffected by recent disappointments with Juventus. European champions Portugal play their opening 2022 World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan at the Juventus Stadium in Turin on Wednesday, due to coronavirus travel restrictions.

Ronaldo's spirits high despite Juve setbacks, says Portugal's Santos

With no fans in the seats to cheer on Bolivia in a crucial World Cup qualifier against Argentina, this local artist has found a novel way to stir the spirits of the home side. Bolivian artist Fernando Mamani Mamani is painting over empty seats in this La Paz stadium with a work of art that is representative of local culture.

Art replaces spectators in Bolivia stadium for World Cup qualifier with Argentina

FIFA has banned Bahrain defender Sayed Baqer for 10 matches for 'discriminatory behaviour' in a World Cup qualifier against Hong Kong, soccer's world governing body has said.

Football: Bahrain's Baqer gets 10-game ban for racist gesture

Iran's Football Federation has given world governing body FIFA a written commitment that women will be allowed to attend matches in the domestic club league, a source with knowledge of the discussions said on Friday.

Iran gives FIFA commitment on women's access to matches: Report

North Korea will play their World Cup qualifier against Lebanon behind closed doors in Beirut on Tuesday due to security concerns, the Asian Football Confederation said, as the country struggles with a wave of protests against its leaders.

North Korea to play in Lebanon behind closed doors on security concerns: AFC

European football's governing body (UEFA) said on Tuesday it would tell member clubs and national teams not to play games in countries where women do not have full access to stadiums.

UEFA tells teams not to play where women can't watch

Women fans will be allowed into the stadium for Iran's next football World Cup qualifier in October, a sports ministry official said Sunday, ahead of a deadline to allow their attendance.

Iran to let women attend football World Cup qualifier: Ministry

North Korea have nominated Pyongyang as the host venue for their World Cup qualifying match against South Korea in October, clearing the way for the two countries to play on North Korean soil for the first time in almost 30 years.

Football: North Korea want to host World Cup qualifier with South in Pyongyang

Northern Ireland's players will wear plain black armbands for their Armistice Day game in Belfast

Football: North Ireland decide against wearing poppies