World Cup build-up LIVE – latest news ahead of tournament opener

FIFA have updated their world rankings ahead of the start of the World Cup, with reigning champions Argentina beginning their title defence as the number one ranked side.

They go above France (3rd, down 2), who slipped behind after losing to Côte d’Ivoire before beating Northern Ireland, and Spain (2nd, unchanged), who were held to a draw by Iraq and then beat Peru.

A bit of a worrying sign for Scotland fans with Scott McTominay not in training ahead of their opener against Haiti with a stomach issue.

But the midfielder is expected to be back for the clash.

If you’re interested, there will also be the first of THREE opening ceremonies before tonight’s opening game of the World Cup.

The proceedings will start at around 6:30pm UK time with Shakira and Burna Boy headlining, performing the official World Cup song Dai Dai.

Omar Artan, the referee who was due to officiate at the World Cup but was denied entry to the USA, has been chosen to take charge of August’s UEFA Super Cup final between Aston Villa and PSG.

“UEFA wants to show its respect to Omar and his outstanding officiating skills,” says UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin.

Ahead of the World Cup, former France star Thierry Henry has had a New York street named after him. The ex-Arsenal striker spent time in the MLS with the New York Red Bulls.

“It is an incredible honour for 50th Street and Sixth Avenue to be named Thierry Henry Way,” Henry said.

England striker Ollie Watkins speaking after last night’s friendly win over Costa Rica about the importance substitutes will have in the tournament.

“Even being sat on the bench you can see how hot it is when you’re not even playing, let alone what the players are going through, running around at a high intensity.

“The game opens up at 60-70 minutes and what better way than fresh legs to come on and show what they can do?”

A reminder that the World Cup kicks off TONIGHT when Mexico face South Africa.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of that huge clash.

A nice gesture from the Germany players, who will pay for 600 fans to travel by bus for their final group game.

“In light of the high cost of bus and train travel in New York during the World Cup, the German national team players have organised free transport to the final group match for 600 fans,” said the German FA.

“Captain Joshua Kimmich and his team-mates are covering the cost of buses to take supporters from New York to the arena in New Jersey for the match against Ecuador.”

With the World Cup kicking off today, Hayters TV’s Nick Callow, Dan Bennett and Ayisha Gulati sat down to discuss a range of topics heading into the tournament including Messi v Ronaldo, England’s chances, the dark horses and much more.

Watch it over on our YouTube channel here:

Former France midfielder Lassana Diarra sued FIFA for €65 million and settled the case without payment, the football body has said.

Diarra and FIFA have been in legal disputes since his breakdown in relations with former club Lokomotiv Moscow in 2014.

FIFA and the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled in favor of the Russian club that Diarra terminated his contract without just cause. It meant Diarra and any club that wanted to sign him were liable to pay €10.5 million.

Diarra challenged the FIFA-managed global transfer market rules in a case that reached the European Court of Justice. There, judges said some FIFA rules breached EU competition law and the free movement of players.

Mexico boss Javier Aguirre speaking ahead of his side’s opening game of the tournament against South Africa today: “In 50 years of football, I haven’t had a better feeling than a World Cup at home, and I’ve experienced them all; this is something unforgettable. Starting tomorrow, this group will know what it means.”

Cristiano Ronaldo started and played just over an hour in Portugal’s 2-1 friendly win over Nigeria last night, as goals from Francisco Conceicao and Pedro Neto secured a victory for Roberto Martinez’s side.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino spoke to the media yesterday, and was asked about referee Omar Artan being refused entry to the USA.

“We don’t live on the moon, we live on planet Earth,” Infantino said. “We have to respect that we are not kings of the world, who can rule over governments and police forces. We are a sports organisation that does as much as we can. It’s important sometimes to chill, relax. We work on everything. Sometimes screaming and shouting does not find a solution.”

England continued their preparations for the World Cup by beating Costa Rica 3-0 last night thanks to goals from Declan Rice, Anthony Gordon and Ollie Watkins.

Boss Thomas Tuchel says he is very encouraged by what he saw from his squad.

“Until now, it was more a feeling of a pre-season, like an overseas pre-season, and it was good like this,” he said.

“I think it’s enough if the pressure and tournament pressure comes a bit later, because it will come. The tension will come naturally.

“I think we set the tone today in the meeting and the players were ready to follow, to have the next step in intensity and the way we play, to push ourselves and get a good feeling out of it, which we absolutely did.”

Good morning and welcome to our live blog bringing you all the big World Cup news ahead of the start of the tournament.

Mexico take on South Africa tonight in the tournament’s opener.