Sterling did not play a part in England's 3-0 win over Senegal in the last 16, leaving Qatar last weekend to return to his family.
As hosts Russia and Saudia Arabia kick off the extravaganza, Harish Kotian and Ashish Narsale assemble a fascinating FIFA World Cup quiz.
Pakistan is playing a big part in the soccer World Cup by making the balls
Morocco are happy to sit back and look to punish opponents on the counter-attack using the speed and skill of Hakim Ziyech
IMAGES from the FIFA World Cup Group E match played between Spain and Japan on Thursday.
'We had a fantastic goalkeeper today, Livakovic, he was great, he was insurmountable, he defended the penalties in a very strong, stable manner.'
Balloons in the national colours of Israel and Qatar festooned the departure gate for the first commercial flight between the countries on Sunday, permitted by Doha for fans of the World Cup despite the absence of formal bilateral relations.
Here's what you need to know about the opening ceremony of the Nov. 20-Dec. 18 World Cup in Qatar
Here is what you need to know about their route to the final
IMAGES from the FIFA World Cup Group D game played between Australia and Tunisia on Saturday.
The 2026 World Cup final will feature its first ever halftime show, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said on Wednesday.
Adidas on Friday unveiled Al Rihla - the official match ball for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
'My only problem is banning alcohol'
Croatia thrives on being considered underdogs and warned that the 2018 World Cup runners-up have what it takes to reach the final again.
The venue has a capacity of 40,000 but at least double that number of people tried to make their way in
Saudi Arabia stunned Lionel Messi's Argentina 2-1 with brilliant individual goals from Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Al-Dawsari during the FIFA World Cup Group C match on Tuesday.
The focus has very much been on the game between two countries that share a sporting rivalry.
IMAGES from the FIFA World Cup Group H match played between Uruguay and South Korea at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar on Thursday
IMAGES from the FIFA World Cup Group E match played between Spain and Costa Rica on Wednesday.
Saudi Arabia's 2-1 victory over Argentina is rated the biggest shock in World Cup history.
IMAGES from the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match played between Portugal and Switzerland on Tuesday.
For 15 years, Messi and Ronaldo battled like no others. Now, Messi shares what made their rivalry so special.
The 48-year-old has previously also worked with Chelsea FC, one of the top clubs in Europe; he has also played an important role in fine-tuning the Chelsea squads that won the UEFA Champions League in the 2011-12 and 2020-21 seasons.
IMAGES from the FIFA World Cup Group D match played between Australia and Denmark on Wednesday.
Gurpreet was in the thick of things when the ball went over the line and out of play.
Here is an overview of the teams that have been eliminated
They all spoke of their disappointment at the decisions, given the historic moment of it being held in the Middle East.
The emblem's design embodies the vision of an event that connects and engages the entire world, while also featuring striking elements of local and regional Arab culture and allusions to the beautiful game.
IMAGES from the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match played between Brazil and South Korea on Monday.
The stadiums at Qatar offer plenty of wisdom and chutzpah on how to take our own lives forward.
Eight stadiums in Doha will host 64 matches at the World Cup.
The second leg of the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola kicked off in Kolkata on Friday. The star attraction, aside from the Trophy itself, was Germany legend and FIFA World Cup-winning captain Lothar Matthaeus, who led the unveiling at the trophy's first-ever visit to India.
The authentic breathable kits for Argentina, Germany, Japan, Mexico and Spain contain 50% Parley Ocean Plastic.
At the last World Cup in Russia, there was a single goalless draw, when Denmark and France failed to produce goals in a group phase clash.
IMAGES from the FIFA World Cup Group C match played between Argentina and Poland on Wednesday.
The victory lifted Brazil to second in South American qualifying with 21 points, four behind leaders Argentina and one ahead of Uruguay in third, both of whom have a game in hand and will clash on Friday.
A 64-team World Cup in 2030 should not be considered, CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani has said, joining some other confederations in opposing a plan presented by CONMEBOL.
England's Football Supporters' Association said the decision raises concerns about Qatar's ability to fulfil its promises to visiting fans on "accommodation, transport or cultural issues."