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    Brit schoolkids get lessons off to watch the World Cup … but not everyone will be happy

    SCHOOL kids are set to get lessons off for a couple of hours to watch their team play in the World Cup.Youngsters in Wales will be allowed to dodge classes as their nation takes part in the global tournament for the first time in 64 years.
    School kids in Wales will be allowed to miss lessons as their nation competes in the World Cup for the first time since 1958Credit: WNS
    Their opening match against the USA on Monday will be the first time the Welsh team have competed for the title of world champions since 1958.
    That first game takes place at 7pm on Monday November 21 so it will be outside school hours.
    However, their second game against Iran will be at 10am on the Friday of that week and the Welsh government has said that schools will be allowed to decide whether kids can watch it.
    Cori Mabey, head of PE at Treorchy Comprehensive School in Treorchy, South Wales, said: “Lessons two and three are off the timetable so students can watch the Wales-Iran game in different facilities.
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    “We’ll be using the sports hall, the main lecture theatre hall and other televisions will be dotted around classrooms as well.
    “I’ve been in the school six years and I’ve seen a transition from rugby to football in that time over both participation numbers and interest.”
    He added: “I’m also in a group chat with teachers in England and they were really surprised we were coming off the timetable during school hours.
    “They’re not doing anything at all. I don’t know if they’re just used to being in tournaments.
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    “But there’s a real pride here, especially with the manager Rob Page coming from the Rhondda, that’s bringing people together.”
    More than 1,000 children will take part in the Football Friday event, run by the Football Association of Wales (FAW).
    The FAW will host skills sessions, inter-school matches and football festivals for pupils either side of the Iran game.
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    FAW chief executive Noel Mooney said: “We’ve worked with Welsh government to create a festival in all our schools and the Iran game is perfect for us.
    “You want a child to remember it and, hopefully, go on to play for us and become the future.” More

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    World Cup 2022 fans face prison is they try to bring pork, porn or sex toys into Qatar as list of banned items revealed

    FANS heading to the World Cup could face prison time if they try to bring pork, porn or sex toys into Qatar. The Government’s official website has made clear to travellers how strict the country’s rules are with less than a week to go before the tournament.
    Pork is among the list of items travellers cannot take into QatarCredit: Getty
    England fans are preparing for a different World Cup than they are used toCredit: Getty
    England and Wales fans will be travelling to the Middle East nation in their numbers in the follows days as the build-up to the World Cup begins.
    Around 4,000 Three Lions fans and 3,000 supporters of the Dragons will be present alongside thousands of other football followers from around the world.
    Qatar has spent the last year preparing for the huge influx of fans.
    And the World Cup promises to be like no other with strict laws governing Qatar that could come as a shock to some Brits.
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    The UK Government’s updated foreign advice page has given travellers all the info they need.
    This includes the list of banned items that could land you prison time if you tried to bring them into Qatar.
    The list contains things such as alcohol, sex toys, pornography and pork.
    Brits are also reminded about the drinking laws in the country, with fans only allowed to drink in designated areas.
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    Travellers are also warned about offensive public behaviour which could land them in trouble.
    The foreign advice reads: “Swearing and making rude gestures are considered obscene acts and offenders can be jailed and/or deported.
    “Take particular care when dealing with the police and other officials.”
    The website also makes reference to the way couples should behave in public.
    It warns: “Any intimacy in public between men and women (including between teenagers) can lead to arrest.”
    And Brits are reminded of Qatar’s expectation of clothing in public.
    The foreign advice said: “You should dress modestly when in public, including while driving. Women must cover their shoulders and avoid wearing short skirts.
    “Both men and women are advised not to wear shorts or sleeveless tops, when going to government buildings, health care facilities or malls.”
    Controversy has followed Qatar since it was awarded hosting rights of the 2022 World Cup.
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    Activists and campaigners continue to voice their concern over the country’s record on human rights and views on homosexuality.
    Qatar kick the tournament off when they play Ecuador in the opening game on Sunday.
    Qatar is setting the stage for the 2022 World CupCredit: Reuters More

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    How can I watch UAE vs Argentina and what is the team news for the World Cup warm-up?

    ARGENTINA will play their final match ahead of the 2022 World Cup when they face the United Arab Emirates this week.Lionel Messi will be in action as he looks to rally the troops ahead of their World Cup campaign in Qatar, with their sights firmly set on the trophy.
    Lionel Messi will be looking to lift the World Cup for his countryCredit: Getty
    However, Messi is yet to lift the trophy since his debut for Argentina and knows that this year could be the last opportunity to do so in his career.
    And we’ve got all the information ahead of Argentina’s final clash before the tournament in Qatar.
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    When is UAE vs Argentina?

    The clash will take place on Wednesday, November 16.
    UAE vs Argentina kicks off at 3:30pm UK time.
    The match is live from the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
    The stadium can hold up to 42,056 spectators and has previously hosted the Club World Cup final.

    How can I watch UAE vs Argentina?

    Unfortunately, the match is not being televised in the UK.
    However, you can keep up with all the action with our live blog below.

    Lautaro Martinez will likely lead the attack for ArgentinaCredit: Getty
    What is the latest team news?
    UAE coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena will not be leading his team to the World Cup but will select a strong team as they look to defeat Argentina.
    However, with another friendly against Kazakhstan on Saturday, the UAE could field a rotated XI.
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    As for Argentina, Lionel Messi is joining up with the squad this week but it would be a surprise to see him start, with the PSG star looking likely to feature from the bench.
    There could be place for Paulo Dybala in the line-up as he looks to gain match fitness after an injury scare threw his World Cup dream into doubt. More

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    Why isn’t Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez playing for Mexico at the 2022 World Cup?

    CHICHARITO burst onto the scene at the 2010 World Cup but 12 years later, Javier Hernandez will not put on the Mexico shirt in Qatar.The forward, who spends his days playing in Los Angeles for the LA Galaxy, was most known for his impressive goal scoring record at Manchester United.
    Javier Hernandez celebrating for LA GalaxyCredit: The Mega Agency
    Since then, he featured for the likes of Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, West Ham and Sevilla and maintained his place in the Mexico squad for the majority of his career.
    However, he is not at the 2022 World Cup despite making over 100 appearances for Mexico.
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    Why isn’t Javier Hernandez playing for Mexico?
    Scoring 18 goals in the MLS season as LA Galaxy finished fourth in the Western Conference, Chicharito had an impressive season in North America.
    However, this was not enough to earn a recall to the Mexico national team squad for the 2022 World Cup.
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    Instead, Henry Martin, Santiago Gimenez, Rogelio Funes Mori, RAul Jimenez and Alexis Vega have been named in attack.
    The most shocking inclusion is that of Wolves striker Jimenez, who has only made three appearances all season after suffering a long-term injury.
    Speaking earlier in the year, Mexico head coach Tata Martino opened up on the future of Chicharito with his national team, stating: “In the case of Chicharito, we are simply going with other centre forwards.
    “We will try to choose the 26 players who are closest to our game.” More

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    Smiling England stars meet up at St George’s Park as they prepare to fly out to Qatar for World Cup 2022

    ENGLAND’S World Cup hopefuls have joined up with each other before jetting out to Qatar.Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions met up St George’s Park today.
    Captain Harry Kane was all-smiles as he reported for dutyCredit: Getty
    England are due to jet out to Qatar on TuesdayCredit: Getty
    The Three Lions joined up at St. George’s Park todayCredit: Getty
    Man Utd defender Harry Maguire cracked a smile as he arrived at England’s HQCredit: Getty
    England will fly to Doha tomorrow, before their first training session at the Al Wakrah sports complex on Wednesday.
    And Harry Kane and Co were all smiles as they reported for duty.
    Tottenham striker Kane will captain Southgate’s troops as they look to improve on the semi-final defeat from 2018, and the Euros final heartbreak last year.
    Callum Wilson and Mason Mount shared a laugh as they were reunited just two days after Wilson’s Newcastle beat Mount’s Chelsea in the Premier League.
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    Meanwhile Leicester star James Maddison was pictured greeting Manchester United defender Luke Shaw.
    There had been concern for Maddison after he limped off injured in Leicester’s 2-0 win at West Ham on Saturday, but the playmaker confirmed after the game he would be fit for the World Cup.
    Declan Rice gave a thumbs upCredit: Getty
    Jude Bellingham is expected to star for the Three LionsCredit: Getty
    Bellingham and Kane greet each other after their arrivalsCredit: Getty
    Jack Grealish arrived carrying a snazzy Gucci suitcaseCredit: Getty
    Hammers midfielder Declan Rice gave a thumbs up as he arrived at England HQ, while Harry Maguire cracked a huge smile as he wheeled his suitcase into the building.
    Teenage star Jude Bellingham was also pictured reporting for duty after jetting to the UK from Germany.
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    PLAY OUR DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP FANTASY FOOTBALL GAME TO WIN A SHARE OF £50k
    The Three Lions kick off their campaign against Iran next Monday.
    Further group fixtures against the USA and Wales follow.
    Southgate announced his 26-man squad for the tournament last Thursday.

    Toon striker Wilson and Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher were the shock picks, while Maddison could not be overlooked after his stunning club form.
    Wilson was preferred to Brentford striker Ivan Toney and Roma man Tammy Abraham.
    Meanwhile Manchester City duo Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips have won their respective races to be fit enough to feature in Qatar.
    Walker has not played since having groin surgery at the start of October, while Phillips returned to action last week after being sidelined since September following shoulder surgery.
    Premier League table-topping Bukayo Saka arriving at St. George’s ParkCredit: Getty
    James Maddison and Luke Shaw high-fived after reporting for dutyCredit: Getty
    Trent Alexander-Arnold appeared in a relaxed mood as he arrived at England HQCredit: Getty
    Chelsea ace Conor Gallagher was named as one of Southgate’s midfieldersCredit: Getty More

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    How much do players get paid at the 2022 World Cup?

    THE World Cup trophy is the most sought-after prize for many players and the tournament only comes around every four years.Even just being a part of the tournament is an experience of a lifetime.
    Kylian Mbappe donated all of his World Cup earnings to charity in 2018Credit: AFP
    Although they are generally thought to play for pride, players in at the Qatar World Cup will also be paid for their services.
    However, the money you earn totally depends on the country you represent.
    How much do players get paid at the World Cup?
    Every nation will be paid a different match fee, though significantly less than what players earn in the Premier League.
    However, individual players may be able to fill their pockets through bonuses.

    Australia are reportedly set to pay each of their players £128,000 with an extra £164,000 to be awarded if they reach the knockout stages.
    We know that England players are given a standard match fee in addition to bonuses for progressing in the tournament.
    The French team were given £32million for winning the World Cup in 2018Credit: AFP
    The FA paid £2,500 for every player that started a game at the 2014 World Cup, with the rest of the squad pocketing £1,500.
    Four years later in Russia, England were set to win a further £5million if they lifted the World Cup – £215,000 per head – in addition to FIFA’s tournament prize money.
    Although, since 2007, England players have been donating their salary to charity.
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    Pop sensation Dua Lipa denies claims she is performing at World Cup 2022 and slams Qatar’s human rights record

    POPSTAR Dua Lipa has confirmed she will not be performing at the World Cup.The 27-year-old took to Instagram to address speculation that she would be singing at the opening ceremony.
    Dua Lipa has confirmed she will not be performing at the World Cup opening ceremonyCredit: The Mega Agency
    Dua took to Instagram to dismiss claims she would be performing in QatarCredit: https://www.instagram.com/dualipa/
    Dua told her 87million followers that she will not be heading to the tournament, and has never been involved in any negotiations to perform there.
    The Levitating singer also slammed Qatar for its human rights record.
    The World Cup hosts have been scrutinised for their treatment of foreign workers and restrictive social laws.
    Dua added she will only visit Qatar “when it has fulfilled all the human rights pledges it made” after being awarded the tournament in 2010.
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    She wrote: “There is currently a lot of speculation that I will be performing at the opening ceremony of the World Cup in Qatar.
    “I will not be performing and nor have I ever been involved in any negotiation to perform.
    “I will be cheering England on from afar and I look forward to visiting Qatar when it has fulfilled all the human rights pledges it made when it won the right to host the World Cup.
    “One love, Dua x.”
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    Qatar has denied claims that workers have been exploited.
    South Korean star Jung Kook, part of the band BTS, is currently the only act confirmed for the opening ceremony.
    The likes of Calvin Harris, Sean Paul and Diplo are all set to perform at the Fifa Fan festival, which will take place throughout the course of the tournament.
    Elsewhere, comedian Joe Lycett has said he will shred £10,000 cash if David Beckham does not pull out of a deal to be an ambassador for the World Cup.
    It’s claimed Beckham will earn up £10million for doing so.
    Lycett also vowed to donate £10,000 to charities supporting gay people in football if Beckham cancelled his deal.
    David Beckham will be an ambassador at the Qatar World CupCredit: Getty
    Comedian Joe Lycett has vowed to shred £10,000 if Beckham doesn’t pull out of the dealCredit: PA More

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    FIFA World rankings: Who is the best team at the 2022 World Cup?

    WITH the World Cup looming, the Fifa world rankings can offer a big pointer as to how teams stack up against each other.Every month, FIFA publishes it’s updated rankings for all the countries in the world.
    France won the 2018 World Cup, but are not ranked inside the top threeCredit: AP
    A detailed formula involving points based on the importance of matches is used to calculate a team’s position.
    With England having climbed higher up the charts in recent years, they will be hoping to match their ranking and perform on the biggest stage of all.
    Who is the best team in the world?
    Five-time World Cup winners Brazil are currently the number one ranked country in the world on 1841 points.
    They rose to the top in March of this year, following a 15-match undefeated streak.
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    In at number two is Belgium who previously occupied top spot for over three years, but are still waiting for success in a major tournament.
    Next on the list are South American giants Argentina, who beat Brazil to lift the Copa America earlier this year.
    Brazil are favourites to win the World CupCredit: Getty
    Germany haven’t been in the top 10 since 2018Credit: Getty
    In at fourth are last tournament’s winners France, who will be hoping for a repeat of 2018.
    Taking up fifth spot are Euro 2022 finalists England, who have dropped out of the top three following their performances in the Nations League.
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    Here is the top 10 in full:

    Brazil
    Belgium
    Argentina
    France
    England
    Italy
    Spain
    Netherlands
    Portugal
    Denmark

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