Pele "had Ghana in mind" when he predicted a team from Africa would eventually win the World Cup, the country's president said on Friday.

As the Black Stars set off for Qatar, hopes are high at home that the 2010 quarter-finalists can have another strong tournament.

Brazil great Pele forecast in the 1970s that a team from Africa would win football's greatest global title before the end of the century.

That did not come to fruition, and Africa has yet to produce a World Cup semi-finalist. Few would expect that to change in Qatar 2022, and Ghana enter the tournament as long shots.

The opening game for Otto Addo's team comes on November 24 against Portugal, who should have superstar Cristiano Ronaldo in their ranks.

President Nana Akufo-Addo said: "A long time ago, the greatest footballer that's ever lived, the Brazilian Pele, said that very soon an African country is going to lift that trophy, and I know that he had in mind Ghana.

"Let's all together rally around the young men and the team and make sure we give them our maximum support.

"They're going to go a long way away in Doha and Qatar, but they should know the entire nation, without distinction of politics, or religion, or ethnicity; the entire Ghanaian nation are 100 per cent solidly behind them."

Ghana will also face South Korea and Uruguay in Group H, and the Professional Footballers Association of Ghana (PFAG) challenged the team to "hoist the flag of Ghana even higher on global football's ultimate stage".

"As the mother body of all professional footballers in the country, the PFAG expects a sterling showing from our gallant warriors to make all Ghanaians proud," the association said in a statement.

"We wish the playing body the very best as they lace up their boots to do battle on the world stage.

"To the technical bench, we urge you to continue doing your utmost and to leave no stone unturned in mapping out our assured paths to victory.

"Finally, to all teeming and passionate fans of the Black Stars, we ask that you enjoin us in fervent prayer and resounding support for our Stars!

"Let's chant and sing in one voice to push our team beyond all hurdles in their quest to shine bright in Qatar!"

Robert Lewandowski harbours no ill will towards Poland's World Cup adversary Lionel Messi following the duo's battle to land the 2021 Ballon d'Or.

Messi saw off fierce competition from Lewandowski to capture his seventh Ballon d'Or last year, despite the Poland striker scoring 58 goals to Messi's 34 in club action in 2021.

In the aftermath of that triumph, Messi called for Lewandowski to be handed the 2020 Ballon d'Or, with the prize not being awarded after the COVID-19 pandemic impacted football that year.

With Poland set to face Argentina in their third group-stage match at the World Cup later this month, Lewandowski says he does not resent Messi for claiming the prize.

Asked whether he would shake hands with Messi to clear the air ahead of the teams' meeting, Lewandowski said: "I don't exactly understand the question.

"Why not? Why would I need to shake hands? Between me and Messi, everything is fine. I have nothing [bad] with him, I never had.

"Leo Messi is in great shape. At Barcelona, you can see everywhere he's a legend."

Poland will begin their Group C campaign against Mexico on Tuesday, with Lewandowski looking to score his first World Cup goal after failing to find the net at the 2018 tournament in Russia.

The Barcelona striker contributed to 13 goals in Poland's World Cup qualification campaign (nine goals, four assists) – more than twice as many as any of his international team-mates.

Czeslaw Michniewicz's side will hope to cast aside their poor record in World Cup openers against Mexico, having only started one of their eight previous campaigns at the tournament with a win (D3 L4), beating Argentina 3-2 in 1974.

Belgium's final warm-up match before the World Cup ended in defeat as Mostafa Mohamed and Trezeguet struck to earn Egypt a 2-1 victory in Kuwait.

Mohamed took advantage of an uncharacteristic mistake from Kevin De Bruyne to fire the Pharaohs into the lead, before Trezeguet scored a minute after half-time to put them two goals to the good.

Lois Openda reduced the deficit with a close-range finish, but they could not find an equaliser as Roberto Martinez's men fell to a second consecutive defeat.

The defeat exposed¬ serious defensive deficiencies for Belgium ahead of their trip to Qatar, where they are hoping to better their run to the semi-finals at the 2018 World Cup.

Belgium hit the bar within 10 minutes when Michy Batshuayi rattled the woodwork, though replays later showed the former Chelsea man was clearly offside.

After Thibaut Courtois twice denied Trezeguet, Arthur Theate sent a long-range curler looping onto the top of the net.

Mohamed gave Egypt the lead, capitalising on De Bruyne's poor touch before side-footing beautifully into the bottom right corner from outside the box.

Mohamed El Shenawy then made a big stop to save Yannick Carrasco's fierce drive and preserve his side's lead heading into the interval.

Egypt doubled their lead moments after the break, Trezeguet latching onto Mohamed Salah's excellent throughball before rifling home as Belgium continued to look shaky at the back.

Martinez's men screamed for a penalty when half-time substitute Openda was felled by Ahmed Hegazy, but a VAR review decided not to award a spot-kick.

Belgium pressed to pull a goal back but they struggled to break though Egypt's resolute defence, with Youri Tielemans firing well over from range almost out of frustration.

They did find a goal back through Openda when he was picked out by a superb Carrasco cross, but they could not kick on and find an equaliser.

Jude Bellingham can take the World Cup by storm with his "unbelievable" talent, according to England team-mate Luke Shaw and Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.

At the age of 19, Bellingham could be handed a prized England midfield berth in Gareth Southgate's starting XI at the Qatar finals.

The teenager's development at Dortmund has been so great he was handed the chance to captain the team last month, when Marco Reus and Mats Hummels were unavailable.

Having begun his career at Birmingham City, Bellingham has built on his early promise while in Germany, where he is flourishing in his third season.

Left-back Shaw, who scored for England in last year's European Championship final, has seen young players come and go during his England career.

"The one I've been most surprised about when he first got involved is Jude," said Shaw. "He's obviously still so young now, but the talent he possesses is unbelievable.

"He can do everything in that middle. He can drive with the ball, he can pass, he's aggressive. He's got everything. When I first saw him when he was first involved in the England squad, even then I thought, 'Wow, this guy is going to be so good, and he already looks like a man'.

"Over the past couple of years, being here in the squad with him, he's always had the talent, but he's starting to develop and gain experience.

"He's becoming more a man, when you look at him and his strength. He's captaining his club and I think it's showing, the steps that he's taking are leading him in the right direction."

Shaw, who plays his club football at Manchester United, told England's Lions' Den programme he sees Bellingham being prominent for England at many future tournaments.

"He'll be a very big part of this England squad for the success that we will have in the coming years," Shaw added.

England get their campaign under way against Iran on Monday, before facing further Group B games against the United States and Wales.

Bellingham's club-mate Kobel also sees the youngster as having the potential to be a roaring success for England over the coming month.

Asked whether Bellingham could be one of the stars of this World Cup, Kobel said: "For sure, he's an unbelievable talent. He has so much quality and I think his mind is also really strong.

"He always wants to get better, always wants to win the game, and even now at his young age he can have a lot of impact everywhere."

Barcelona's 19-year-old full-back Alejandro Balde has been added to Spain's squad for the World Cup following an injury to Jose Gaya.

Valencia left-back Gaya has won 18 caps for Spain after making his international debut in 2018, and he looked likely to deputise for La Roja's vice-captain Jordi Alba in Qatar.

However, Gaya suffered an ankle sprain in training on Wednesday, and while initial reports said his injury was not serious, Luis Enrique has opted against taking any risks ahead of the tournament.

Balde had been preparing to represent Spain's under-21 side against Japan in a friendly on Friday, but he could now win his first senior cap on the grandest stage of all.

Balde made his Barcelona debut in a Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich last September, and has assumed a prominent role in Xavi's new-look team this season.

With Barcelona battling a series of injury problems in defence, Balde has made 16 appearances for the Blaugrana this campaign, starting on 13 occasions.

Spain begin their Group E campaign against Costa Rica at the Al Thumama Stadium on Wednesday, before taking on Germany in a huge clash four days later.

Adrien Rabiot hopes an impressive World Cup campaign with France will help him win a contract at Juventus or elsewhere ahead of his deal with the Bianconeri expiring next year.

Having been left out of Didier Deschamps' squad when France won their second World Cup in 2018, Rabiot could make his debut at the tournament in Tuesday's Group D opener against Australia.

With his Juventus contract set to expire at the end of this season, Rabiot was strongly linked with a move to Manchester United in the last transfer window.

The midfielder is likely to feature regularly in Qatar after Paul Pogba and N'Golo Kante were ruled out of the tournament, and he hopes to impress Juventus – or any potential suitors – with his displays.

"It excites me to be here and probably a starter. I prefer to be in this position of 2022 rather than four years ago," Rabiot said on Friday.

"It's a chance to be there in the shoes of a starter for a such a competition. I don't know if it's a turning point, but it can help me. 

"Contractually, I'm in my last year at Juve. It can help me for the future."

The absence of Pogba, who scored in France's 2018 World Cup final victory over Croatia, represents a severe blow to Les Bleus' hopes of becoming the first team to retain the trophy since Brazil in 1962.

Rabiot says his Bianconeri team-mate has told him to assume a similar leadership role with his country to that which he occupies in Turin.

"We see each other every day. We talked a lot about the competition," Rabiot added. "Did he give me some advice? Not necessarily. 

"He encouraged us and said that he would follow us. He asked me to pull this team and this environment as I do at Juve."

Germany are "quite willing to accept a fine" to allow their players to wear a rainbow armband at the Qatar World Cup, association chief Bernd Neuendorf said on Friday.

The 'One Love' diversity campaign in support of LGBTQ+ rights.was launched in September amid concerns over human rights in Qatar, where same-sex relationships are illegal.

Part of that movement entails a number of captains wearing a distinctive rainbow heart-adorned armband at the tournament to raise awareness against discrimination.

This breaks FIFA regulations, which prohibit teams from choosing their own armband designs at the World Cup, though nations such as England have suggested they will defy those rules.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino wrote a letter to all 32 teams who will play at the World Cup, encouraging them to focus on football.

Neuendorf insists the German Football Association (DFB) would risk any such sanction from FIFA, indicating there will be no backing down.

"I am quite willing to accept a fine," Neuendorf told reporters. "This is not a political statement, but a statement for human rights."

Neuendorf's comments come in the wake of France captain Hugo Lloris opting not to wear the rainbow armband, having initially agreed to do so, saying players should "show respect" in Qatar.

Lloris declared it should be politicians rather than footballers who are pressured into discussing human rights issues, adding: "There's too much pressure on the players. We are at the bottom of the chain.

"You have to understand that for players this opportunity happens every four years and you want every chance to succeed. The focus has to be on the field. The rest is for politicians. We are athletes."

There has also been controversy over workers' rights in Qatar, with reports of thousands dying while building the seven new stadiums and infrastructure involved in staging the tournament.

Germany's players are donating €1million to a children's village in Nepal in solidarity with the migrant workers.

Neuendorf said: "The money comes directly from the players. It was a special concern for the team. Four hundred thousand migrant workers come from Nepal. We want to support the people where they come from in order to relieve the migration pressure."

With Germany's tournament set to get under way against Japan on Wednesday, Neuendorf feels confident heading into that match, saying: "I am firmly convinced that we will have a positive start and will certainly win the game."

Following the Japan fixture, Hansi Flick's men will take on Spain and Costa Rica in Group E.

England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale is confident the World Cup ball will not join the list of controversies at Qatar 2022 – describing it as "better for goalkeepers" and dismissing any comparison to the much-criticised Jabulani.

The tournament will feature the Adidas Al Rihla ball, which Ramsdale has been involved in trialling given his club side Arsenal have a kit deal with the German manufacturer.

The 2010 tournament in South Africa featured criticism by a host of goalkeepers of the Jabulani ball, another adidas model, with Spain's Iker Casillas and Italy's Gianluigi Buffon among them.

That ball was defended by FIFA and its designers but has become a touchstone for measuring future World Cup balls against, and it was mentioned in England's press conference on Friday.

"That's obviously in the past and everything changes now," Ramsdale said. "We trained with it a couple of [England] camps ago, so we got used to it then, and obviously being with Arsenal, being Adidas, we've had time to test it as well for FIFA, so I've had quite a lot of exposure to the football."

Ramsdale is unlikely to start in England's opening match against Iran on Monday, accepting Jordan Pickford has performed "extremely well" for manager Gareth Southgate.

Pickford will also have plenty of experience of playing with the Al Rihla, and Ramsdale said: "It's probably one of the better Adidas balls I've played with. I've never felt another World Cup ball, so I can't go off that, but I've played with Adidas balls before, and European Championship balls and stuff, so it seems fine to me.

"It seems like it's got better for goalkeepers as well as keeping it for the strikers, so hopefully there'll be lots of saves but also lots of goals as well."

Ramsdale, 24, suggested that of greater concern was the heat in Qatar, pointing to England players having on hand "ice packs, ice vests which we can use when resting".

"I knew it was going to be hot," Ramsdale said. "I've been to Dubai on numerous occasions for football or on holiday, so I knew it was going to be hot, but I think adapting to it quick will be the difficult thing.

"Obviously for us, it's normally going into Christmas, dark nights and dark mornings, so how quickly we can adapt to the weather is crucial for us."

The sale of beer around stadiums during the World Cup has been banned after talks between FIFA and Qatari tournament chiefs.

It was revealed on Friday by FIFA that alcohol would not be available as expected in the perimeter area of stadiums.

Budweiser is a major FIFA sponsor and sales of its product had been expected to be allowed close to the stadiums; however, only its alcohol-free variant will now be available.

The news was swiftly criticised, with England's Football Supporters' Association questioning whether such an apparent U-turn could be followed by more promises not being kept.

Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe (FSE), expressed similar concern, describing the news as an "extremely worrying" development.

FIFA said in its announcement: "Following discussions between host country authorities and FIFA, a decision has been made to focus the sale of alcoholic beverages on the FIFA Fan Festival, other fan destinations and licensed venues, removing sales points of beer from Qatar's FIFA World Cup 2022 stadium perimeters.

"Host country authorities and FIFA will continue to ensure that the stadiums and surrounding areas provide an enjoyable, respectful and pleasant experience for all fans."

Referencing Budweiser's parent company, FIFA added: "The tournament organisers appreciate AB InBev's understanding and continuous support to our joint commitment to cater for everyone during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022."

Reports said Budweiser posted on Twitter "Well, this is awkward", before deleting the post.

The Football Supporters' Association (FSA) said its concern was less about the beer decision but about the prospect of fans being affected by possible further unexpected decisions at the controversial mid-season World Cup.

The FSA said in a statement: "Some fans like a beer at the match, and some don't, but the real issue is the last-minute U-turn which speaks to a wider problem – the total lack of communication and clarity from the organising committee towards supporters."

It condemned the lack of explanation and said fans would have "understandable concerns about whether they will fulfil other promises relating to accommodation, transport or cultural issues".

FSE's Evain added on Twitter: "For many fans, whether they don't drink alcohol or are used to dry stadium policies at home, this is a detail. It won't change their tournament.

"But with 48h to go, we've clearly entered a dangerous territory – where 'assurances' don’t matter anymore. This is extremely worrying."

Sadio Mane could face several months on the sidelines after undergoing the surgery that ended his slim hopes of playing for Senegal at the World Cup.

The Bayern Munich forward underwent what his club described as a successful operation on Thursday.

Bayern said in a statement: "During the operation, a tendon was reattached to the head of his right fibula.

"The FC Bayern forward will therefore no longer be available to play for Senegal at the World Cup and will begin his rehab in Munich in the next few days."

According to widespread reports in Germany, Mane's recovery is unlikely to be a quick one, with the former Liverpool forward said to be facing possibly three to four months out of action.

African player of the year Mane sustained the leg injury when playing in Bayern's 6-1 win against Werder Bremen last week.

He was initially judged fit enough to be included in Aliou Cisse's 26-man Senegal squad for the World Cup, with hopes he could be available by the knockout stages, but subsequent medical checks confirmed the need for surgery.

A short statement from the Senegalese Football Federation read: "The FSF wishes a speedy recovery to its player Sadio Mane."

Senegal face Netherlands in their Group A opener on Monday before meeting Qatar and Ecuador.

Bayern are due to resume their Bundesliga campaign against RB Leipzig on January 20. They headed into the World Cup break as leaders, chasing an 11th consecutive German league title.

They face a Champions League last-16 tie against Paris Saint-Germain, with games scheduled for February 14 and March 8 in that heavyweight contest.

Manchester United have "initiated appropriate steps" after Cristiano Ronaldo's explosive television interview cast doubt on his future at Old Trafford.

The Premier League club issued an update on Friday to confirm steps are under way, but they did not specify what action they were taking.

Ronaldo, 37, roundly criticised the club when he spoke to broadcaster Piers Morgan.

The Portugal star took aim at manager Erik ten Hag, United's ownership under the Glazer family, and several other members of the club's hierarchy.

United's statement read: "Manchester United has this morning initiated appropriate steps in response to Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent media interview.

"We will not be making further comment until this process reaches its conclusion."

There has been speculation United could terminate the contract of the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, who returned for a second spell with the Red Devils in August of last year.

Ronaldo's former United team-mate Gary Neville has urged the club to get rid of the former Real Madrid and Juventus forward, who is away with Portugal and preparing for the World Cup. Portugal were leaving Lisbon on Friday for their Qatar mission.

"l don't think he wants a way back," Neville told Sky Sports. "He wouldn't have done this interview if he wanted a way back. He knew it would bring the headlines it has and be the end of his Manchester United career.

"I'm wondering what Man Utd are doing because the reality of it is they know they have to terminate Cristiano's contract or they basically open up a precedent so any player can criticise them in the future."

Ronaldo top-scored for United with 24 goals in all competitions last term, but he reportedly asked to leave the club following their failure to qualify for the Champions League.

He has fallen out of favour since Ten Hag took charge ahead of this campaign, regularly featuring as a substitute in the Premier League, and refusing to come off the bench in a game against Tottenham in October.

Ronaldo said in the TalkTV interview: "I feel betrayed. I felt that some people didn't want me here not only this year, but last year too."

Adrien Rabiot says France must "stay united" if they are to avoid the failures that saw them crash out of Euro 2020 at the round-of-16 stage.

France went into that tournament as world champions and advanced as group winners from a tricky pool that included both Germany and Portugal.

But their campaign was derailed in stunning fashion, as Switzerland scored two late goals to force extra-time from 3-1 down.

Kylian Mbappe then missed the crucial penalty in the shootout, as France were knocked out amid rumours of dressing room discontent.

Rabiot's family were reportedly involved in dissension too, with his mother allegedly clashing with the relatives of Paul Pogba and Mbappe after the Switzerland defeat.

Their disappointing tournament sparked memories of France's spectacular capitulation at the 2010 World Cup, where Les Bleus were blighted by a number of controversial incidents and failed to make it out of the group stage.

Rabiot acknowledged France cannot afford to self-destruct as they have in the past if they are to retain their World Cup crown.

"We have to stay united," Rabiot told reporters. "[We need to] try to have as few things as possible that interfere with the group.

"It is essential to have a serene climate. We have the potential to do much better than at the Euros."

The Juventus midfielder was not selected to France's squad for their 2018 triumph and he wants to make an impression at his first World Cup in Qatar.

"The [2018] World Cup was a big disappointment," Rabiot explained. "I worked a lot to be there in 2022.

"I take this as a chance and I'm going to be able to express myself."

France kick off their tournament against Australia on Tuesday, before also facing Denmark and Tunisia in Group D.

Bruno Fernandes says he has "no problem" with Cristiano Ronaldo following his Manchester United and Portugal team-mate's explosive interview.

Ronaldo told TalkTV he felt betrayed by United and spoke of how his relationship with manager Erik ten Hag has broken down, also criticising club owners the Glazer family.

Footage emerged of Fernandes seemingly giving Ronaldo a frosty reception when they reported for international duty ahead of the World Cup in Qatar this week.

United defender Raphael Varane stated that the Ronaldo saga had "obviously affected" the club.

Yet Fernandes says he has no issue with the forward as Portugal prepare to face Ghana in their first match of the tournament next Thursday.

The midfielder told Sky Sports: "I didn't read the interview so I'm okay with that. As I said before, now it's the national team, it's Portugal. The coach made a point that it's us, he made that point since I came with the national team in 2017.

"That is still clear, that in his mind the main thing here is the national team and us, so we have to be focused on the World Cup.

"You don't have a chance to play a World Cup many times – Cristiano did really well to play five times, this will be his fifth time – so everyone is ready for that, everyone wants to give their best for the team."

Fernandes added: "This is the national team, Manchester United will be my focus after the World Cup, after December 18, because that is the final.

"I have no problem with anyone. I do my job. You have to control yourself, give your best and that's it."

Brazilian players Rodrygo and Marquinhos have warned their teammates about the dangers of buying into their own hype, saying nothing good can come from expecting to win as favourites.

Boasting one of the strongest teams on paper, Brazil's squad includes world-class centerpieces such as Neymar and Vinicius Junior, and they have made two Copa America finals since the 2018 World Cup, winning in 2019 and falling 1-0 to Argentina in 2021.

They will also play in Group G, where they will be joined by Cameroon, Serbia and Switzerland in three matchups Brazil will be heavily favoured in.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, Real Madrid's Rodrygo said while he understands the pressure on his side to perform in Qatar, he would prefer to let their play do the talking.

"We know that we have a great national team, that we are among the favourites," he said. "But there are also other very good teams as well.

"It's no use saying we are favourites and then arriving on the pitch and not showing it. We know that everyone was in good form with their clubs and that's why they're here – many good players were left out."

Paris Saint-Germain centre-back Marquinhos agreed, saying they will need to play hungry to fulfill their potential.

"If we think we are favourites, that we are the best, we will not go forward," he said. "We've seen how things are in this competition, which is very difficult. 

"All the teams are ready and very balanced, they can make life difficult. That's the [World] Cup. 

"It's no use coming here and talking about the future. We have to get through the [group stage] first. It will be three very difficult games."

Brazil kick off their campaign on Thursday, November 24 against Serbia.

Phil Foden says England have not seen the best of him yet, while outlining his intentions to reach the levels of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.

The 22-year-old heads to the World Cup in Qatar on the back of a fine campaign so far with Manchester City, scoring seven goals and contributing three assists in 14 appearances across all competitions.

Foden is looking to transfer that form to the international stage, where he feels he is yet to perform at his highest level, and refuted suggestions he is comparable to Messi and Neymar – though he aspires to be in the future.

"The people you've just mentioned there are way above me at the moment, but I like to think I could be there one day," he said.

"It's all about taking small steps in the right direction. I just want to take my club form into the national team. With my club form this year, I've been scoring a lot of goals and I want to bring that to the national team.

"I've got to score in big games and big finals to be world class. I know I'm capable of doing that, so it's something I strive for and look forward to.

"Have England seen the best of me? Definitely not. I don't think it is easy coming into a team and not knowing the players very well.

"You have to learn to play with different players and what they like best - running behind, or wanting balls to feet. Just little details like that. I have had enough experience in the England team to understand the players. Hopefully I can bring that into the World Cup.

"I definitely should have scored a lot more for England really. We have quality in every area on the pitch, so we can't always rely on Harry [Kane] because teams are going to try to cut him off, because of how good he is.

"It is going to take not just Harry to step up this tournament. Us attacking players are going to have to step up as well as times."

England commence their World Cup campaign on Monday against Iran, then tackling the United States and Wales in Group B.