In a few weeks, the tiny emirate jutting out into the Persian Gulf will welcome the world when it hosts the biggest sporting event to ever be staged in the Arab region. Soccer's World Cup is coming, and with it so much scrutiny but also plenty of intrigue.

Qatar is using the World Cup to showcase its culture, history and identity for the estimated 1.2 million visitors traveling in for the Nov. 20-Dec. 18 tournament, and for the many more watching on TV, too.

The Champions League has reached the final round of group-stage matches, with four spots in the lineup for the last 16 still up for grabs.

Here's what to look out for this week:

Real Madrid is suddenly showing some signs of weakness after a great start to the season.

Madrid was held by Girona to a 1-1 draw at home on Sunday in the Spanish league to follow up its first loss of the season in all competitions.

Pep Guardiola says he can sense the coming tide.

The Manchester City manager will be even more convinced of the new threats to his team's dominance after the latest round of Premier League games.

Michael Cheika was set for a hectic week after his Lebanon side reached the quarterfinals at a second straight Rugby League World Cup on Sunday.

Lebanon defeated Jamaica 74-12 in Leigh and was confirmed to face defending champion Australia on Friday in Huddersfield.

A last chance for Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Kylian Mbappé back on the biggest stage of all. Brazil bidding for a record-extending sixth title.

One of the most eagerly anticipated World Cups in memory — as much for off-the-field reasons as those on it — is just around the corner in Qatar.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored on his return to the Manchester United lineup to seal a 3-0 victory over Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League on Thursday that secured a spot in the knockout round.

Ronaldo was brought back into the fold by United manager Erik Ten Hag after he was left out of the squad against Chelsea in the Premier League for refusing to come on as a substitute in a 2-0 win over Tottenham last week. The Portugal star started against Sheriff and netted the last goal nine minutes from time on a rebound after Sheriff goalkeeper Maxym Koval saved his initial header.

Different players, same results, but even more embarrassing.

For the second year in a row, Barcelona's Champions League campaign ended in the group stage on Wednesday, and this year's flop is much harder to deal with.

When Brazil started playing Vinicius Jr. and Raphinha on the flanks during World Cup qualifying, Neymar surprised his coach by praising his new attacking teammates.

"These kids are wicked, boss," the Paris Saint-Germain striker told Tite, who recalled the conversation in a recent interview with The Associated Press. "They are relentless."

In an era where more penalties than ever are awarded at the World Cup because of video review, Switzerland can rely on Yann Sommer.

The list of players who had spot kicks saved by the Switzerland goalkeeper in the past two years in competitive games is impressive: Kylian Mbappé; Sergio Ramos, twice; Jorginho; Rodri Hernández; Tomas Soucek.