City in Texas; a key Dallas–Fort Worth suburb and economic hub
Lionel Messi has extended the men’s World Cup scoring record and continued a prolific tournament run. He has scored in consecutive World Cup matches, netting goals from open play and set pieces while helping Argentina secure group-stage wins and progress toward the knockout rounds in the 2026 tournament.
Netherlands dominates Sweden with five goals as Cody Gakpo and Brian Brobbey lead the attack; Germany secures a late win over Côte d’Ivoire to top Group E, setting up a knockout-round clash as 48-team World Cup format continues.
France has sealed top spot in Group I after a 4-1 win over Norway, with Ousmane Dembélé’s hat-trick and Mbappé’s goals highlighting a potent attack. Deschamps has returned to France for family reasons, and Norway rested most starters as they fight to reach the knockout stage.
Lionel Messi has moved clear in World Cup scoring, reaching 18 goals across six tournaments. The Argentinian captain scored in additional time after a late chance was missed from the spot, as Argentina secures a win to stay on track for knockout qualification.
AP and Independent reports describe the use of black curtains at the west end of AT&T Stadium during a World Cup match to block sun glare. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones rejected curtains for NFL games, while FIFA permitted curtains for the World Cup. The glare has affected plays in past games, prompting fans to comment on visibility and comfort.
Japan has secured a spot in the round of 32 in the World Cup, while Chinese supporters in Tokyo celebrate Japan's form. Chinese brands are making inroads at the event, with marketing campaigns elevating their presence across host venues.
A sweeping heat dome is driving extreme temperatures across the U.S., Canada and parts of Europe. Cities are opening cooling centers, urging hydration, and preparing for heat-related illnesses during the holiday weekend. Officials warn that temperatures and humidity will push heat indexes well into the 100s Fahrenheit as heat waves persist.
Cristiano Ronaldo has announced that this World Cup marks the end of his international career for Portugal after the team’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16. He has expressed gratitude for a career spanning 23 years, 232 caps, and six World Cups, and he is stepping away from international football.
France has booked a World Cup semi-final spot after a 2-0 victory over Morocco. Mbappé scores on the 60th minute and Dembele nets six minutes later, sending the 2018 champions to face Spain or Belgium in Arlington, Texas. Morocco pressed but were unable to breakdown a disciplined French side.
Bank of America data show US host cities are seeing on-the-ground economic impact from the World Cup, with restaurants and bars leading spending gains and hotel revenues rising in several markets, though results vary by city and broader inflation weighs on sentiment.
Spain secures a dramatic 1-0 victory over Portugal in Dallas, with Mikel Merino scoring in stoppage time to send La Roja into the quarter-finals. Ronaldo bows out of the tournament, while France and Morocco’s Mbappe push on toward a potential final.
Spain defeats France 2-0 in the semi-final, with Pedro Porro and Dani Olmo scoring after Lamine Yamal wins a penalty. France suffer an injury blow as William Saliba leaves with back problems. Spain now faces England or Argentina in the final.
FIFA has been selling souvenir turf pieces from the MetLife final for about $450 each, with larger tiers up to $3,000. The turf originates from a North Carolina farm and will ship after the final. Tickets for the final reach up to $32,970, with hospitality options at $34,500 and $32,500. Critics say prices are steep, while FIFA promotes the memorabilia as a historic collectible.
France has been eliminated from the World Cup after a 2-0 defeat to Spain in the semi-final in Dallas. Deschamps has spent 14 years in charge, winning the 2018 World Cup and reaching another final in 2022, but Spain’s victory ends France’s bid for a third consecutive final. Spain advance to the final, while Deschamps’ tenure faces a named successor discussion.
Spain masterclasss sinks France 2-0 in Dallas, with Lamine Yamal scoring the opener and Pedro Porro adding a second. Didier Deschamps is stepping down after the tournament; France will play for third place while Spain awaits the final.
Spain has reached the World Cup final after defeating France 2-0, with goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro securing a dominant display. France’s hopes are dashed as the Spaniards fortify their bid for a first final since 2010.
A wave of updates across Uber, Waymo, Baidu, and others is redefining autonomous-vehicle deployment in major markets. Partnerships are shifting, apps are expanding beyond rides, and regulators are sharpening standards. The evolving ecosystem is accelerating, with major players preparing for broader rollout in 2028 and beyond.
FIFA president has spoken at a United Nations session to frame the World Cup as a catalyst for youth mental health and global unity. The tournament in North America has set attendance records, with Argentina and Spain preparing for Sunday’s final in East Rutherford after 102 matches across the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
Arsenal confirm William Saliba has a back injury from World Cup duties and will undergo a rehabilitation programme. Surgery is not required; the club plans to strengthen the centre-back position this summer while preparing for the season opener against Coventry.
The latest data from multiple outlets shows a nationwide trend of falling homicide rates in 2026, with significant declines in many cities and pockets of increases in a few, including San Francisco and Norfolk. Experts say factors are widespread and not tied to one policy or leadership style, while some cities dispute the official tallies.
The French Football Federation has announced Zinedine Zidane as the new coach of the France national team. Zidane has not coached since 2021 and signs a four-year contract. He succeeds Didier Deschamps, who has stepped down after the 2026 World Cup. Zidane says he is ready to lead the team to further glory.
Six Flags reveals Bakunawa, a 382-foot spinning launch coaster inspired by Philippine folklore. The ride will debut in 2027 at The Boardwalk, replacing Kingda Ka, with speeds up to 100 mph, three launches, and floorless, free‑spinning trains. The project aims to set multiple world records while expanding the park’s thrill lineup.