Republic in Central Europe, federal federation of nine states
EU discussions on curbing trade with Israeli settlements face deep division over ban, tariffs, or licensing. Several member states have already imposed or considered unilateral measures amid rising settlement activity and calls for accountability under international law. The debate follows new data on settlement expansion and international rulings.
FairSquare has lodged complaints with the IOC accusing Infantino of breaching political neutrality. The Balogun ban was suspended by FIFA’s disciplinary committee after a call from Donald Trump. FIFA says the committee acted independently, while critics warn the governance balance between FIFA and the IOC is shifting.
Spain has reached the World Cup final after a 2-1 win over France, setting up a final against Argentina. Argentina has secured a dramatic comeback win over England, keeping alive their title defence. The Guardian notes Spain’s control and Porro’s impact, while SBS and The Independent highlight Messi’s form and the tension around the knockout stage.
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.
Mohamed Salah has recovered from a hamstring strain and has taken part in light training ahead of Egypt’s World Cup round-of-32 match against Australia in Dallas. Coach Hossam Hassan has said Salah is fit to play but may not start, leaving the team to balance his influence with caution after he left the Iran game early and underwent scans and treatment.
Ultra-conservative Catholic group SSPX has announced plans to ordain four bishops in Ecône despite Vatican warnings. Excommunication for participants is set to follow, heightening tensions within the Catholic Church as Pope Leo XIV faces a decisive crisis over doctrinal unity.
Kylian Mbappé has extended his World Cup dominance, scoring twice as France overpowers Sweden 3-0 in the Round of 32. Olise and Barcola provide assists as France advances toward a potential clash with Paraguay; Deschamps contemplates legacy amid personal bereavement.
Switzerland has beaten Algeria 2-0 in a World Cup knockout match. Breel Embolo opened in the 10th minute after a Johan Manzambi run; Dan Ndoye doubled the lead within a minute of the second half after an Algerian clearance. Algeria pressed and made attacking changes but failed to score, ending their tournament while Switzerland advances to the last 16.
Iran finishes third in Group G with three points after draws against Belgium, New Zealand and Egypt. A stoppage-time offside decision denied a potential group victory, while travel and visa restrictions imposed by the U.S. complicated preparation and recovery, leaving Iran eliminated as the World Cup concludes.
Australia is updating its approach to under-16 social media restrictions as evidence shows the current ban is not fully stopping underage use. The government is considering stronger enforcement powers and new digital duty-of-care legislation to hold platforms accountable for harmful content and algorithm-driven harms. Several sources report on the latest statements by Prime Minister Albanese and the eSafety Commissioner as debates continue in Parliament.
Scotland faces a decisive moment as Brazil’s Vinícius Júnior delivers a sobering performance that could end their World Cup hopes. The team is aiming to secure a last-32 spot, with lineup changes and tactical tweaks under consideration ahead of a decisive match.
The World Cup knockouts are underway. France and Argentina dominate the top spots, Spain rises after a strong group run, and Brazil; England; and Portugal face early scrutiny as the window to the final narrows.
Germany has exited the World Cup in the last-32 after a penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay. Julian Nagelsmann has stepped down; Jurgen Klopp is set to discuss replacing him. The German Football Association will pursue talks with Klopp while weighing the team's need for structural change to reclaim form.
Scotland has been eliminated from the World Cup after finishing third in Group C with three points and a -3 goal difference, ending any hopes of progressing to the knockout rounds. The outcome follows a 3-0 defeat by Brazil and earlier results against Haiti and Morocco. The door remains open for other routes to advancement through third-place standings in the broader group stage.
Verstappen has finished second in Austria and warns Silverstone may be difficult under the new engine regulations. He says battery recovery is limited, making the Silverstone layout hard to manage. Hamilton notes Red Bull’s progress with weight reductions and upgrades, suggesting the team will be a force in upcoming races.
A continent-wide heatwave has intensified, with France, the Netherlands and Belgium reporting thousands of excess deaths as temperatures shatter records. Health systems are strained, and wildfires and droughts are spreading across southern Europe. Officials warn that climate change is driving more extreme heat, with record highs continuing into the coming days.
France 24 reports that DR Congo has advanced to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time, following a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan. England tops Group L after a win over Panama; Belgium faces Senegal; US advances to the Round of 16 with favorable simulations.
Iran has exited the World Cup after a group-stage finish that left them short of the knockout rounds. Reported tensions with the US have shaped their preparation, with a relocation of training to Mexico and limited access to the United States ahead of games in Los Angeles and Seattle.
Axel Springer has completed its £575m takeover of Telegraph Media Group, ending three years of ownership uncertainty. The deal will accelerate the Telegraph’s digital transformation and push for growth in the US, leveraging the group’s Politico and Business Insider assets. Editorial independence is described as sacrosanct, with focus on expanding UK and overseas reach.
The FDA has classified Utz’s recall of Zapp’s and Dirty chips as Class 1, indicating a serious health risk. The recall covers several product lines with best-by dates July 27–August 31, 2026. Utz first issued the recall in April after a third-party dry milk powder seasoning ingredient was flagged as a possible Salmonella source; thus far, no illnesses have been reported. Consumers should discard affected chips or seek refunds.
Co-host Mexico has advanced to the Round of 16 at World Cup 2026 after a 2-0 win over Ecuador, triggering huge public celebrations in Mexico City. At least two deaths have been confirmed due to crowd crush and asphyxiation near Paseo de la Reforma, prompting security tightenings and traffic controls. Authorities urge responsible celebrations as fans watch from designated areas.
Canada will send an act to the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027, making it the first new participant since Australia in 2015. The European Broadcasting Union says CBC/Radio-Canada will join as a full member, with selection details to be announced later this year. The move expands Eurovision beyond Europe, reflecting the contest’s global audience and Canadian talent.
Spain has sealed a spot in the World Cup last 16 after a 3-0 win over Austria. Mikel Oyarzabal netted twice and Pedro Porro added another as Lamine Yamal starred, creating chances and tormenting the Austrian defense. The victory keeps Spain as one of the favourites and sets up a round-of-16 clash against Portugal or Croatia.
President Donald Trump has publicly taunted Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni over a G7 photo, posting a meme that said "Restraining order needed" and repeating that she "begged" for a picture. European leaders have rallied to Meloni, and Washington is reviewing U.S. force posture in Europe after allies refused base access for strikes on Iran.
Fans across the US report cancelled or nonexistent World Cup tickets bought on StubHub. Lawsuits have been filed alleging false sales practices; authorities are probing ticket deliveries, while FIFA and StubHub point to the event organizer’s infrastructure.
Spain's Lamine Yamal carries Spain’s World Cup dream as he returns from a fitness setback; meanwhile, Erling Haaland scores late to seal Brazil's win in a dramatic display affecting knockout prospects.
Portugal has beaten Croatia 2-1 after Gonçalo Ramos scored a stoppage-time header to win the last-32 tie. Cristiano Ronaldo has converted a penalty — his first World Cup knockout goal — after Ivan Perišić had opened the scoring. Croatia thought they had equalised late, but VAR used ball-sensor "snicko" data to rule the goal out for offside.
Real Madrid has clarified it has no interest in signing Enzo Fernandez, dismissing speculation from Marca and others. The club reaffirmed respect for Chelsea and for Fernandez, whose 2022 World Cup win with Argentina preceded a 2023 move to Chelsea. The denial comes amid ongoing chatter about a potential deal, as Chelsea finished 10th in the Premier League last season.
Khaled al-Halabi and Musab Abu Rukbah have been found guilty in Vienna of torture and related crimes from 2011-2013 in Raqqa, under universal jurisdiction; both receive eight-year sentences and orders to pay compensation to victims. The trial marks a rare European prosecution of Syrian state agents; prosecutors allege systemic torture.
France has advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals after Mbappé converted a 70th-minute penalty to beat Paraguay 1-0 in Philadelphia. He is now seven goals in the tournament, tying Lionel Messi for the top-scorer title with Mbappé one behind Messi’s overall World Cup record. France will face Morocco in Foxborough in the next round.
FIFA has suspended the implementation of Balogun’s red-card sanction following a direct appeal by Donald Trump to Gianni Infantino, prompting wide criticism and reigniting questions about political influence in football. The move allows Balogun to play in the next World Cup match against Belgium, marking a rare departure from standard disciplinary practice.
Argentina has rallied to reach the 2026 World Cup final after a dramatic late comeback against England, with Lionel Messi providing decisive assists and a late winning cross. Messi’s performance has cemented his status as the tournament’s standout, as Argentina seeks back-to-back titles.
Spain advances to the World Cup quarter-finals after Mikel Merino’s stoppage-time winner in Dallas, sealing a 1-0 victory over Portugal. Ronaldo’s World Cup run ends as La Roja prepare to face the USA or Belgium in the next round.
Europe’s leaders are pursuing a global, integrated missile defense against future threats, while Ukraine seeks faster air-defense and a European-backed, lower-cost system. At Paris talks, Macron and Zelenskyy outline steps toward a coalition of the willing and the Freyja project to supplement, not replace, existing defenses.
France’s National Assembly has approved a bill to legalise medically assisted dying for adults with a serious, incurable illness in an advanced or terminal stage, with strict safeguards. The measure now goes to the Constitutional Council for review before it could become law, after the Senate previously rejected it by a wide margin.
Kimi Antonelli has extended his world championship lead after Spa-Francorchamps, where he won from pole and Mercedes’ Russell faced a straight-line speed deficit and a first-lap collision with Hamilton. Leclerc finished second, Verstappen third, Hamilton fourth; Russell’s race ended early. The result leaves Antonelli 50 points clear with 10 races left.