Plurinational, landlocked republic in central South America
Infantino has steered a record 2026 World Cup across the US, Canada and Mexico, logging extensive travel and attendance figures. The event has drawn praise for scale and unity, while drawing scrutiny over costs, security and geopolitical tensions.
A Colombia‑ and Netherlands‑hosted summit in Santa Marta has convened more than 50 countries (April 24–29) to open political debate on phasing out oil, gas and coal. Organisers are focusing on renewable energy, energy security and finance while major producers such as Saudi Arabia and some large economies are not attending.
Labor unions, community groups and democratic organisations have been organising a nationwide May Day "economic blackout" for 1 May, calling for "no school, no work, no shopping". Organisers say events have more than doubled from last year and that city-wide actions are being planned in Los Angeles, Chicago and elsewhere to press immigration, voting and workers' rights.
Tens of thousands in Argentina have taken to streets to protest funding shortfalls for public universities. The demonstrations come as Milei’s government has challenged a funded-operating-cost law and faces rising inflation and a corruption probe into allies.
Mass protests by miners, farmers, teachers and unions have paralysed La Paz and El Alto, blocking roads and causing shortages of fuel, food and medicine. Clashes with police have involved tear gas, dynamite blasts and arrests. President Rodrigo Paz has reshuffled his cabinet and deployed security forces while international aid and diplomatic tensions are rising.
Protests across Bolivia continue with clashes reported in La Paz and El Alto as demonstrations press President Paz to reverse austerity measures. The government has halved ministers’ salaries and sought dialogue, while international actors offer humanitarian aid and call for negotiations amidst ongoing shortages of fuel, food and medicine.
The United States has expanded sanctions and enforced an energy blockade that has cut fuel supplies to Cuba, targeted President Miguel Díaz‑Canel, members of the Castro family and military institutions, and has indicted former president Raúl Castro; the measures have deepened power outages, food and medicine shortages and drawn condemnation from the UN human rights commissioner.
Iraq has secured a playoff win and earned a spot in the 2026 World Cup, despite a grueling travel saga. Players and staff faced long, interrupted journeys from Baghdad to Amman, then to Mexico, before beating Bolivia 2-1 to reach the final. Back home, celebrations electrify Baghdad as the nation basks in a rare moment of national unity.
A roundup of how African, Arab and European teams are finalising squads and tactics for the 2026 World Cup in North America. Managers reshuffle, injuries and tactical changes shape expectations as teams prepare to the tournament. The Guardian and other outlets report on Egypt, DR Congo, Jordan, Tunisia, and more as they approach their first appearances or campaigns.
The United States has reaffirmed support to its Latin American allies amid ongoing protests in Bolivia as President Paz reshuffles his cabinet and faces strong domestic opposition. Washington has linked regional security to counter-narcotics networks and expanded its hemispheric involvement through the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition (A3C). Protests continue as Bolivian authorities deploy measures to restore order.
Scotland has cancelled a closed-door training game with Norway in Charlotte due to injuries, prompting strong criticism from Norway’s coach and players. Clarke says the cancellation is precautionary, while Norway allege unprofessional conduct. The dispute follows Billy Gilmour’s injury and Scotland’s 4-0 win over Bolivia.
The Cuba energy crisis has intensified amid rounds of U.S. sanctions targeting Cupet and the government. Shipments from Colombia and other allies have sought to ease shortages, but power outages and food shortages persist as Havana faces a growing economic squeeze.
Scotland has stressed it relies on 26 players to navigate the World Cup group stage, with Scott McTominay’s fitness a focal point after stomach illness. McTominay is training ahead of Scotland’s opener against Haiti, while Billy Gilmour is travelling with the squad and McKenna’s fitness is monitored.
South Korea has beaten the Czech Republic 2-1 in Guadalajara as Oh Hyeon-gyu seals victory after Hwang In-beom’s equaliser, with Son Heung-min’s side top of Group A alongside Mexico.
Bolivia has declared a 90-day state of emergency to restore order and ensure fuel and food supplies after weeks of road blockades. The decree allows the military to support police and targets disruption of transportation, while protests connect to wider economic demands. Some blockades are easing, but tensions persist as talks continue.
In the wake of Mexico hosting the World Cup, families of missing people highlight 135,000 cases across the country, using the tournament to draw attention. Guadalajara features FIFA-style posters, while protests press for government action and enhanced search efforts.
Bolivia remains mired in nationwide road blockades led by coca growers allied with Evo Morales, with authorities reporting fatalities and economic disruption. A state of emergency is in force for 90 days as security forces and police work to reopen key transport links amid ongoing protests.
England prepares for a 1am local kickoff in Mexico City as the World Cup last-16 clash against co-hosts Mexico tests players, staff, and fans. Altitude, travel fatigue, and sleep schedules are shaping preparations, while employers weigh flexible working policies for workers watching late games.
Colombia’s president-elect Abelardo de la Espriella has suspended the transition with incumbent President Gustavo Petro, accusing him of planning a coup. Petro denies fraud and international observers have praised the vote. The new cabinet is being announced as tensions rise over governance, oil policy, and the future of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace.