Bosnia and Herzegovina in the news amid political tensions and regional upheaval; a Balkan state still grappling with governance amid emigration. Biog: Southeast European country, capital Sarajevo, complex post-Yugoslav framework.
Paul Quinn has been convicted of a 2003 Salford rape and will serve 24 years, with an up to 14-year parole; the court notes the impact on the survivor. The case reopens questions about miscarriages of justice in the Malkinson matter and police conduct. The Independent, Guardian and AP report developments and ongoing inquiries.
On April 1, 2026, Bosnia and Herzegovina defeated four-time World Cup champions Italy in a dramatic penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw, ending Italy's streak of World Cup appearances and securing Bosnia's place in the 2026 tournament. Italy's coach Gennaro Gattuso resigned following the loss. The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams across North America, with Bosnia placed in Group B.
Co-hosts Mexico and the United States are finalising squads amid tactical adjustments, while Canada eyes a strong run in a competitive Group and Scotland look to kick off with momentum. The Guardian and Al Jazeera pieces outline strategic setups and key players ahead of the tournament.
Canada has formally urged a timely USMCA review and signaled possible extension options as tariffs and trade tensions ripple across North America. Leaders in Ottawa and Washington stress the pact’s value while debates over annual reviews or a 16-year extension intensify.
EU leaders are advancing talks with six Western Balkan states at a Montenegro summit to demonstrate real progress toward possible EU membership, with Montenegro and Albania leading the way while Ukraine and Moldova push for steps like associate membership. The talks come amid debate over how to handle enlargement and security implications in the region.
FIFA has cancelled tickets allocated at no charge to about 60 fans after a website checkout error. The tickets remain reserved, and buyers are invited to complete payment at the correct price as investigations into ticketing practices continue in New York and New Jersey.
Belgium has shifted its World Cup approach under coach Rudi Garcia, emphasising defence amid an attack-led setup as Doku and Lukaku headline a transformed squad. Iran faces geopolitical scrutiny and a grind-it-out approach as it eyes progress from a tough group.
Canada’s coach Jesse Marsch has emphasised national pride and the home World Cup pressure ahead of Friday’s Group B opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina, while stating Canada and the US are embracing the moment rather than fearing it.
Canada has drawn 1-1 with Bosnia & Herzegovina in Toronto after Larin’s equaliser in the 78th minute. Lukic had put Bosnia ahead in the 21st minute. Canada dominated but failed to convert chances until Larin’s impact off the bench.
Canada has earned a 1-1 draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina with a late equalizer from Larin after entering as a substitute, while celebrities including Ryan Reynolds and Mike Myers were in attendance at BMO Field for the first men’s World Cup match on Canadian soil.
The United States has opened its World Cup campaign on home soil with a dominant 4-1 victory over Paraguay. Christian Pulisic has been substituted at halftime as a precaution for a back-of-leg issue, while Folarin Balogun and Gio Reyna secure goals in a convincing display.