Republic on the Adriatic coast, a member of the EU and NATO
Filip Hrgovic defeats Moses Itauma in the ninth round to seize the vacant IBF heavyweight title. Itauma, 21, sees his reign as rising star end after a dramatic, grueling bout at the O2 Arena. Hrgovic becomes Croatia’s first heavyweight champion as Itauma leaves with injuries and questions about conditioning.
Itauma has fallen short in his bid to become Britain’s youngest world heavyweight champion, as Filip Hrgovic defeats him in a ninth-round stoppage at the O2 Arena. Itauma has been hospitalized for precautionary checks and will return to training after taking the experience in stride.
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.
Newcastle United faces continued pressure as Bruno Guimarães pushes for a move to Arsenal, while the club pursues replacements after high-profile summer exits. Bazoumana Touré has joined for £43m, with Sean Steur set to arrive from Ajax; the squad rebuild accelerates as tensions rise over player departures and strategic direction.
England’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina features enforcement of a new rule allowing red cards for players who cover their mouths during verbal confrontations. Paredes questioned Kane’s actions; Hincapié and Almirón were punished earlier in the tournament for similar moves. The IFAB and FIFA have supported the measure, signaling stricter enforcement going forward.
England has beaten France 6-4 in the World Cup third-place match in Miami after Bukayo Saka scored a hat-trick. England led 4-0 at half-time before France rallied with Kylian Mbappé scoring twice to become the all-time World Cup top scorer. Jude Bellingham added England’s final goal to finish the game 6-4.
Across Paris, Bastille Day preparations unfold as leaders from Europe gather to show unity with Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. The parade will include thousands of troops, with the Coalition of the Willing presenting a show of support. France also confronts a third heatwave, prompting some restrictions on fireworks and public events.
EU conferences open for Ukraine, Moldova, Albania and Montenegro mark renewed momentum in enlargement talks. Kyiv partners with Brussels to advance five policy clusters; Hungary's veto persists on two clusters. Ukraine seeks I EU reform alignment amid security concerns as Russia’s war continues.
Ismail Elfath has been named the referee for England v Argentina in the 2026 World Cup knockout stage. The US official has previously refereed at Qatar 2022 and is one of a record eight US referees at the tournament.
South Africa’s Chad Le Clos has extended his Commonwealth Games medal tally to 19 with a recent bronze and gold, as he pivots toward butterfly events and a fifth Olympic bid in Los Angeles.
England suffers a 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the semi-final, with late goals from Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez overturning an early lead from Anthony Gordon. England will play the bronze match against France; Kane contemplates the next steps in his international career as the team shifts focus to Nations League.
England leads through Anthony Gordon but Argentina nets two late goals to win 2-1 in the World Cup semi-final, ending England's bid for a first final since 1966. Tuchel faces criticism for defensive changes as England's momentum collapses; France looms for third place.
Three years after the EU-Tunisia Memorandum of Understanding, rights groups say the pact has intensified border controls and serious human rights violations, amid calls to suspend the agreement and reassess safeguards. Reports detail intercepted departures, abuses, and restricted asylum access, with EU funding tied to Tunisian authorities.
A synthesis of recent coverage shows investors digesting new data, with analysts noting ongoing shifts in policy expectations and equity benchmarks amid mixed earnings and macro signals.
England's World Cup bid ends in a 2-1 semifinal defeat to Argentina in Atlanta. Anthony Gordon's first-half strike put England ahead, but a late Argentine surge secures the win. Tuchel's changes are under scrutiny as England return home with hard questions about their game management and mentality.
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.
England and France meet in the bronze final in Miami as both teams seek to salvage pride after semifinal defeats. Deschamps and Tuchel acknowledge the consolation nature, while Mbappé and Kane chase individual milestones and potential Golden Boot contention. Prize money and final standings are on the line.
Spain defeats Argentina in a dramatic final, delivering a standout team performance and concluding a tournament that delivered entertainment and questions about its lasting legacy. The victory underscores Spain’s cohesive style and resilience, while Argentina’s star power could not sustain a late comeback.
Scottish clubs Hearts, Rangers, Hibernian and Motherwell will learn their European paths after the draws in Nyon. Rangers face Jagellonia Bialystok in the Europa League third qualifying round; Hearts could meet Benfica if they advance from Sturm Graz; Hibs and Motherwell discover potential third-round opponents in the Conference League. The fixtures are two-legged and scheduled in August, with seedings shaping seeds and matchups.
A sweeping heatwave has intensified wildfires across southern France and parts of central Spain. Evacuations are underway, dozens of firefighting aircraft are deployed, and authorities warn that the fires could worsen as temperatures stay high.
England's bid at this World Cup has ended in semi-final heartbreak, with a third-place finish their best since 1966. The Guardian reports on on-pitch moments and off-pitch memes, while BBC Business focuses on fan coping mechanisms as Germany and other teams exit.
Prince Harry has discussed England’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina on James Corden’s show, noting a shift in mindset after conceding late goals. Kane reflects on the heartbreak, praising Gareth Southgate’s leadership and vowing to rebuild following a 6-4 bronze-medal win over France. Tuchel defends his substitutions amid mounting criticism.
Spain has won the 2026 World Cup, defeating Argentina in extra time thanks to Ferran Torres’s winner. The victory secures Spain’s second World Cup and makes them the first nation to hold both the men’s and women’s trophies simultaneously. A record 38-match unbeaten run accompanies the triumph, with millions celebrating in Madrid.
The Geopolitics World Cup has dominated headlines, but focus is shifting as Real Madrid, Arsenal and other clubs shape bid plans around Vinícius Junior and Yan Diomande amid ongoing contract talks. The tournament continues to influence transfer chatter and create a miasma of speculation.
Dinamo Zagreb have defeated FC Kauno Žalgiris 5-0 in the Croatian capital, with McKenna scoring and helping Zagreb solidify their lead in the tie. The 29-year-old defender, who has been linked with Rangers, has featured prominently in Europe this season as Zagreb push towards the play-off round.
Manchester City’s new manager Enzo Maresca faces a midfield puzzle as Rodri undergoes back surgery, with questions over his return and possible moves in a window that also sees new signings like Elliot Anderson and cautious talk around James Trafford and Jack Grealish.
Since late July 2026, fast-moving wildfires have forced more than 200,000 people to flee across southwestern France and central Spain. Fires have scorched tens of thousands of hectares, pushed toward Bordeaux and towns west of Madrid, injured firefighters and prompted France to deploy soldiers while Spain has declared a national emergency.
King Kazu Miura has scored for Fukushima United in a 7-0 Emperor’s Cup win, extending his record as the oldest goalscorer and signaling a continued late-career push as he remains under contract into 2027.
A series of unprecedented wildfires are sweeping through southwestern France and central Spain, forcing hundreds of thousands to evacuate. Authorities warn the blazes are fierce and unpredictable, with climate-driven heat and winds complicating firefighting efforts. Macron pledges support; Spain’s Sanchez calls for climate action as fires intensify.
Scientists have found that human-caused warming has made the hot, dry and windy weather that fuelled this summer’s wildfires far more likely: roughly 20 times more likely in central Spain and about twice as likely in parts of France. The results accompany mass evacuations, record burn areas and heavy smoke that has crossed international borders.
Widespread wildfires in southwestern France and across Europe have intensified, prompting massive evacuations and triggering a coordinated EU response as heatwaves persist and drought tightens conditions.
Air India’s Phuket-Delhi flight has encountered turbulence during descent, with minor injuries reported and the aircraft landing safely. Investigations are underway as questions about turbulence frequency and safety persist amid ongoing discussions about climate-related weather changes.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has seen European and several other confederations pull back support after the aborted Forward Enterprise plan to privatise parts of the World Cup, amid varied backing from South American and African bodies.
Europe endures a blistering heat wave with temperatures above 40C in several countries. Italy places all 27 major cities on red heat alerts; authorities extend evening hours at Rome’s Colosseum and Pantheon and open cooling measures. Wildfires, drought and energy stress accompany the heat, prompting precautions for residents and visitors.
Zelenskyy has warned that air-defence shortages could worsen as Russia launches a wave of ballistic missiles and drones. Ukraine is relying on allies for Patriot interceptors, with talks about domestic production and European partnerships intensifying. At least 17 people have been killed across Kyiv and surrounding areas, while drones have been largely shot down.
Volkswagen has signaled a major restructuring, with plans to cut up to 100,000 jobs as it faces tariff costs and competition from Chinese brands. Porsche SE reiterates support for management, stressing competitiveness as the company navigates a historic crossroads.
Waymo has expanded its Ojai robotaxi rollout, adding more U.S. markets and plans to accelerate fleet growth. The company is integrating its sixth‑generation self‑driving system with Zeekr’s Ojai platform, aiming to reduce cost and improve safety as deployments accelerate globally.
The UK has faced a fifth heatwave this summer, with record highs in several locations. A cooler spell is moving in over the weekend, bringing rain to some drought-affected areas. Health alerts remain in place as authorities monitor ongoing drought and heat-related pressures.
Russia’s athletics federation has filed a new appeal at CAS to overturn World Athletics sanctions that ban Russian and Belarusian athletes from global events. The IOC has allowed Russian competitors in some Olympic qualifiers, sparking debate among federations that have eased restrictions in other sports. The case tests the balance between sport and politics as World Athletics defends its integrity.
GDP has expanded by 0.4% in Q2, driven by services and a hot-weather World Cup boost. Yet growth remains delicate amid high energy prices and geopolitical tensions, with Treasury modelling warning of a slower 2027 if Iran-hostilities persist.
Belgians battle a historic wildfire in the High Fens as Europe endures a heat-driven fire season. Firefighters are reinforced by EU civil-protection aid; evacuations continue in several villages as authorities warn homes may be at risk.
A severe wildfire has forced the evacuation of about 1,000 people in Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, with Omis and Lokva Rogoznica among affected areas. The blaze, fed by gale-force winds, has caused casualties and widespread damage as firefighters battle the flames through Thursday night and Friday morning.
Europe faces a sweeping heatwave with multiple wildfires across Belgium, Greece, France and Spain. Authorities report evacuations, firefighting efforts and evolving fronts near borders, with rainfall providing limited relief. Investigations into arson and unexplained flare-ups feature in some reports.
A man identified as Vladimir Z. has been arrested in Pula, Croatia, on a European arrest warrant related to the 2022 Nord Stream explosions. Prosecutors seek detention pending extradition to Germany. Polish authorities previously identified him as Volodymyr Zhuravlov. The case ties into ongoing investigations into who attacked the Nord Stream pipelines and how EU states will handle extradition.
Hikers face new limits on the Tour du Mont-Blanc as French towns consider hut reservations next spring to curb crowding. In parallel, a feature from the French Alps highlights remote refuges and mountain hospitality.
Moses Itauma is challenging Filip Hrgović for the vacant IBF heavyweight title at London’s O2 Arena. He is aiming to become the second-youngest heavyweight champion of all time, behind Mike Tyson, while facing a veteran opponent in Hrgović. Promoter Frank Warren backs him to win as Itauma defends his unbeaten record.
British heavyweight Moses Itauma is defending his IBF title bid against Filip Hrgovic at the O2 Arena in London. Itauma aims to become the second-youngest heavyweight champion after Mike Tyson, with Hrgovic predicting victory. Tensions run high after confrontations at weigh-ins and press events as both boxers stake their claims to the crown.
Voters in Iceland have rejected a proposal to resume negotiations on EU membership, with 52.8% voting no and 47.2% yes. The referendum, held amid concerns about sovereignty, fisheries, and potential economic benefits, sees Reykjavik as the only area voting in favor. The result ends a decade-long push after talks were suspended in 2013.
A trio of travel features from Independent and The Guardian highlights luxury hotels in Crete, Dubrovnik and Crevan near Venice. Buyers are eyeing boutique stays, private villas and heritage properties as tourism recovers and high-net-worth buyers explore the lagoon and Adriatic coast. The Guardian notesCrevan’s Napoleonic fort conversion and private amenities as Venice’s market heats up.