Republic of Croatia: Central/Southeast Europe, Adriatic coast
Sean McCann, 21, is set to compete in longer-distance freestyle events at the Glasgow Games. A Loughborough University student, he hopes a strong showing will propel him into Great Britain’s 2028 Olympic team. His sister Madeleine’s 2007 disappearance remains a backdrop to his ascent.
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.
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.
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.
Ipswich Town has signed 29-year-old Moroccan international Issa Diop on a contract until 2030, adding Premier League experience to a newly promoted squad. The deal follows a busy summer of signings, including Abdul Fatawu and Emersonn, and Crosing paths with Diop’s World Cup participation.
Spain has defeated Argentina in a dramatic World Cup final in New York, delivering a surprise champion amid questions over the tournament’s pace and spectacle. England’s run ends in the semi-finals, while Scotland’s supporters travel abroad leaving a cultural footprint. The Final raised debates about format, legacy and global reach.
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'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.
A wave of polo shirts is shaping fashion and public life. From football managers and politicians to celebrities, the polo is crossing borders and industries. Sales and social buzz point to a sustained revival driven by preppy styling and casual formality.
Two early‑season heatwaves have broken June temperature records across western Europe, pushing many locations above 40°C, triggering red alerts, disrupting transport and power, and causing dozens of deaths in France and other countries. Scientists have said human‑caused warming has made this event far more likely and night‑time temperatures have remained unusually high.
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.
England has secured a last-16 spot after overturning a 1-0 deficit with Gordon assisting Kane’s brace; attention shifts to penalties and Tuchel’s preparation ahead of a clash with Mexico. Penalty strategy and shootout readiness dominate coverage as teams progress through the World Cup.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 has opened with record attendance and viral moments, including fans in North America celebrating Viking Row and England’s fans singing Wonderwall. The Mirror reports concern that chants referencing Trump and Epstein could complicate White House handling as the United States hosts matches.
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 exited the World Cup group stage after defeats to Morocco and Brazil, with a 1-0 win over Haiti. Steve Clarke has stepped down as Scotland head coach after seven years in charge, ending a tenure that delivered three major tournament appearances and a long-awaited return to a World Cup.
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.
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.
The United States Men’s National Team has secured a top-of-Group D finish and now faces Bosnia and Herzegovina in Santa Clara. Christian Pulisic is fit to start, boosting hopes of a last-16 tie while fans pack the San Francisco Bay Stadium amid high demand for tickets.
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.
Portugal defeats Croatia 2-1 in a dramatic World Cup clash, with Gonçalo Ramos' stoppage-time header sealing progress to the last 16 as VAR denies a late Croatian equaliser and Cristiano Ronaldo features in what could be his World Cup swan song.
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.
The Guardian, Scotsman and Independent report Ange Postecoglou has been appointed Al-Nassr head coach on a two-year deal, aiming to revive his career after a brief, troubled spell at Nottingham Forest. He will work with Cristiano Ronaldo and other stars as the Saudi Pro League champions pursue further success.
Morocco has moved into the World Cup knockout rounds with a disciplined, counter-attacking display, while questions linger over their former coach and the direction of the team.
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.
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.
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 has reached the World Cup semi-final after a 2-1 win over Norway in Miami. Jude Bellingham has scored twice to take his tally to six for the tournament, while Thomas Tuchel criticises the performance as sloppy despite the result. The team now prepares for a semi-final against Argentina in Atlanta.
Britain’s Wimbledon run is contrasted by a worrying pattern: a wild card’s surprise semi-final runs mask a wider lack of sustained success. The sport’s centre of gravity remains abroad and domestic grassroots funding is under scrutiny.
Slaven Bilic has returned to lead Croatia, taking over a team that exited the World Cup in the Round of 32 after a 2-1 loss to Portugal. Dalic has stepped down after nearly a decade in charge, and Bilic is set to guide Croatia toward Euro 2028.
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.
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.
Graham Platner has withdrawn from the Maine Senate race after a sexual assault allegation. Democrats are replacing him and will hold a nominating convention by July 27 to select a new candidate to challenge Susan Collins in November. Several contenders are weighing runs as the party grapples with the upheaval and the race tightens.
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.
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.
Scottish sides feature in Europa and Conference League draws. Hearts, Rangers, Hibs and Motherwell have updated pathways for European ties after Monday draws in Nyon, with next rounds and potential opponents outlined for each team.