Central European nation and member of the EU and NATO
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.
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.
Russia has published a list of European companies allegedly producing drones for Ukraine and warned these could become targets for Russian strikes. The warning follows recent European agreements to increase drone supplies to Ukraine. Ukrainian strikes have damaged Russian oil infrastructure, while Ukraine accuses Russia of aiding Iran's attacks on US forces in the Middle East.
Authorities in Austria have identified rat poison in a sample of HiPP baby food jars sold at SPAR supermarkets. The jars, made with carrots and potatoes for 5-month-olds, have been recalled across Austria, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. The tampering is believed to be a criminal act, with no reports of consumption so far. The recall affects over 1,500 stores, and customers are advised not to consume the product and to seek refunds.
Authorities in Austria, Czechia, and Slovakia are investigating tampering with HiPP baby food jars sold at SPAR supermarkets. Samples tested positive for rat poison, believed to be a criminal act. The recall affects products made for 5-month-olds, with ongoing police investigations into the source and motives. No reports of ingestion have been confirmed.
Péter Magyar has been sworn in as Hungary’s prime minister after his Tisza party won a historic two‑thirds majority on April 12. His new 16‑ministry cabinet has been formed; he has pledged to recover allegedly misused state assets, restore democratic checks and rejoin EU mechanisms to unblock about €17bn in frozen funds.
Bulgaria has won Eurovision 2026 in Vienna with Dara's Bangaranga, finishing on 516 points. Israel's Noam Bettan has finished second on 343 points amid protests and a five-country boycott over Israel's war in Gaza. Organisers have tightened voting rules after allegations of organised voting for Israel.
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.
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.
Record ticket and travel prices have left many supporters unable to attend the 2026 World Cup across the United States, Canada and Mexico. FIFA's dynamic pricing, an expanded 48-team schedule and rising transport and accommodation costs have pushed some fans to cancel plans, resell tickets or watch from home, while host states warn of heavy transit bills. (Updated 17 Jun 2026)
Defence ministers are negotiating funding for the Defence Investment Plan as the government considers how to meet targets for defence spending. The debate has moved from initial allocations to how to fund a sustained increase while balancing other public budgets.
Mexico has hosted World Cup matches while many local fans say they have been priced out of stadiums and pay-TV coverage. Critics and Mexico's president have protested soaring ticket costs — including final tickets listed at tens of thousands of dollars — while FIFA has defended its pricing and offered limited $60 tickets and resale options.
Galleries have been shrinking and business models have been under sustained pressure at Art Basel this month, while major players have been narrowing investments and reshaping portfolios across regions. SoftBank has reduced deal activity in Latin America; Pace has cut artists and staff; recruitment firm Hays has sold operations; and community art projects and private collectors are adapting their approaches.
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.
FIFA’s dynamic pricing has driven ticket costs high for the 2026 World Cup in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Reports show many seats remain unsold or are being offered at steep discounts on resale sites, while organizers defend the pricing as market-driven and necessary to meet demand. With several matches not sold out, fans face four-figure prices even for lower-category seats.
Vacant seats and ticket-price concerns shade World Cup matches in North America. Stadiums report occupancy gaps despite high attendance figures, as organizers defend pricing and entry policies amid ongoing games.
AP, Al Jazeera and AP report on reactions to expanded World Cup and Ceferin remarks. The reaction from new entrants stresses every match carries meaning as qualifiers celebrate historic debuts; Ceferin’s comments trigger a multinational response emphasising universality.
Prague's St. Vitus Cathedral has received a new four-keyboard organ, built in Spain and transported to Prague after crowdfunding raised over 135 million Czech crowns. The instrument, with about 6,000 pipes, will be voiced in a series of eight concerts; the previous organ proved too small and broke down during the communist era.
South Korea has exited the World Cup group stage after a 1-0 loss in Monterrey, prompting the resignation of head coach Hong Myung-bo. Son Heung-min has apologized to fans, while South Korea’s president calls for sports-administration reforms. The team’s rising generation had been seen as key to future success.
The EU- Israel row has intensified after reports that EU foreign policy chief Kallas likened Gaza and West Bank policies to South Africa’s apartheid system. Sa’ar has severed contacts until a retracting statement is issued. The EU says dialogue remains open as divisions over settlements and sanctions persist.
A Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is driving rapid development of vaccines and antibody therapies. Doses of MBP134 are being used for compassionate use and clinical trials, while several vaccine candidates are advancing toward human testing. Trials face challenges from battlefield-like conditions in eastern Congo and Uganda.
Mexico has secured Group A top spot after Romo’s 50th-minute goal and a pivotal double save from Raúl Rangel preserved a 1-0 win over South Korea, keeping them on course for the knockout rounds. The result keeps Mexico at home for the last-32, with South Korea needing results elsewhere to advance.
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.
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.
Romania and the Czech Republic face funding and independence concerns as governments consider shifting public broadcasters to state financing. In the Czech case, thousands protest plans to fund Czech Television and Czech Radio from the state budget, potentially reducing funding by about 15% and risking staff layoffs and editorial independence. In Romania, caretaker governance risks a constitutional crisis as parties negotiate a minority government ahead of EU funding targets and credit ratings.
South Africa has earned a precious point after a 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic in a World Cup group match. A first-half strike by Michal Sadilek put the Czechs ahead, but Teboho Mokoena converted a late penalty after Pavel Sulc’s handball, ensuring Bafana Bafana avoid an early exit. Both sides now sit on one point after opening losses.
The government has introduced an Immigration and Asylum Bill that will recover costs from asylum seekers with sufficient funds and create new safe routes funded by community groups, universities, and employers. The policy is controversial, drawing criticism from charities and opposition who warn it could deter refugees and overburden families.
Switzerland has beaten Canada 2-1 to seal top spot in Group B while Canada exits the group stage after a historic run; Bosnia and Herzegovina beat Qatar 3-1 to finish third and await potential extension based on points. Vargas and Manzambi strike for Switzerland; Edin Džeko nets milestone moment for Bosnia; Koné returns from injury in Vancouver.
The Czech Republic’s president has secured a place in the official delegation to the NATO summit in Ankara, after a court injunction forced the government to accredit him. The move comes as Prime Minister Babiš faces scrutiny over defence spending and the separation of powers.
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.
A driver in Cabo San Lucas has died after a crowd-scene incident following Mexico’s win over the Czech Republic. Officials say the driver was surrounded, accelerated to clear the crowd, and struck pedestrians before crashing. Dozens were injured; authorities are investigating the sequence of events.
Canada finished second in Group B after a 6-0 win over Qatar and a draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina, while South Africa finished runners-up in Group A after a slow start and key win over South Korea. The last-32 match in Los Angeles pits Marsch’s men against Bafana Bafana, with the winner advancing to face either the Netherlands or Morocco.
Wildfires are raging in southern France and central Greece amid a heatwave that has intensified across Europe. French fires have prompted evacuations near Marseille, while Greek blazes in Fthiotida threaten homes and forests. Greece is harnessing satellite technology to monitor the fires as climate change amplifies the threat.
Mexico City authorities have tightened security after a World Cup knockout win led to multiple deaths in crowd celebrations; officials report four deaths from asphyxiation and cardiac arrest near Paseo de la Reforma, with access to key sites limited and alcohol sales restricted as fans watch from designated viewing areas.
Allwyn has announced that UK National Lottery players will join a shared Powerball jackpot exceeding 1 billion pounds, with tickets on sale from 21 July and the first UK draw on 23 July. The game follows a 450 million upgrade to the lottery’s tech and a major overhaul to Lotto, with prizes starting at £12 million and potentially reaching billions. A fixed £8 prize is available for matching two main numbers, and a guaranteed £1 million for matching five.