Central European, landlocked nation in the EU with Prague as capital
Luke Littler has won the Czech Open in Prague, defeating Luke Humphries in the final after a late rally. The 19-year-old world number one secures a place in Dortmund and eyes a calendar-year sweep of ranking events in 2026. Greaves becomes first woman to win a European Tour event, beating Daryl Gurney in a landmark run.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
President Donald Trump has overridden the NATO agenda at a summit in Ankara by pressing allies to boost defence spending, threatening trade with Spain, and floating withdrawal of US troops from Europe. He has also signalled he will lift sanctions on Turkey and is considering selling F‑35 jets and engines to Ankara, prompting Israeli and European alarm.
Allwyn is launching Powerball in the UK with a shared jackpot that can exceed £1 billion, paid over three decades. Tickets go on sale 21 July; the first UK draw is 23 July. A £8 fixed prize for matching two main numbers and a £1 million fixed prize for matching five main numbers are introduced, alongside a £12 million start and dynamic, multi-country payouts. The technology overhaul and regulatory clearance are ongoing. The Guardian reports a public consultation on the lottery’s future.
George Clooney has been chosen to receive the Golden Lion at the 83rd Venice Film Festival, which runs from September 2–12. He has described the honor as tremendous and noted it may mean he is old. Venice holds personal significance for Clooney, including his 2014 marriage in the city.
Two Czech finalists are set to compete in Wimbledon 2026 after dramatic semi-finals. Linda Noskova and Karolina Muchova have reached the final, with Noskova defeating Marta Kostyuk and Muchova surviving a battle with Coco Gauff to claim a spot in the showpiece. The weekend promises a first-time Wimbledon women’s champion from the Czech Republic.
South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams has been found dead at a home in Cape Town's Schotsche Kloof neighbourhood. Police have opened an inquest and are investigating; authorities have not released a cause of death. Adams had played in South Africa's three World Cup group matches and had helped the nation reach the knockout stage for the first time.
Linda Noskova has won Wimbledon 2026 women’s singles, defeating Karolina Muchova 6-2, 5-7, 6-3 in a dramatic all-Czech final. Noskova survives a late collapse to claim her first grand slam, continuing the Czech run of titles at the Championships.
Since mid-July, a series of fast-moving wildfires has scorched large areas of France and Spain, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee. French authorities have mobilised soldiers, masks and international firefighting aircraft as flames approach Bordeaux and fires burn near Paris, the Var and Fontainebleau. Extreme heat and drought have fuelled unusually early, violent fires.
West Ham captain Bowen has reaffirmed his commitment to the club amid a summer of transfer activity. The side is rebuilding under new majority shareholder Daniel Kretínský and manager Rita Guarino, aiming to return to the Premier League after relegation. Bowen travelled to Prague for discussions and has been convinced by the club’s direction and ambition.
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.
At the Lumberjack World Championships in Hayward, Wisconsin, Karolina Urbanová of the Czech Republic and Meredith Ingbretson of Hayward have set world records in their events across three-day competition featuring 66 men and 40 women from 16 states and nine countries.
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office has initiated a probe into EU funds funneled to the Agrofert group. The move follows a June letter from European Delegated Prosecutor Daniela Bárti ková about potential criminal proceedings concerning EU subsidies, tying back to former prime minister Babiš and his control over Agrofert. The Commission is assessing Prague’s steps to sever links, while Czech authorities continue subsidies to Agrofert.
European wildfires have expanded across France, Spain and neighbouring regions, prompting mass evacuations and international aid. Authorities warn the crisis will persist as heatwaves, drought and shifting winds drive flames toward populated areas. Firefighting resources are being deployed from multiple countries to curb the blazes.
China has restricted exports of dual-use items to 14 European organizations and barred foreign firms from supplying them with such items, in a response to EU sanctions on Russia. The measures cover firms spanning Czech, Italian, German and French industries, and come as Brussels expands penalties against Moscow.
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.
The Odyssey has sustained strong demand for its rare IMAX 70mm screenings, with limited global reels and high ticket prices. Studios are extending availability and audiences travel far to experience Nolan’s work as theatres struggle to meet demand.
Ceuta remains in crisis as thousands more migrants have arrived and EU partners call for swift action. Spain is coordinating a response with Morocco while deploying security forces to the enclave. Unaccompanied minors and humanitarian concerns are mounting as shelters fill and authorities assess reception options.
Extreme heat has gripped central and eastern Europe, with Slovakia seeing 42°C in Dolné Plachtince and Austria hitting a national high. The Danube’s water levels are at record lows, threatening energy supply and transport. Forecasts warn the heat will persist, with officials urging conservation and vigilance against heat-related health risks.
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.
South Korea’s football association has apologised for controversial conduct surrounding payments for sexual services by referees in the early 2010s, with police investigations and a leadership shake-up following the team’s disappointing World Cup campaign.
Ceuta remains at the center of a political firestorm as thousands of migrants surged into the enclave from Morocco, prompting Spain to escalate border controls and Italy to suspend Schengen travel with Spain. Officials report dozens dead, and the EU faces renewed scrutiny over border security and humanitarian obligations.
Spain has threatened reciprocal measures against Italy after Rome partially suspended Schengen border controls in response to a mass migrant rush to Ceuta. Spain calls the move unjustified and discriminatory and says it will take proportionate measures if Italy does not reverse course. The dispute comes as around 80,000 migrants reached Ceuta, with many deaths reported.
Moroccan forces have detained scores of people near Fnideq after social media calls encouraged a repeat mass crossing toward the Spanish exclave of Ceuta. Security services have used tear gas and set up checkpoints; Spain has kept extra police, soldiers and a maritime barrier in place while several news agencies were ordered to leave the Moroccan border town.
Spain has imposed reciprocal border checks on travellers from Italy after Rome has kept controls that it introduced following a deadly mass crossing into Ceuta on 30–31 July. Italy has said it will not lift checks until it is satisfied there is no new migration wave or security risk. The dispute has fractured EU unity and left thousands still in Ceuta.
Tens of thousands of people crossed from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta at the end of July. Spanish and local officials have said roughly 70,000 returned but Ceuta’s leader estimates 3,000–11,000 remain, including hundreds of unaccompanied minors living in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions. The influx has provoked EU diplomatic rows and temporary border checks.
Scotland has named Sebastien Pocognoli as its new head coach, succeeding Steve Clarke. Pocognoli, a 39-year-old former Belgium international, has led Union Saint-Gilloise to a Belgian title and most recently managed Monaco. His appointment signals a shift to a front-foot, high-press style and aims to build on Clarke’s foundations.
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.
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.
Czech qualifier Sara Bejlek has upset world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in Cincinnati, rallying from 5-1 down in the first-set tiebreak and saving two set points to win 7-6(7) 6-4. The result puts Elena Rybakina’s hold on the top ranking in jeopardy as she can replace Sabalenka at the summit by reaching the final.
Rangers have taken a narrow lead in their Conference League qualifier after Ryan Naderi scored in the 50th minute, with Cammy Devlin sent off late on for a reckless challenge. The tie now moves to the Czech Republic for the return leg, where Rangers will aim to seal progress.
Celtic has collapsed from a 4-0 aggregate lead to a 5-4 loss in Linz, exiting the Champions League playoff. Manager Martin O’Neill has taken responsibility, while players defend the team as they face a costly European setback.
Serena Williams has reunited with Carlos Alcaraz at the U.S. Open for mixed doubles, marking her first appearance on the New York hardcourt since 2022. The revamped format pairs star singles players with doubles specialists, a move that has drawn criticism for prioritising star power over specialists. The pair won their opening match but were eliminated from the later rounds, reflecting both Williams’ comeback and the format’s mixed reception.
Wawrinka has been granted a wild-card entry to the 2026 US Open after Patrick Kypson withdrew, allowing the 41-year-old to bid farewell on tennis’ biggest stage in New York.
The Champions League league phase draw has placed PSG, Bayern, Real Madrid and others into eight-match groups for the 2026–27 campaign, with fixtures kicking off in September 2026 and Madrid hosting the final on 5 June 2027. Arsenal and Liverpool face stern tests as they bid to advance to the knockout rounds.
Persistent heat and water shortages have dried thousands of hectares of fish ponds from Hungary to the Czech Republic, Romania and Romania. The fish industry has suffered millions in losses as farmers struggle to save stock and adapt water use.
Serena and Venus Williams, aged 44 and 46, have fallen short in a dramatic first-round doubles match at the US Open, losing 6-3 6-7 (6) 7-6 (7-6). The return, highly anticipated, showcased their enduring talent and sparked questions about their futures. Joint and Chan Hao-ching edged them out in a nail-biting decider at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
UEFA has fined Red Star Belgrade 90,000 euros and banned ticket sales for their next away match after supporters chanted in tribute to Ratko Mladić, who died last week in The Hague while serving a life sentence for genocide. The incident followed a 5-1 defeat by Viktoria Plzeň on Aug. 27.