Argentine football icon and manager, one of the sport’s greatest players
Police have launched a murder investigation after three members of a single family were found dead at a house on the Cullybackey Road. Post-mortems will determine cause of death, and police say the public is not at risk. A vigil is planned for tonight as investigators work at the scene.
Spain have reached the World Cup final, defeating France 2-0 in Dallas. Oyarzabal and Porro scored as Spain controlled the match, keeping France from finding rhythm. Deschamps’ side exits, while Spain eye a final against England or Argentina.
Spain advances to the World Cup quarter-finals after Mikel Merino’s stoppage-time winner in Dallas, sealing a 1-0 victory over Portugal. Ronaldo’s World Cup run ends as La Roja prepare to face the USA or Belgium in the next round.
England has reached the World Cup semi-finals after a 2-1 win over Norway in Miami, with Jude Bellingham scoring twice. Thomas Tuchel has criticised the performance as sloppy and not fast enough, saying England can still reach a higher level. The semi-final against Argentina is set for Atlanta.
The World Cup has continued to lift pub takings and footfall across the UK, with extended licensing hours and late kick-offs driving strong sales in pub chains and local venues. Bar and hospitality groups report higher food, drink and overall spend during group-stage and knockout matches, while authorities warn about fatigue from late-night revelry.
Argentina and England meet in Atlanta for a World Cup semi-final, continuing a long-standing rivalry. Messi is aiming to guide Argentina to back-to-back titles, while England rely on Bellingham and Kane to halt a 60-year trophy drought. The match follows Argentina's quarter-final win and England's win over Norway.
France and Spain meet in the World Cup 2026 semi-final in Dallas, with the winner advancing to the final in New York. England face Argentina in the other semi-final in Atlanta, as Lionel Messi targets back-to-back finals. The final is on July 19 at 8pm BST.
Panini has released its largest-ever World Cup sticker album for the United States, Canada and Mexico tournament, with 980 stickers across 112 pages. The price of a pack is 1.25 pounds in the UK; collectors face a potentially high outlay to complete the set, with special stickers and a growing vintage market highlighted by headlines from Wembley launch events.
Argentina has named Lionel Messi among 55 players in its preliminary World Cup squad, with ongoing questions over his availability. Gianluca Prestianni faces a worldwide ban extension that could affect Argentina’s opening games; the World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19, with Algeria, Austria and Jordan in Argentina’s group.
Sotheby’s is listing Pelé’s match-worn No. 10 shirt from the 1958 World Cup final. The jersey, worn at 17 in Brazil’s 5-2 win over Sweden, is expected to sell for at least $6 million. The sale spans June 29–July 16 with a public exhibition in New York.
England has based itself in Kansas City for the 2026 World Cup to cut travel and gain a home-from-home environment. The FA has installed recovery facilities and a basketball hoop at the Inn at Meadowbrook, aiming to keep players fresh and focused as they prepare for group games and the heat of North America.
Mohamed Salah has recovered from a hamstring strain and has taken part in light training ahead of Egypt’s World Cup round-of-32 match against Australia in Dallas. Coach Hossam Hassan has said Salah is fit to play but may not start, leaving the team to balance his influence with caution after he left the Iran game early and underwent scans and treatment.
The Indus Waters Treaty remains under strain as India suspends its participation after a Kashmir attack the Pakistan government denies involvement in. Pakistan warns any change to water flows could amount to war, while mediators push for dialogue and adherence to international law.
Trump-backed Julia Letlow has won the Louisiana Senate runoff, consolidating support for his slate in Republican primaries. The race highlights Trump’s continued influence while Democratic challengers eye a path to regain control of Congress.
Egypt’s captain Mohamed Salah is available for the last‑32 World Cup match against Australia after a hamstring strain, with coach Hossam Hassan confirming he is fit to play. Salah may start or come off the bench as Egypt look to advance, while injuries to teammates threaten defensive depth.
The UK–US pharmaceutical deal has led to a BMJ analysis predicting the NHS will divert billions to fund new medicines, risking hundreds of thousands of excess deaths by 2036, with the toll higher if social care funding is included.
England prepares for a 1am local kickoff in Mexico City as the World Cup last-16 clash against co-hosts Mexico tests players, staff, and fans. Altitude, travel fatigue, and sleep schedules are shaping preparations, while employers weigh flexible working policies for workers watching late games.
Jude Bellingham scores twice as England overturn a Norway lead to beat the Norwegians 2-1 after extra time and secure a place in the World Cup semi-finals; Haaland is limited and a disallowed goal shapes the second half in Miami, in searing heat.
Cape Verde pushes Argentina to a dramatic 3-2 extra-time defeat after a stunning display by Vozinha; Messi secures late winner but the match becomes a showcase of Cape Verde’s historic World Cup run and the staying power of veteran forwards.
England has advanced to the World Cup semi-finals following a 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway in Miami, with Jude Bellingham scoring the decisive goal. The Guardian, Independent, and BBC coverage highlight how England now faces Argentina in the semi-final in Atlanta, while questions swirl over manager Tuchel and the team’s prospects against Messi and co.