Republic in northwestern South America, facing crime crackdown and regional diplomacy
The US military has conducted its 47th strike since September 2025 against vessels suspected of drug trafficking in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, killing at least 163 people. The strikes, based on unspecified intelligence, face legal and human rights criticism, with experts questioning their legality and effectiveness.
A global assessment finds UNESCO-designated sites are under mounting climate pressures including heat, drought and extreme weather, with 2,260 sites covering 13 million sq km and supporting nearly 900 million people. While wildlife within sites remains relatively stable, the report warns of potential irreversible damage without stronger policy and investment. Kenya faces direct risks to Mount Kenya, Lake Turkana and Mount Elgon, where livelihoods depend on tourism, water resources and forests.
A 75-year-old industrial landfill near Dunoon has been identified as a developing temperate rainforest, with ancient woodland indicators and a thriving seagrass meadow along Holy Loch. The finding follows a three-year survey, suggesting post-industrial landscapes can host diverse ecosystems and accelerate natural recovery.
The updates cover ongoing immigration issues across several countries: Colombia's tuition-free policy impact and its political transitions; U.S. courts discussing CDL authority and deportation matters; France dealing with deportation orders for immigrant students; and a U.S. judge ruling on entrapment in a voting case.
President Noboa has cited the extradition of crime bosses and large drug seizures as proof of a decisive, ongoing effort against organized crime. He has used a state of exception to broaden military and police powers as violence surges, while noting declines in poverty and presenting economic progress to lawmakers.
Co-hosts Mexico and the United States are finalising squads amid tactical adjustments, while Canada eyes a strong run in a competitive Group and Scotland look to kick off with momentum. The Guardian and Al Jazeera pieces outline strategic setups and key players ahead of the tournament.
Guatemala has formally requested US cooperation—including access to equipment, training and personnel—to assist Guatemalan security forces in countering drug trafficking. The government says no foreign military operations on Guatemalan soil are authorized, and any action would occur within existing bilateral agreements. Officials have said the agreement would expand on a 2024 strategy, while the president emphasized that Congress must authorize any on-ground operations.
A roundup of how African, Arab and European teams are finalising squads and tactics for the 2026 World Cup in North America. Managers reshuffle, injuries and tactical changes shape expectations as teams prepare to the tournament. The Guardian and other outlets report on Egypt, DR Congo, Jordan, Tunisia, and more as they approach their first appearances or campaigns.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has spurred a surge in sports betting in the United States and globally, with forecasts pointing to record wagers across online platforms and prediction markets. Analysts see major benefits for operators, data providers, and travel-related sectors as the tournament unfolds across North America.
Algeria arrives at the World Cup as an unproven commodity after an Africa Cup of Nations exit and a shaky qualifying build. Petkovic leans on technical quality, but gaps in defense persist. Riyad Mahrez remains the talisman, while uncertainty over selection and form clouds the squad’s prospects.
England has opened its World Cup campaign with a 4-2 win over Croatia in Arlington, Texas. Harry Kane has scored twice in the first half, Jude Bellingham has put England ahead just after half-time and Marcus Rashford has sealed the win late on. Elsewhere Portugal were held 1-1 by DR Congo and Ghana beat Panama 1-0.
U.S. forces have carried out an airstrike that has killed Héctor Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, known as Niño Guerrero, the leader of Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, U.S. and Venezuelan officials have said. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and President Donald Trump have said the operation targeted a compound in Bolívar state earlier this week and involved coordination with Venezuelan security forces.
Canada earns its first World Cup point with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina. USA dominates Paraguay, routing them 4-1 to top Group D as attention shifts to next fixtures and fan celebrations.
Ivory Coast forward Elye Wahi has been cleared to travel to Canada for the World Cup group game against Germany after a brief travel ban due to missing visa paperwork sparked questions about his involvement in a spot-fixing probe.
Curacao’s goalkeeper Eloy Room has 15 saves to seal a 0-0 draw with Ecuador in Kansas City, earning Curacao its first World Cup point and keeping their knockout hopes alive while Germany tops the group after beating Ivory Coast.
Japan has thrashed Tunisia 4-0 to join the Netherlands on four points at the top of Group F. Ayase Ueda scored twice, while Daichi Kamada and Junya Ito added goals as Japan take control of the group. Tunisia’s hopes of reaching the knockout rounds are dashed after the defeat.