Arab Republic of Egypt: a pivotal bridge between Africa and Asia
Cape Verde has earned a second World Cup point after a 2-2 draw with Uruguay in Miami. Kevin Pina opened the scoring, Uruguay answered with two quick goals, and Helio Varela levelled the score following a defensive error. The result keeps Cape Verde's knockout-round hopes alive ahead of their final group game.
Iran's football federation has said it will participate in the 2026 World Cup but has presented 10 conditions for attending, including guaranteed visas, respect for its flag and anthem, and higher security. FIFA has reaffirmed Iran will play its group matches in the United States; visa and border disputes have caused recent friction.
A U.S. team led by Sergio Gor has tested a home-built Alta X Gen 2 drone to ferry oxygen, ladders and gear to Camp I on Everest, but Nepal’s Home Affairs Ministry has refused a flight permit over drone procedures and security concerns. The test, which aimed to compare with DJI FlyCart technology used by Nepal’s AirLift Technology, has not proceeded.
France has been pushing a renewed Africa policy at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, aiming for a partnership of equals with English-speaking Africa and more Africa voice in global finance. Paris has signed defense pacts with Kenya and is promoting investments across energy, AI and agriculture as it seeks to reshape its role on the continent.
Mexico’s president has said FIFA has asked Mexico to host Iran’s national team during the June 11–July 19 World Cup after US authorities did not want Iran staying in the United States for the whole tournament. Iran has moved its training base to Tijuana but will still play three Group G matches in the US.
Fatah's eighth general conference in Ramallah is underway with 2,580 delegates electing the movement’s Central Committee and Revolutionary Council. Abbas has pledged reforms and elections, while questions about succession, internal divisions and funding pressures loom as Hamas calls for Palestinian unity.
Israeli airstrikes and shootings have killed multiple Palestinians across Gaza this week, including strikes on refugee camps and apartment blocks in Gaza City, Jabalia and Khan Younis. Mediators from Egypt, Qatar and Turkey have been holding talks in Cairo with Hamas and other factions over a U.S.-backed plan; talks remain deadlocked mainly over disarming Hamas and Israeli withdrawals.
Fatah has held its eighth General Conference and has re-elected Mahmoud Abbas as movement chair while voters have elected a new Central Committee. Marwan Barghouti has topped the vote, Majed Faraj and Jibril Rajoub have won seats, and Yasser Abbas has secured a place on the Central Committee.
Amnesty International has confirmed 2,707 executions worldwide in 2025, with Iran accounting for 2,159 of them—an all-time high in Iran and the largest share globally since 1981. Rights groups say the rise follows political repression, protests, and regional conflict, while data from China remains excluded due to state secrecy.
Jet-fuel shortages are disrupting travel systems, with airlines cancelling flights and diverting routes. Passengers are advised to be flexible, rebook when possible, and check policies on refunds, vouchers, and insurance. Regulators warn disruptions could persist as fuel availability tightens.
Pilgrims traveling from Egypt and beyond have faced extreme heat during the Hajj, with daytime temperatures in Mecca forecast to reach 42-47°C. Authorities are deploying air conditioning, misting systems, and water distribution to protect worshippers who are mainly outdoors during rites, including at Mount Arafat. Health teams are treating heat-related ailments as the pilgrimage begins.
President Trump has said negotiations with Iran are "proceeding nicely" and has tied any agreement to a requirement that Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt and Jordan sign onto the Abraham Accords; commentators and diplomats are pushing back, noting many on his list already recognise Israel or are unlikely to normalise ties.
Kenya has withdrawn its tariff review application, with government saying the move protects households and businesses from cost escalation while safeguarding growth, jobs and industrial competitiveness. The Energy and Petroleum Ministry confirms that tariff decisions will follow the Energy Act 2019 processes, including EPRA evaluations and public participation; current tariffs remain in force.
The Gaza Strip remains under a fragile ceasefire. Israel has expanded its control to about 70% of Gaza, with warnings that more territory could be seized. Crossings remain restricted; aid and civilian suffering persist. International bodies urge open crossings and humanitarian access.
War-driven destitution has spurred a rise in early marriages in Gaza, with parents saying they marry off daughters aged 13–16 for protection and aid. AP findings cite multiple girls reporting rape and abuse; 2024–25 data show under-18 marriages rising despite earlier declines.
Israeli-backed ceasefire discussions in Cairo have progressed while fighting across Gaza persists. Hamas says it will not disarm yet, and talks focus on a phased withdrawal and security arrangements. Civilian tolls rise as Israeli strikes and displacement continue amid renewed pressure on both sides.
Palestinian communities face renewed displacement as settlers advance into areas near Ramallah and East Jerusalem, intensifying clashes amid a broader Western sanctions package targeting settlements. The Palestine Professional League remains suspended due to security concerns, affecting players and clubs.
Trump has suggested negotiations on the Iran deal are proceeding nicely and have tied any agreement to expanded participation in the 2020 accords, naming Saudi Arabia, Qatar and several other states as must-signatories. The plan adds a new dimension to the diplomacy, amid Republican doubts and domestic pressure to strike a favorable deal.
The latest reports show authorities intensifying crackdowns on dissent, with multiple arrests and prosecutions in Egypt and Morocco, while Russia pursues penal actions against critics abroad. Protests and detentions are part of a broader pattern of government hostility toward voices of dissent.
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.
Iraq has secured a historic World Cup berth after a tense qualifying campaign, overcoming political and logistical obstacles. Arnold’s side has battled through stress, war-related disruption, and long travels to reach Monterrey and clinch a place in the finals.
Iran’s World Cup participation has faced visa hurdles amid US-Iran tensions. Officials say players, coaches and some staff have visas, while some backroom staff remain visa-free. Iran moved training from Arizona to Tijuana and will play group games in the United States, Seattle and Los Angeles, with the federation pursuing FIFA-led resolution.
Iran's national football team has landed in Tijuana after training in Turkey and has secured U.S. visas for players only. Fifteen technical and administrative staff have been denied U.S. entry. Under visa conditions the squad will operate from a Mexican base and will cross into the United States around match days for their Group G fixtures in Los Angeles and Seattle.
Iran has confronted the United States over visa denials affecting key staff as its World Cup squad departs Antalya for Mexico ahead of group games in the United States. Tehran says the move disrupts participation, while FIFA is expected to monitor the issue as the tournament opens.
Iran’s football federation says its ticket allocation for World Cup matches in the United States has been withdrawn, leaving supporters unable to attend. The claim follows visa hurdles and broader US-Israel-Iran hostilities as the tournament opens, with Iran relocating its base to Mexico.
A widening electricity crisis has intensified in Aden and Hadramut, with 20-hour outages, rising fuel costs, and protests. Saudi aid has begun arriving to stabilize power, while Hadramut faces a sharp diesel price increase that threatens farming, fishing, and transport. Authorities say relief will improve outages, but experts warn structural issues persist.
Israel and Palestinian factions are negotiating under the US-backed Board of Peace to disarm armed groups in Gaza in exchange for an Israeli troop withdrawal. The talks, involving Egypt, Qatar and Turkey, face strong resistance over a complete demilitarization while humanitarian needs remain urgent and regional tensions persist.
Belgium has shifted its World Cup approach under coach Rudi Garcia, emphasising defence amid an attack-led setup as Doku and Lukaku headline a transformed squad. Iran faces geopolitical scrutiny and a grind-it-out approach as it eyes progress from a tough group.
Researchers reveal a vast whale graveyard in the southeastern Indian Ocean, extending to depths of 7,000 metres and spanning hundreds of kilometres. The site hosts hundreds of fossil skeletons and five modern whale falls, highlighting a thriving deep-sea ecosystem that feeds on whale carcasses. The findings, published in Nature, deepen understanding of deep-sea life and whale evolution.
Leaders at the Evian summit are pushing to finalise a framework with Iran as US President Trump attends talks. Attendees include Modi, Zelensky and Sisi, while South Africa was disinvited over Gaza policy.
At Evian-les-Bains, G7 leaders press Trump to help break deadlock over Ukraine while eyeing renewed sanctions on Russia and pursuing a broader Iran endgame. Zelenskyy attends sessions on Ukraine; Macron seeks consensus and European autonomy amid tensions over U.S. engagement and Iran diplomacy.
Iran’s World Cup campaign in the United States has been shaped by visa restrictions and travel hurdles, with Tehran’s delegation facing limited access and diplomatic friction as it prepares for a Group G match against Belgium in Los Angeles.
Iran’s team has faced travel hurdles and political tensions as they prepare for their World Cup match schedule in the United States. Players report tension around visas, travel logistics, and protests, while coaches emphasize football as the focus despite the wider context.
Egypt has rallied from an early deficit to beat New Zealand 3-1 at BC Place in Vancouver. Finn Surman gave New Zealand a 15th-minute lead, but Mostafa Zico equalised in the 59th minute, Mohamed Salah scored in the 67th and Trezeguet added a header in the 82nd. Egypt now top Group G with four points.
Iran has drawn 2-2 with New Zealand at Los Angeles Stadium as more than 70,000 fans produced a politically charged atmosphere. Iran twice recovered from behind — goals from Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebbi — while protests and rival flags, including the pre-1979 lion-and-sun banner, created tensions outside and inside the ground.
Cape Verde’s 0-0 draw with Spain has tested the expanded World Cup format, showing that emergent nations can compete at the highest level. Vozinha’s saves and a stubborn defense have elevated Cape Verde’s profile and sparked global attention.
USMNT star Christian Pulisic has returned to practice ahead of the final Group D match against Turkey, with coaches weighing rest vs. time on the field as the team aims to finish the group stage strongly.
The US Department of Homeland Security has allowed Iran's national football team to enter the United States two days before its World Cup match in Seattle, but officials must still leave the country the evening of the game. Iran has criticised tighter travel rules that forced the squad to base in Tijuana and return to Mexico immediately after earlier matches.
A curated update of fresh cooking ideas from several outlets, focusing on fast weeknight meals, clever marinades, roasted grains, and a lemon-pistachio cake. The collection highlights simple techniques, store-cupboard ingredients, and practical serving ideas for busy households.
FAO and WFP warn conditions in the world’s hunger hotspots are deteriorating between June and November 2026, with 266 million people in acute hunger. Conflict and funding cuts drive the crisis, while El Niño threatens worse outcomes. Nigeria and Somalia are newly added to the list of high-concern countries; Gaza’s situation remains fragile but has improved since 2025.
Seattle hosts a Pride-themed World Cup match between Iran and Egypt, highlighting inclusivity amid political tensions as teams avoid questions about Pride. FIFA allows rainbow flags in stadiums, while local organizers push for unity through sport. The game coincides with Seattle’s Pride celebrations and Juneteenth events.
Libya’s government has banned entry through all ports for citizens of Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia, with exemptions for diplomats and health/education workers. The move follows ongoing tensions over refugee resettlement and a history of migrants crossing Libyan routes to Europe. Reports detail detentions, abuses in detention centers, and deaths among migrants and refugees.
Across Africa, governments are prioritising domestic resources to fund infrastructure and social programmes, citing vast pension funds and private savings as untapped assets. Officials say aid reliance is declining, while long-term domestic capital will finance growth. The shift comes as aid falls and debt concerns rise.
Jeremy Doku has returned to Belgium’s World Cup squad after attending the birth of his son, Praise, in London. He had left the team briefly due to illness and to be with his wife, then rejoined ahead of Belgium’s final group game against New Zealand. Teammates have shown support, while a French pundit’s comments about childbirth have drawn apologies from L’Equipe.
Sudanese authorities say Egyptian forces have detained hundreds of miners near the Sudan-Egypt border, with reports of casualties and seizures of mining equipment. Sudan’s leadership calls for investigation while experts highlight regional instability and the role of unregulated gold mining in fueling conflict.
Iran has drawn Belgium 0-0 in Los Angeles, keeping alive its chance to reach the knockout stage. The team has faced visa and travel restrictions, base camp in Mexico, and limited training time. Iran now heads to Seattle for a final group game against Egypt, with a point required to progress.
Iranian President Pezeshkian has arrived in Islamabad for a state visit, as Pakistan positions itself as a crucial intermediary between the US and Iran. Washington and Tehran have reached a 60-day roadmap toward a final deal in Switzerland, while Pakistan eyes potential economic and regional benefits amid IMF constraints.
Iran is seeking to salvage progress in Group G after consecutive draws amid travel restrictions and disruption, while Egypt eyes a second straight win to secure the group. The match is set against a backdrop of diplomatic tensions and regional uncertainty as the US and Iran negotiate a broader peace.
Palestinians express alarm as Gaza ceasefire negotiations stall, raising fears of broader Israeli escalation and new displacement. Egypt hosts mediations amid deadlock over phase two, security and governance, while Israel expands operations in Gaza. Indirect talks continue with Hamas, underlining deep disagreements on weapons, governance and post-war arrangements.