Central European republic facing glacier retreat and regional politics
The Scots have named their squad under manager Pocognoli, with McTominay returning to the fold after a heart procedure. Pocognoli stresses continuity after a mixed Nations League start and aims to translate early camp improvements into results to push Euro 2028 qualification.
Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Aston Villa and Liverpool are among the English clubs taking part as the league phase draw for the 2026-27 Champions League places teams into eight-match groups. PSG, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid headline pot one, with Celtic aiming to reach the knockout rounds after a 3-0 first leg win in their play-off. The draw is set for Aug. 27, 2026, with fixtures running from September.
Cameroon's sovereign credit profile faces renewed pressure as regional liquidity tightens and financing needs rise. Moody's has downgraded institutional strength and governance, while liquidity risk and higher debt burden constrain policy options. Growth is modest, but deficits and subsidy costs complicate financing.
Newport County have added six loanees and a Fulham academy graduate as they strengthen under coach Hayden Mullins. The acquisitions include Tanatswa Nyakuhwa from Cardiff, Jacob from Hull, Adu-Poku, Etete and Nyakuhwa, with Dibley-Dias joining to bolster midfield. The club aims to build a competitive squad after finishing last season safe from relegation.
Napoli's Scott McTominay has undergone a pulsed field ablation for a mild benign arrhythmia and will rest for two weeks before resuming training, keeping him out through the international break and affecting Scotland duty.
US carriers are returning to Ben Gurion, expanding seats as demand climbs for the Jewish New Year and holidays. Despite new capacity, fares remain high through autumn, with relief not expected until November as demand shifts post-election.
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.
Protests in Zagreb reflect widespread anger at the Croatian government over delays in removing some 37,000 metric tons of buried hazardous waste near Gospic. Demonstrators call for a binding, rapid cleanup plan, water and soil tests, and a ban on new waste imports as investigations unfold.
The government has announced a regenerative approach to integrate young players into big clubs has paid off as Sesko scores on his first full start of the season in United’s 4-0 win over Sabah in the Champions League. He says patience paid off and that joining United feels right after a year of adjustment.
Israel’s ministers have signalled plans to remove Palestinians from Gaza, while distant allies condemn the approach. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, the UAE and others warn of grave consequences as the United States denies backing such displacement. The issue has intensified debate over Gaza’s future and the path to peace.
Shankland has suffered a hamstring tear recurrence and will be out for several weeks to months, with scans to decide on surgery. Rangers assess options as Pocognoli’s squad faces upcoming fixtures and international duties.
Scotland’s Bowie has not represented his country since last October but is hoping to impress new Belgium coach Pocognoli ahead of an imminent squad announcement. He starred for Sassuolo in a dramatic win over Juventus, scoring late to swing a 2-1 result in a performance that could boost his international chances.
Scotland has reshaped its Nations League squad under new head coach Sebastien Pocognoli. Kristi Montgomery earns a first senior call-up after progressing through Blackburn Rovers’ ranks, joining a mix of recalled veterans and new faces as the team prepares for matches against Slovenia, Switzerland and North Macedonia.
Marlen Reusser has retained the women's world time‑trial title in Montreal, winning in 50:24.44 and beating Britain’s Zoe Backstedt by 40 seconds. Germany’s Franziska Koch has taken bronze. Backstedt, 21, has stepped up from under‑23 competition and finished strongly on a longer, windy technical course.
RTÉ has confirmed it will not participate in or broadcast Eurovision 2027, citing the ongoing humanitarian crisis and loss of life in Gaza and restricted access for international journalists. The decision follows earlier boycotts by other European broadcasters and comes after the EBU barred countries in armed conflict from hosting.
Switzerland has named its 25-man squad for Nations League fixtures against Scotland, Slovenia and North Macedonia, with captain Granit Xhaka returning after a strong World Cup and Boteli scoring again for his club. Uncapped defender Sascha Britschgi is included for the first time, and Zachary Athekame is back from loan to Lyon. Matches begin Sept. 29 in Scotland, with home games in Lucerne.
As the UN General Assembly gathers, global conflicts persist, climate threats intensify, and major powers with vetoes complicate reform. The world is watching whether leaders can coordinate to curb violence, stabilize economies, and reform global institutions.
Parliamentary officials have opened hearings to probe the UK’s poor Eurovision record. The Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee is examining whether bad song choice, weak performances, or other factors explain the UK’s recent bottom-half finishes, including last place in 2026.
Pope Leo XIV has opened a four-day visit to France focused on defending the value of human life and meeting abuse survivors. The trip has prompted protests and fresh criticism: survivors and campaigners say the church has not provided timely justice and want transparent trials, while French reparations bodies have awarded hundreds of victims compensation.
Ireland’s Data Protection Commission has ruled that Google has infringed GDPR in the processing of location data for Web & App Activity, Location History and Location Accuracy, issuing a €403 million fine and ordering compliance within six months. Google says policies have evolved since 2019. BEUC warns late enforcement harms consumer rights.
Granit Xhaka has withdrawn from Switzerland’s Nations League squad after confirming a past vaccination certificate was obtained amid doubts about Covid vaccines. Investigations are ongoing into possible criminal proceedings. Switzerland will play North Macedonia, Scotland and Slovenia during the window.
Israel's Netanyahu is seeking reelection as world leaders gather at the UN. Mamdani continues to clash with Israeli policy, calling for accountability and criticizing genocide accusations, while Trump remains a key ally on some fronts. Protests and counter-demonstrations surround Netanyahu's UN appearance.
The Netherlands has chosen to participate in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest after a boycott in 2026. NOS will host the Netherlands’ entry, selected by an independent panel; AVROTROS has stepped back amid concerns over Israel’s participation and the contest’s neutrality. Other countries’ positions remain unclear as the EBU tightens rules on hosting and voting.
Prime Minister has signalled a potential trial to allow fans to drink in view of the pitch at football grounds in England and Wales, a move critics describe as outdated. Officials say a full consultation is likely before any changes are made, with supporters and clubs weighing the implications for safety and revenue.
Palestinian President Abbas has addressed the UN via a pre-recorded video, while Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is delivering a live address. Abbas has called for ending the war in Gaza, a withdrawal from Gaza, and a political process toward an independent Palestinian state. Netanyahu is focusing on Israel's security concerns and Iran, with some world leaders planning protests in New York.
Scotland’s new head coach has overseen a goalless draw with Slovenia in Ljubljana in his first match in charge. Billy Gilmour returns from injury to drive the midfield; Oli McBurnie and Robbie Ure debut while Stephen Welsh occupies a new left-back/centre-back role. Scotland improve after a half-time reshuffle but fail to convert chances, leaving the Nation League opener with a point.
Scotland Under-21s have defeated Azerbaijan 5-2 in a high‑tempo, attacking display as they bid to mirror the senior side’s style. Despite the victory, a Czechia win earlier in the day means qualification for the playoff is no longer possible. Curtis supplied four assists while Barney Stewart scored twice, with Wilson, Fletcher and Wales also on target.
The United States has defeated Peru 2-1 in an international friendly at Inter.com Stadium. Trusty, 28, has faced scrutiny after a prior Rangers loss but shows solidity alongside a new defensive lineup as the U.S. returns to action following a World Cup exit. Late goals from Tillman and Hall secure the win as Peru equalises briefly before the U.S. pulls ahead.
Scotland has claimed victory in North Macedonia, with Kieron Bowie scoring at seven minutes and John McGinn converting a late penalty after a VAR review. The win secures four points from three Nations League matches under Pocognoli, while Scott McKenna is sent off late. Scotland are top in B1 ahead of Slovenia visit.
Napoli midfiel der Scott McTominay has been cleared to resume training after a successful corrective ablation for a mild arrhythmia. He had missed Scotland fixtures while undergoing treatment and is now back with Napoli ahead of key fixtures.
Parliament has approved a shift to a fully proportional system that awards a large bonus of seats to any party or coalition winning at least 42% of the vote. The lower house passed the law 227–164 in a secret ballot. The reform forces pre-election coalitions to name a prime ministerial candidate and programme and will reshape alliance strategy ahead of elections due by October 2027.
Slovenia has witnessed the irreversible disappearance of its last glacier, Skuta, with Triglav’s glacier already gone, as record heat and a dry summer accelerate Alpine thaw. Experts warn the retreat will continue as snowfall remains low and summers stay hot.
Real Madrid has reshaped its attack amid Vinicius Jr.’s suspension, with Kylian Mbappe leading the line and Diomande stepping up as a regular starter. In recent wins over Sevilla and Leipzig, Diomande has impressed, while Arda Guler continues to orchestrate the frontline. Mourinho has asserted no player is untouchable as the squad adapts.
A year of record heat has accelerated glacier melt across Europe. In Switzerland, glacier volume has shrunk sharply and forestalling ice may be gone in some ranges. Exhibits in Lucerne reveal relics of the thaw, while scientists warn that high temperatures are reshaping alpine ecosystems and livelihoods.
Across multiple regions, glacial ice is shrinking rapidly due to record heat and minimal snowfall in 2026, threatening water supplies, habitats and mountain hazards. Studies from Colorado to the Swiss Alps show continuing retreat, with some glaciers melting completely in places like St. Mary’s, while others persist in shaded pockets.
Palestinian and regional organizers have launched the Gaza International Festival for Women's Cinema, screening films among tents and ruined buildings to preserve Palestinian voices in a Gaza still shaped by Israel's war. The festival runs October 26–31, highlighting women's stories despite widespread displacement and destruction.
French authorities have reported the first recognised human infection with Shamonda virus in a severely immunocompromised patient who died in early October. The virus has been detected in livestock across 14 European territories since summer and is spread by biting midges; officials say no health risk to the general population has been identified.
The Netherlands has decided to forgo participation in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest after discussions with broadcasters, citing sensitivities surrounding Israel’s participation and the Gaza conflict. The Netherlands will still broadcast the event, which next year will take place in Bulgaria.
Switzerland has seen captain Granit Xhaka and Breel Embolo cleared to rejoin the national team for November Nations League matches after probation terms were considered; both players faced sanctions for obtaining fake vaccination certificates. The SFV says return is responsible and the coach will name the squad on 5 November.
Scotland's squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures includes James Penrice for the first time, with Kristi Montgomery retained. Napoli's Scott McTominay and Torino's Che Adams return after fitness, while Scott McKenna is sidelined by back strain. Pocognoli names an extended pool but sticks to four goalkeepers as Scotland chase points to secure a promotion play-off spot.
Filipina rising star Alexandra Eala has captured her maiden WTA title in Hong Kong, defeating Claire Liu 6-3, 6-0 after a hard-fought week. The 21-year-old enters the season-ending stretch at a career-high ranking, beating a sequence of near-champions en route to the title.