Republic of South Africa: a nine-province democracy at the southern tip of Africa
Scottish supporters are converging on Providence, Rhode Island, to attend Scotland’s World Cup games in the United States. Organizers have arranged affordable transport and lodging, with the city hosting thousands of fans and local businesses preparing events and group shuttles to cut costs amid the World Cup’s record-high spending.
India has defended 170 to beat Pakistan by 64 runs at the T20 World Cup in Birmingham. Deepti Sharma took 5-10, aided by Smriti Mandhana’s 68 and Richa Ghosh’s late 34, while Bangladesh pulled off a record chase on the same pitch.
Cape Verde has held Spain to a 0-0 draw at their World Cup opener in Atlanta, marking a historic result for the Atlantic nation. The match showcased Cape Verde’s resilience and showcased players from diverse leagues, as Spain failed to break through a stubborn defense. The game highlighted the underdog narrative at the expanded 48-team tournament.
Spain hosts Cape Verde in the World Cup curtain-raiser in Group H. Lamine Yamal is expected to play limited minutes due to a hamstring concern, while Cape Verde seek an upset in their first-ever World Cup match. The match kicks off at 12 p.m. local time in Atlanta.
Human rights groups warn of a new wave of xenophobic violence as anti-immigration movements organise protests across major cities, with vigilante actions and calls for foreigners to leave by a set date. Attacks have been reported against migrants and foreign-owned businesses, prompting court actions and concerns about state protection.
Record‑level and near‑record May temperatures have been reported across multiple regions this week — parts of England and Russia have hit unusually high temps while the eastern US has recorded low‑90s — even as eastern Australia is facing a major rain band. Forecasts show brief, intense heat will give way to fronts or rain in most places; Australia is also seeing El Niño odds rise for winter.
Health authorities have identified at least 13 hantavirus cases linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship, including three deaths. Passengers and crew have been evacuated to multiple countries and are being quarantined and closely monitored; more than 600 contacts in about 30 countries have been traced and are under follow-up as testing and isolation continue.
The Bundibugyo strain Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo has prompted international concern with no approved vaccine or treatment. Tensions have spiked as residents clash with authorities over safe burial procedures, while authorities warn unsafe burials drive transmission. The outbreak has led to arson at treatment centers and mass protests amid disbelief about the virus.
Australians and other international activists detained during a Gaza flotilla have started arriving home. Several claim mistreatment, including beatings and denials of food and water, while Israel denies wrongdoing. Detainees plan to consult lawyers to pursue evidence for possible ICC action.
Ghana has been evacuating its nationals from South Africa amid renewed anti-migrant protests and xenophobia. The government has started voluntary repatriation, with initial flights organized from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo airport and more departures planned as authorities screen and register volunteers.
Senegal has built a reputation as Africa’s most consistent team ahead of a third World Cup appearance, with Sadio Mane approaching retirement. South Africa under Hugo Broos has reached three World Cups in a row, reflecting a continental shift in form. The Guardian notes evolving leadership and qualification momentum.
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.
Civil society groups have gathered outside the Department of Agriculture in Pretoria, calling for urgent action on food security. They demand an immediate national food and nutrition security plan, affordability measures, support for small-scale farmers, and an emergency anti-hunger programme ahead of World Food Day.
Canada has formally urged a timely USMCA review and signaled possible extension options as tariffs and trade tensions ripple across North America. Leaders in Ottawa and Washington stress the pact’s value while debates over annual reviews or a 16-year extension intensify.
Lungu has died in a South African hospital at 68. A dispute over the former president’s burial persists between his family and President Hakainde Hichilema. Pretoria has ordered repatriation for a state ceremony, while the family seeks a South Africa burial; the South African courts have yet to rule on the matter.
Record ticket and travel prices have left many supporters unable to attend the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Dynamic pricing, an expanded 48-team schedule and rising transport and accommodation costs have pushed some fans to sell tickets, cancel plans or watch from home, while states facing transit bills are warning of taxpayer costs. (Fri, 12 Jun 2026 17:10:34 +0100)
Archaeologists have found jars on the Plain of Jars in Laos containing densely packed remains of at least 37 people across a span of centuries, pointing to multigenerational mortuary practices and long-range trade links. New dating and analyses suggest secondary internment and family or community rites, upending earlier ideas about Iron Age Southeast Asia.
Mexico has opened the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 win over South Africa at Azteca Stadium while protests over teachers’ pay, missing people and social spending have erupted across Mexico City. Demonstrators have clashed with police outside the stadium, toppled World Cup statues and blocked key roads as authorities deploy large security forces.
The Supreme Court is considering whether federal law requires ballots to be received by Election Day or merely mailed by it, affecting California’s seven-day postmark window and other state rules. Late counts are reshaping runoff prospects in Los Angeles and ongoing tally delays are prompting concern about timely results.
FIFA has revised stadium rules to allow spectators to bring one sealed, soft-plastic 20-ounce water bottle into all World Cup venues in the US and Canada, with some venues in Mexico still undecided. Hard bottles remain banned, and officials say cooling measures will be provided as needed.
South Africa has announced a set of diplomatic initiatives to address migration, including deploying envoys to engage origin, transit, and destination countries. The talks with Kenya's President Ruto emphasised continental cooperation, economic development, and regional integration as ways to ease migration pressures and boost AfCFTA-driven trade.
Shakira has partnered with Burna Boy for the official 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem "Dai Dai". Performances slated across opening ceremonies in Mexico City, with further showcases in the US and Canada. The AP interview highlights Shakira’s history with World Cup anthems and the need for a song that unites cultures, while other artists like J Balvin emphasize a hook that grabs listeners from the start.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expanding to 48 teams across three host nations, and betting markets are predicting record wagers. Analysts expect US, Canada and Mexico to benefit as sportsbooks and prediction platforms see a flood of bets across 104 matches over 39 days.
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.
Nigeria says screening of volunteers for evacuation from South Africa is ongoing; five evacuation flights have been approved, with more than 500 Nigerians cleared. The first batch is expected to depart once permits are secured as tensions over xenophobia persist.
Archaeologists have analysed findings from Wonderwerk Cave in South Africa, identifying charred animal remains dating to 1.8 million years ago. The discovery suggests early humans used fire far earlier than previously thought, with bone luminescence confirming fractures and controlled burning in Stratum 11. Dating situates this activity between 1.07 and 1.79 million years ago, challenging long-held timelines.
UNAids warns that funding cuts and tightening civic space threaten progress against HIV. Six-month lenacapavir injections are rolling out in South Africa, with early results showing promise but concerns over access and equity persist as external aid declines.
Jazz pianist Abdullah Ibrahim has died in Germany at 91, after a long career blending South African musical traditions with global jazz. He performed at Mandela’s 1994 inauguration, released more than 70 albums, and was honored with high South African and international accolades. His final South African concert was in Cape Town in March. He will be buried in Bavaria.
Paul McGinley says Bob MacIntyre is in a rough patch off the course due to life events, while he aims to rebound at the US Open at Shinnecock Hills. Other coverage outlines the course’s history, previous U.S. Open winners, and notable qualifiers.
Police have launched a manhunt after gunmen have killed 12 people and wounded nine in a late‑night attack on the Jumpers informal settlement in Cleveland, east of Johannesburg. Officers say more than 10 suspects arrived by minibus, opened fire at multiple locations and fled in the same vehicle; no arrests have been made.
AP reports that Mexico hosts the opening of the 2026 World Cup in Mexico City amid protests over social issues. Azteca Stadium has been renovated for the event, with security bolstered as demonstrators voice demands for better living conditions and government accountability. Coaches and teams approach the tournament with competitive urgency.
Infinity of tickets has sparked debate as FIFA maintains prices despite criticism. Leaders in Mexico push social initiatives while fans voice concerns over affordability as Iran’s participation and visa issues unfold ahead of the tournament.
Nigeria has organized an evacuation of imperiled citizens from South Africa amid escalating anti-immigrant protests. Some 262 passengers and three officials are aboard the flight to Lagos; Home Affairs says 586 Nigerians were undocumented and faces a five‑year entry ban. Ghana and Liberia have signaled similar actions.
The United States, Mexico, and Canada are hosting the largest World Cup in history, stretching to July 19 in New Jersey. FIFA has defended ticket pricing as affordable on average, while visa and entry issues have sidelined a Somali referee and other officials. Iran’s participation is framed as a victory for the tournament, despite geopolitical tensions.
Mexico has opened the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 victory over South Africa. The win features a youthful, debut-heavy lineup and the return of key veteran assets, signaling a new core for the team. The coach aims to build on this momentum as Mexico faces South Korea next in Guadalajara.
South Korea has beaten the Czech Republic 2-1 in Guadalajara after Hwang In-beom’s equaliser and Oh Hyeon-gyu’s late winner. Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 in Mexico City in the tournament opener, with Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez scoring as South Africa had two players sent off. South Korea next face Mexico; the Czechs meet South Africa.
Jibril Rajoub has attended the World Cup opener in Mexico City but remains unable to travel to the United States with other football federation heads as visa issues persist. FIFA has encouraged global participation and pressed for resolution, while US restrictions continue to affect attendees from several countries.
The pope’s Iberia charter has been grounded by a maintenance issue while returning from Spain. King Felipe VI personally escorts Pope Leo XIV to a different plane on the Canary Islands airstrip; the pope’s trip to Madrid, Barcelona and the Canary Islands continues to draw attention to migration and religious outreach.
The World Cup opens under heightened security after visa restrictions and travel bottlenecks spark delays for fans and officials. Co-host nations prepare for matches as law enforcement coordinates across cities, airports and venues.
Fifty years after the Soweto uprising, survivors and historians say poverty, unemployment and alcohol abuse remain deep-seated challenges for South Africa’s youth, even as the country marks Youth Day. Survivors recall the protests and the brutal police response, while experts warn that crime and inequality still shape young lives.
Global oil markets have eased after a peace deal in the Middle East, triggering expected cuts in local fuel prices. South Africa and the UK report smaller pump-price movements as markets reflect calmer conditions; East Africa debates subsidy and stabilization measures while Rwanda notes volatility in imports.
The 50th anniversary of the 16 June 1976 Soweto uprising is being marked across South Africa. Survivors and activists highlight ongoing youth unemployment, inequality and social problems, while campaigns push to finish what the movement started. Events include marches, memorials and cultural programs that connect past sacrifices to current calls for change.