Swiss Confederation at a glance
Andy Burnham has become Britain’s prime minister, pushing rapid governance changes and outlining immediate priorities as Sir Keir Starmer steps down; the transition is marked by early announcements on energy, living costs, and cabinet appointments.
A group of UK-based millionaires have signed an open letter urging Prime Minister Burnham to tax the very wealthy. The letter argues wealth tax could fund public services and reduce inequality. Signatories include Gary Lineker, Val McDermid, Richard Curtis and Brian Eno. The government says any changes will be announced in due course at the budget.
Argentina has advanced to the World Cup final after a gripping extra-time win. Messi has delivered decisive moments, setting up late goals and demonstrating why he is widely regarded as one of the game’s greatest. England faces a bronze final as they prepare for a different challenge.
Spain has reached the World Cup final after a 2-1 win over France, setting up a final against Argentina. Argentina has secured a dramatic comeback win over England, keeping alive their title defence. The Guardian notes Spain’s control and Porro’s impact, while SBS and The Independent highlight Messi’s form and the tension around the knockout stage.
Ipswich Town has signed Morocco international Diop on a deal through 2030, adding Premier League experience as the club aims for a sustained push after promotion. Diop, 29, has 173 top-flight appearances for Fulham and West Ham and is set to bolster a squad already bolstered by multiple summer signings.
The United States has set new tariffs on imports tied to forced labor, with 10% duties on partners that have begun enforcing bans and 12.5% for those that have not. The changes take effect at 12:01 a.m. on July 24, as part of a broad push to enforce labor standards in global supply chains.
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.
The US and Iran have exchanged fresh strikes this weekend and on Monday, reversing a recent interim ceasefire and re‑opening doubt over control of the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump has declared the ceasefire "over," ordered further strikes and revoked a temporary oil waiver. Oil has jumped into the high $70s–$80s and global markets have fallen.
Argentina has rallied to reach the 2026 World Cup final after a dramatic late comeback against England, with Lionel Messi providing decisive assists and a late winning cross. Messi’s performance has cemented his status as the tournament’s standout, as Argentina seeks back-to-back titles.
Newcastle United faces continued pressure as Bruno Guimarães pushes for a move to Arsenal, while the club pursues replacements after high-profile summer exits. Bazoumana Touré has joined for £43m, with Sean Steur set to arrive from Ajax; the squad rebuild accelerates as tensions rise over player departures and strategic direction.
Multiple deaths and injuries have followed a vehicle crash that plowed into stalls at a Chilean market. Authorities say the driver is in custody and investigations are underway; the casualty toll is evolving with six reported dead by local media.
France has been eliminated from the World Cup by Spain in a semi-final that exposed tactical limits and compact Spain control. Mbappé’s late pressing plus Spain’s suffocating midfield defined the result; bronze medal match awaits in Miami.
South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams has been found dead at a home in Cape Town's Schotsche Kloof neighbourhood. Police have opened an inquest and are investigating; authorities have not released a cause of death. Adams had played in South Africa's three World Cup group matches and had helped the nation reach the knockout stage for the first time.
World Cup events have brought unprecedented attention to Kansas City, with 344,135 spectators at venues and 310,000 visitors to FIFA’s fan festival, highlighting the city’s growing role in global soccer culture.
England has reached the 2026 World Cup semi-finals after Jude Bellingham’s extra-time strike secured a 2-1 win over Norway, with Thomas Tuchel labelling his side “lucky” but standing by the players. The victory sets up a showdown with Argentina in the semi-final.
The International Football Association Board has updated VAR protocols this summer, enabling interventions for mistaken identity in yellow-card cases. Embolo’s red card after a review at the World Cup quarterfinal against Argentina has intensified debate over the new rule. Critics warn of potential chaos at club level, while supporters see it as a step toward deterring simulation.
Gianni Infantino has opened the door to expanding the World Cup to 64 teams, saying it will be examined after the 2026 tournament. He argues 64 teams could be organized to include more nations, though some leaders warn of chaos. The 2030 edition, co-hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, looms as the potential stage for any expansion.
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.
Qatar has announced four days of national mourning after the death of Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who ruled from 1995 to 2013 and transformed the small emirate into a major regional power. Crowds and dignitaries have gathered in Lusail for funeral prayers and tributes, while the new emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, receives mourners and foreign leaders.
The UN has condemned Hamas for obstructing humanitarian aid deliveries in Gaza, with reports of armed groups entering food-distribution points and a WFP warehouse. The EU commits almost 900 million euros to early recovery and reconstruction, while donors seek conditions for disbursement amid ongoing conflict and calls for Hamas disarmament.
The UK has sealed a 5.2 billion-pound services trade deal with Switzerland, scrapping roaming charges and putting a 90-day services mobility provision on a permanent footing. E-gates will speed border checks for UK travellers, while pharmaceutical protections are maintained. The agreement is described as a landmark for UK services and follows a string of deals with key partners.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a focal point as the U.S. indicates it will reinstate a blockade around Iran’s shipping, proposing a 20% toll on all cargo. Markets react as oil prices jump and analysts assess supply-chain implications amid a strained ceasefire.
France has been eliminated from the World Cup after a 2-0 defeat to Spain in the semi-final in Dallas. Deschamps has spent 14 years in charge, winning the 2018 World Cup and reaching another final in 2022, but Spain’s victory ends France’s bid for a third consecutive final. Spain advance to the final, while Deschamps’ tenure faces a named successor discussion.
Refereeing decisions at the World Cup have intensified debates over VAR, with calls surrounding Embolo’s red card and other key moments shown to hinge on judgement as much as technology. Critics say the system has yet to deliver consistent fairness, while supporters point to clearer ref calls in some instances.
New studies show a blood biomarker, p-tau217, can indicate Alzheimer’s risk years before symptoms in healthy older adults. The finding could speed up drug trials by identifying high‑risk volunteers, though researchers caution it is not for routine screening yet. Separate efforts in Scotland testGP-based blood diagnostics to speed diagnosis and treatment decisions.
The Public Office (Accountability) Bill has cleared the House of Commons, mandating candour by public officials and funding for bereaved families. Campaigners say the law represents a fundamental shift toward greater accountability, overcoming years of state concealment after the Hillsborough disaster.
Spain vs Argentina finals update: Argentina captain Messi reacted to an interaction with a former Spain defender during a tense final in New York. Fernandez was sent off after a foul on Cubarsi; a referee spray mishap occurred; Barton’s officiating history is highlighted.
The United States has intensified strikes against Iran, prompting warnings that depleted munitions stocks could constrain a prolonged conflict. Dozens of targets have been hit, with officials warning rebuilding will take years. Defense contractors are urged to accelerate production as a Pennsylvania summit highlights vulnerabilities in the defense industrial base.
Spain defeats Argentina 1-0 in the World Cup final with Ferran Torres scoring in extra time. Messi has endured heartbreak at the final and posts an emotional message reflecting on the journey. Argentina ends its title bid after two straight final appearances; Spain becomes the first nation to hold men’s and women’s World Cup titles simultaneously.
France's National Assembly has passed a bill allowing medically assisted dying for adults with a serious, incurable illness in an advanced or terminal stage, with strict safeguards and a constitutional review pending. The measure now faces scrutiny by the Constitutional Council and potential enactment by President Macron.
US advocacy groups have filed a federal lawsuit in New York challenging Donald Trump’s 2025 sanctions on ICC officials and related actors for alleged war-crimes investigations. The suit argues the measures violate the First Amendment and chill protected advocacy, while the administration defends them as targeting abuses at the ICC.
Don Lemon has said he may run for president in 2028, saying he is serious and not impressed by most would-be candidates. He has built a media career since leaving CNN and is now leading Lemon Media Network, while facing a high-profile ICE protest arrest.
The Independent reports the Conservatives are seeking a Lords debate to scrutinise the Prime Minister’s policies as MPs return from summer recess. Lord True will table a motion to enable scrutiny in the Lords, with ministers urged to answer questions and publish their intentions for government. The Mirror and Sky News cover Lauren Edwards’s reintroduction of the assisted dying bill, aiming to re-send it to the Lords for continued scrutiny. The pieces together signal renewed parliamentary pressure on the new PM.
Argentina has overturned England’s lead with a late goal from Lionel Messi to reach the World Cup final; England’s hopes crumble in Atlanta as Argentina’s experience seals the win.
JD Vance has told Joe Rogan that he believes figures inside the Israeli government are engineering a long-running influence campaign to derail US-Iran negotiations. He cites funding and leaks aimed at pushing the US away from a negotiated settlement, while defending the latest MOU with Iran. The remarks follow tensions over the Iran deal and recent strikes in the region.
The tennis calendar sees direct entry lists for the US Open, Stefanos Tsitsipas claims his first ATP title in 16 months in Gstaad, and an all-Czech Wimbledon final draw big numbers for ESPN while Raducanu and others navigate comebacks.
The White House has placed Gabriel Perez, a teleprompter operator who has worked for the president since 2016, on unpaid administrative leave after Kalshi flagged suspicious bets tied to words in presidential speeches. Kalshi has referred trades to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and has frozen more than $90,000 in accounts while regulators investigate.
Latin America sees a rise in Protestant Pentecostal and Charismatic churches, now about 11% of the population, with Pentecostal/Charismatic groups reaching 676 million adherents globally in 2026. The trend influences culture and politics across the region, including Brazil, where Pentecostalism intersects with social identity.
The World Cup controversy over Balogun’s suspended ban has intensified, with European leaders and football bodies accusing FIFA of political influence and flawed governance as the 2027–31 cycle looms.
Gianni Infantino’s travel across Canada, Mexico and the United States during the 2026 World Cup has been tracked through private jets and flight data. The journey, highlighted by 43 matches attended and hours aloft, underscores the tournament’s expansive geographic footprint and rising costs, with the final set in New Jersey.
Scottish sides feature in Europa and Conference League draws. Hearts, Rangers, Hibs and Motherwell have updated pathways for European ties after Monday draws in Nyon, with next rounds and potential opponents outlined for each team.
Hearts are in Europe’s second qualifying round after finishing second in the Premiership. Wouter Vrancken’s tenure begins with a 4-0 loss to Sturm Graz, prompting questions about their Champions League hopes while eight new signings adapt to a turbulent summer.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport will hold the Morocco–Senegal AFCON final case hearing behind closed doors in Lausanne, with no verdict date yet. Senegal appealed Caf’s ruling that Morocco won 3-0 after Senegal walked off the pitch in Rabat following a late penalty. The outcome will not be announced on the hearing day.