Republic of Tunisia in North Africa; Maghreb nation with a Mediterranean coastline
UK small-boat arrivals have fallen this year, with 11,884 migrants reaching the UK by end-June, down 41-43% on 2025. While experts credit policy shifts and EU trends, higher per-boat counts and an expanded France deal signal ongoing changes in migrant routes and enforcement.
Ahmed Shihab-Eldin has been acquitted of charges including spreading false information and harming national security after 52 days in Kuwaiti detention and has left Kuwait, his legal team and rights groups have said. His arrest had highlighted an expanding crackdown on social media and press coverage in Gulf states since the US-Israel strikes on Iran began in late February.
Tunisia has continued to restrict civil society organizations and arrest critics since President Kais Saied's power consolidation. Recent measures include suspending NGOs and detaining journalists, reflecting a broader crackdown on freedoms and opposition since 2021. These actions threaten Tunisia's democratic progress.
Rached Ghannouchi, the 84-year-old Tunisian opposition figure and Ennahdha leader, has been transferred to hospital after a sharp health deterioration. Ennahdha asserts he is being held arbitrarily and calls for his immediate release amid a broader crackdown on dissent that has drawn international attention.
The Middle East conflict has pushed up fuel, fertiliser and packaging costs, feeding higher food prices globally. Retailers warn inflation is likely to continue if the war persists, while farmers face rising input costs and potential production cuts.
A Paris investigating judge will examine JR complaints that Mohammed bin Salman was involved in torture and enforced disappearance in Jamal Khashoggi's 2018 killing. The Paris Court of Appeal has allowed the civil-complaint process to proceed against the Saudi crown prince, though no charges have been filed.
The United States has announced a waiver of visa bonds for qualified World Cup fans who have tickets and opt into the FIFA Pass expedited visa system. The policy applies to supporters from five World Cup-qualified countries and co-hosts the 2026 tournament in the US, Canada and Mexico. The move follows ongoing immigration enforcement concerns and broad bond requirements that previously affected travelers from 50 nations.
Protesters in Tunisia have called for an end to one-man rule, criticizing the government’s economic handling and alleged use of judiciary and police to silence critics. Rights groups warn of a widening crackdown on dissent as shortages and inflation strain public services.
The Italian coastguard has recovered bodies after a boat packed with refugees capsized near Malta. A fishing boat has rescued about 48 people, with the vessel believed to have departed from Libya. EU talks on asylum returns and new rules are unfolding as rescue operations continue amid ongoing crossings that have claimed many lives this year.
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.
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.
World Cup action sees the Netherlands crush Sweden 5-1 while Germany edge to a last-minute 2-1 win against Côte d’Ivoire, keeping Germany atop Group E and the Dutch leading Group F. Sweden, Tunisia, and other sides face challenges as results shape knockout prospects.
In the Mediterranean, invasive silver-cheeked toadfish have damaged nets and threatened swimmers. Greece has launched a program to cull and dispose of the fish, while authorities warn of their dangerous neurotoxin. Reports span Crete to Athens, with sites in Cyprus following similar measures. Scientists link arrivals to warm seas and the Suez Canal route.
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.
Sweden has clawed back into form after a dismal World Cup qualifying, with Isak and Gyökeres headlining a new, more fluid attack under Graham Potter. Sweden’s manager is guiding a fast, flexible system that contrasts with a poor recent qualification campaign, and the team is showing signs of progress ahead of the finals.
Sweden has hammered Tunisia 5-1 in Monterrey in their World Cup opener. Yasin Ayari led the way with a first-half brace, Isak added another, and Gyokeres, Rekik, Svanberg also got on the scoresheet as Sweden dominate early before a late finisher from Ayari capped the win.
Tunisia has dismissed Sabri Lamouchi after a 5-1 opening loss to Sweden and has appointed Hervé Renard to lead the team for its remaining Group F matches. Renard has arrived in Monterrey with four days to prepare for Saturday's match against Japan and brings World Cup experience with Morocco and Saudi Arabia plus two Africa Cup of Nations titles.
Senegal has been held to a draw by France in a taut Group I opener, with strategic missteps and a late deficit preventing a positive result. Senegal’s captain says the side showed quality in the first half but could not sustain pressure, while France’s Mbappe sealed the win. Meanwhile, Tunisia has appointed Hervé Renard as head coach after a 5-1 loss to Sweden, aiming to spark a Group F recovery.
Tunisia has dismissed coach Sabri Lamouchi after a 5-1 loss to Sweden and has appointed Hervé Renard to lead the team as World Cup progress remains uncertain. Renard is preparing a squad that faces Japan with the goal of advancing from Group F, despite an upstart schedule and a short preparation window.
Japan has defeated Tunisia 4-0 in Monterrey, moving into second place in Group F on four points, behind the Netherlands on goal difference. Ayase Ueda scored twice, with Daichi Kamada and Junya Ito also on target as Japan control the match from start to finish. Tunisia’s hopes of knockout qualification are dashed after consecutive heavy defeats.
Netherlands dominates Sweden with five goals as Cody Gakpo and Brian Brobbey lead the attack; Germany secures a late win over Côte d’Ivoire to top Group E, setting up a knockout-round clash as 48-team World Cup format continues.
France has sealed top spot in Group I after a 4-1 win over Norway, with Ousmane Dembélé’s hat-trick and Mbappé’s goals highlighting a potent attack. Deschamps has returned to France for family reasons, and Norway rested most starters as they fight to reach the knockout stage.
Argentina has secured a 3-1 win over Jordan in the group finale, with Lionel Messi scoring from a free kick after coming on as a second-half substitute. The performance extends Messi’s World Cup scoring record and keeps Argentina atop Group J as they head into the knockout rounds.
Nigeria is becoming central to a new model of counterterrorism. AFRICOM says security outcomes depend on intelligence sharing and coordinated action, with Nigeria at the heart of operations against ISIS and other groups. US forces have withdrawn most personnel, but partnerships continue through intelligence and joint actions.
Germany and Ecuador have moved closer to the World Cup knockout stage as group-stage results tighten, with Germany drawing 1-1 with Ecuador and Curacao upset by Ivory Coast. The results leave England's fate dependent on other matches as the schedule heads for the final group fixtures.
Scotland faces a decisive moment as Brazil’s Vinícius Júnior delivers a sobering performance that could end their World Cup hopes. The team is aiming to secure a last-32 spot, with lineup changes and tactical tweaks under consideration ahead of a decisive match.
Canada finished second in Group B after a 6-0 win over Qatar and a draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina, while South Africa finished runners-up in Group A after a slow start and key win over South Korea. The last-32 match in Los Angeles pits Marsch’s men against Bafana Bafana, with the winner advancing to face either the Netherlands or Morocco.
Glasgow City Council has appointed architects to explore a meanwhile-use proposal for the Union Corner fire site, following a blaze that damaged the adjacent B-listed building. O’Donnell Brown will draft options for commercial and cultural uses over the next four years as authorities seek a rapid return of life to the city centre.
Japan has secured a spot in the round of 32 in the World Cup, while Chinese supporters in Tokyo celebrate Japan's form. Chinese brands are making inroads at the event, with marketing campaigns elevating their presence across host venues.
Ronald Koeman has resigned as the Netherlands head coach following their World Cup last-32 defeat to Morocco. He has acknowledged the disappointment and says the responsibility rests with him. The Dutch side had aimed for a historic run but failed to reach the semi-finals, with the 63-year-old referencing health and personal priorities in his reasoning.
Portugal has beaten Croatia 2-1 after Gonçalo Ramos scored a stoppage-time header to win the last-32 tie. Cristiano Ronaldo has converted a penalty — his first World Cup knockout goal — after Ivan Perišić had opened the scoring. Croatia thought they had equalised late, but VAR used ball-sensor "snicko" data to rule the goal out for offside.
Pope Leo XIV has visited Lampedusa on 4 July to honor migrants and urge Europe to implement a comprehensive plan to receive, protect and integrate migrants while calling on the United States to uphold immigrant rights on its independence anniversary. He also highlighted the ongoing migrant tragedy in the central Mediterranean, where thousands have died or gone missing this year.
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.
Global family holidays are cheaper this summer, with UAE, Egypt and other destinations posting price drops of up to 25% as travellers reassess risk amid Middle East tensions. Spain and other European resorts are more expensive, while far-flung destinations show significant savings for August departures.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani has died at 74, Qatar's Amiri Diwan has announced. He has been credited with transforming Qatar into an energy and diplomatic power by expanding LNG production, founding Al Jazeera, building sovereign investment vehicles and stepping down voluntarily in 2013 to hand power to his son.
Three years after the EU-Tunisia Memorandum of Understanding, rights groups say the pact has intensified border controls and serious human rights violations, amid calls to suspend the agreement and reassess safeguards. Reports detail intercepted departures, abuses, and restricted asylum access, with EU funding tied to Tunisian authorities.