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On December 5, 2025, the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw took place at Washington's Kennedy Center, attended by US President Donald Trump. The expanded 48-team tournament, hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, will feature 12 groups of four teams. Scotland, having qualified after 28 years, awaits its group opponents. The event included celebrity hosts and performances, with final playoff teams to be decided in March 2026.
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The expanded 48-team World Cup draw has been announced, highlighting potential upsets and tough groups. England faces Croatia first, while teams like Brazil, France, and Norway are positioned for strong runs. The format aims to reduce early eliminations, but unpredictability remains high.
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Farmers across France and Belgium are protesting against the EU-Mercosur trade deal, fearing it will flood Europe with cheaper South American goods and harm local agriculture. Protests include roadblocks, demonstrations, and clashes with police, coinciding with EU summit debates on trade and Ukraine support. The deal's approval is uncertain.
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Pope Francis is expected to visit Madrid, Barcelona, and the Canary Islands in 2026, with discussions ongoing about the timing. The trip aims to mark the 100th anniversary of Gaudí's death and address migrant issues. The visit would be his first travel plans this year.
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As of early February 2026, wildfires have devastated southern Chile's Biobio and Ñuble regions, killing at least 21 people, injuring over 300, and forcing 50,000 evacuations. The fires have destroyed thousands of homes and scorched roughly 450 sq km. Simultaneously, Argentina's Patagonia faces severe wildfires threatening ancient forests amid budget cuts and climate denial by President Javier Milei.
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Since January 20, 2026, the Trump administration launched "Operation Catch of the Day," targeting roughly 1,400 immigrants in Maine, focusing on those with alleged criminal records. Governor Janet Mills and local leaders criticize the operation for secrecy and community disruption, especially in Portland and Lewiston's immigrant populations. The raids coincide with a broader visa suspension affecting 75 countries, including many African nations, amid heightened immigration enforcement nationwide.
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The EU and South America's Mercosur have agreed on a trade pact, boosting regional ties amid declining U.S. influence. The deal contrasts with U.S. actions, which include withdrawing from international organizations and pursuing aggressive foreign policies. The agreement reflects shifting global alliances and economic strategies as U.S. influence wanes.
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On January 17, 2026, the EU and Mercosur countries signed a landmark trade deal to create one of the world's largest free trade zones, covering 700 million people. However, on January 21, the EU Parliament voted narrowly to refer the pact to the European Court of Justice, potentially delaying implementation by up to two years amid concerns over environmental standards and agricultural competition.
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Mercosur's first major trade agreement is set to be signed in Paraguay, with Brazil's Lula absent from the ceremony. Lula's decision to send his foreign minister instead signals possible disappointment over the deal's timing and terms. The pact aims to create one of the world's largest free trade zones, impacting regional and global trade dynamics.
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The EU's landmark Mercosur trade agreement, signed Saturday, is now under review by the European Court of Justice following a narrow parliamentary vote to delay ratification. The move reflects ongoing tensions over environmental and agricultural concerns, with potential delays of up to two years before full implementation.
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Pope Leo announced plans for a papal visit to Africa, including Algeria, and Latin America, notably Peru, Argentina, and Uruguay, in 2026 or 2027. The visits aim to strengthen church ties and address issues like Christian-Muslim relations. No specific dates have been set.
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Uruguay's President Yamandu Orsi visited Beijing, signing a dozen cooperation agreements with China. The trip emphasizes deepening strategic partnership amid regional geopolitical shifts, with Uruguay seeking to boost trade and investment despite US concerns about China's influence in Latin America.
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Pope Leo plans a series of international trips in 2026, including visits to Africa, Spain, Monaco, and Italy, after a busy Holy Year. His travels aim to strengthen interfaith dialogue, commemorate cultural milestones, and engage with global Catholic communities. The trips mark a significant shift in his papacy's outreach efforts.
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The EU has announced it will provisionally apply the long-delayed Mercosur trade deal after Argentina and Uruguay ratified it. The agreement, negotiated for 25 years, creates one of the world's largest free trade zones, but faces ongoing political and agricultural opposition within Europe. Full approval depends on the European Parliament.