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Delta Goodrem dazzled at the Eurovision 2026 grand final in Vienna, finishing fourth for Australia. Bulgaria's Dara claimed the title with 'Bangaranga,' marking the nation's first Eurovision win. Goodrem's performance earned widespread praise, though Australia's wait for a first victory continues.
The Eurovision Song Contest began in Vienna under the shadow of boycotts and protests over Israel's participation, with five countries withdrawing. Broadcasters in Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia are refusing to air the event, while organizers express hope for the absent nations' return. The first semi-final saw Finland and Israel advance amid ongoing controversy.
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, all 48 qualified teams have selected base camps from a FIFA-approved catalogue. England will be based at Swope Soccer Village and Argentina at the Sporting KC Training Center, both in Kansas City, where the Netherlands and Algeria have also chosen to stay. The camps will serve as hubs for training and preparations ahead of the group stage, with teams advancing to the knockouts able to extend their stay or relocate.
Thousands of fans gathered in Vienna as the 70th Eurovision Song Contest opened amid renewed boycott calls over Israel's participation. Five countries have withdrawn, and over 1,000 artists have joined the protest, while Finland enters as the heavy favourite.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of insincerity regarding the ceasefire, warning of a large-scale retaliatory strike on central Kiev if Moscow is attacked on Victory Day. Zakharova also reaffirmed Russia's openness to genuine negotiations while cautioning against using them as a cover.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Al Jazeera reports the match schedule, group draws, and tournament format, with the opening match in Mexico City and the final in New Jersey.
Recent US intelligence assessments indicate Iran's timeline to build a nuclear weapon remains about a year, unchanged since the summer, despite the 2026 war. Israeli officials argue the war was still worthwhile, citing significant reductions in Iran's ballistic missile arsenal, even as a CIA report suggests limited destruction of missile launchers.
FIFA has extended Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni's six-match suspension for homophobic conduct to have worldwide effect, meaning the Argentine could miss his country's first two World Cup matches if selected. The ban stems from an incident during a Champions League match against Real Madrid in February.
As Labour faces heavy losses in local elections, cabinet ministers are urging MPs not to launch a leadership challenge against Keir Starmer. Despite growing discontent and speculation about successors like Andy Burnham and Wes Streeting, senior figures warn that a coup would bring chaos and repeat the Conservatives' mistakes.
Austria has declared three Russian diplomats personae non gratae, accusing them of espionage linked to an 'antenna forest' at diplomatic buildings in Vienna. The Russian embassy has condemned the move as politically motivated and promised a harsh response. Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger stressed that diplomatic immunity must not be abused for espionage.
The UAE officially left OPEC and OPEC+ on May 1, ending nearly six decades of membership. The decision, attributed to national interests and long-simmering quota disputes, underscores a deepening rift with Saudi Arabia and rising tensions among Gulf states amid the Iran war. Analysts see the move as a significant blow to the cartel’s cohesion.
Russia has said it will not follow the United Arab Emirates out of OPEC+ and hopes the format will continue despite the UAE's decision to leave. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stressed the importance of dialogue in balancing global energy markets and said Moscow would keep contacts with the UAE on energy issues.
European airlines face their biggest challenge since the Covid-19 pandemic as the Iran war pushes up jet fuel prices and disrupts travel through the Middle East. Tourists are reshaping plans, booking later and staying closer to home, while carriers warn of potential fuel shortages if the conflict persists.
The European Parliament has approved a resolution calling for a standardized, consent-based definition of rape across the EU, with 447 votes in favor. The move aims to harmonize laws among member states and follows years of stalled efforts, notably opposed by France, Germany, and Hungary in the Council.
Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine defeated Russia's Mirra Andreeva in the Madrid Open final, 7-5, 6-3, to claim the WTA 1000 title. The match took place against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine, with the players not shaking hands after the match. Andreeva, competing under a neutral status, was projected to rise to 7th in the WTA rankings.
The United Arab Emirates has announced it will leave OPEC and the wider OPEC+ framework, a move analysts say could weaken the cartel's influence. The decision, effective May 1, reflects the UAE's long-term strategic and economic vision, according to official statements.
A 21-year-old Austrian man, identified as Beran A, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to charges related to a jihadist plot to attack a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna in August 2024, which led to the cancellation of three shows. He faces up to 20 years in prison, and is also accused of planning attacks abroad with a co-defendant.
A two-part FRANCE 24 series explores how EU cohesion funds finance transport infrastructure across Europe, from a cycle path near Paris to major rail investments in Poland. However, the journey also highlights Hungary, where EU funds have been frozen over rule-of-law concerns, and Austria, where bureaucratic hurdles persist.
Iranian embassies in Australia, the UK, Germany, and Sri Lanka have promoted recruitment for the 'Janfada' (sacrificing life) campaign, prompting investigations and diplomatic responses. Australia's federal police are looking into the matter, while the UK has summoned Iran's ambassador over 'unacceptable and inflammatory' comments.
Slovenia's public broadcaster will show 'Voices of Palestine' instead of Eurovision, joining Ireland and Spain in boycotting the event over Israel's participation. Iceland and the Netherlands are also boycotting but will still broadcast the contest. The EBU has introduced new rules to prevent political influence on voting.