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Iran’s national football team has arrived in Turkey for a pre-World Cup training camp, but many players face visa delays for the US, where they are scheduled to play group matches. Coach Amir Ghalenoei is working to raise fitness levels after a domestic league suspension, while FIFA expresses confidence in Iran’s participation.
Thirty-four European countries, along with Australia, Costa Rica and the European Union, have agreed to establish a special tribunal to prosecute Russia for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. The move, endorsed by the Council of Europe, aims to fill a gap left by the International Criminal Court, which cannot try the crime of aggression in this context. Ukraine's leadership and the Council's secretary general hailed the decision as a historic step toward justice.
Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz faces the biggest challenge of his six-month tenure as protests, roadblocks, and clashes with security forces paralyze the capital and trigger shortages of food, fuel, and medicine. Paz has announced a cabinet reshuffle, salary cuts, and a new law allowing the military to clear roadblocks, while Latin American nations express concern over regional stability.
Maria Fernanda Espinosa, former President of the UN General Assembly, has been nominated by Antigua and Barbuda for the position of UN Secretary-General. She is one of five candidates vying for the role, with the election scheduled for July 2026. Espinosa stressed the importance of impartiality in a recent interview, warning against double standards that erode trust in the UN.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung's special envoy, former Rep. Yang Kyung-sook, met with Costa Rican President-elect Laura Fernandez to discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation in infrastructure, digital technology, and other sectors. The meeting comes ahead of Fernandez's inauguration, with Yang set to attend the ceremony and deliver a personal letter from President Lee.
LAFC's Concacaf Champions Cup campaign ended in disappointment as they lost 4-0 to Deportivo Toluca FC in the second leg of the semifinals, falling 5-2 on aggregate. Son Heung-min, who had two assists in the first leg, was unable to influence the second leg as Toluca scored all four goals in the second half.
The Zambian government has postponed RightsCon 2026, a major human rights and technology conference, days before it was to open in Lusaka. Human Rights Watch and civil society groups criticize the move, while unverified reports suggest Chinese pressure over Taiwanese delegates may have played a role.
The United States and five Latin American countries issued a joint statement accusing China of politicizing maritime trade by detaining nearly 70 Panamanian-flagged ships. The dispute follows Panama's Supreme Court ruling that invalidated CK Hutchison's port contracts. China has denied the allegations, calling them 'baseless and misleading.'
Israeli President Isaac Herzog will visit Panama and Costa Rica in early May, according to Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino and Israel's Foreign Ministry. The trip aims to strengthen diplomatic ties with Latin America, a region where Israel has faced diplomatic challenges but also found support.
Four candidates vying to become the next UN secretary-general made their case this week, emphasizing peace, reform, and restoring trust in the world body. Hearings before the General Assembly highlighted concerns about the UN's legitimacy and effectiveness amid global crises.
Russia has expressed a favorable view of UN Secretary General candidate Rebeca Grynspan, noting her understanding of Moscow's demands, while also praising IAEA chief Rafael Grossi. Interactive dialogues with four candidates are set for April 21-22 in New York.
Senegal's former president Macky Sall presented himself as a bridge-builder during public hearings for the UN Secretary-General position, urging peace and diplomacy amid deep global divisions. He is the only African among four candidates, and his candidacy faces challenges from lack of regional support and questions about his record.
Four candidates — Michelle Bachelet, Rafael Grossi, Rebeca Grynspan, and Macky Sall — are competing to replace António Guterres as UN Secretary-General. Public hearings began April 21, 2026, with the election set for July. Bachelet faces opposition from the US and China, while all candidates confront a deeply divided organization and a financial crisis.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup, insisting 'Iran is coming for sure' despite the ongoing war with the US and Israel. The announcement comes amid security concerns and Iran's request to relocate matches, which FIFA has rejected.
IAEA chief Rafael Grossi has been named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people, highlighting his diplomatic work during the Ukraine war and Iran nuclear dispute. The Argentine diplomat is also a leading candidate to become the next UN secretary-general, having pitched a reform agenda to member states.
LAFC advanced to the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals with a 4-1 aggregate win over Cruz Azul, playing to a 1-1 draw in the second leg. Son Heung-min, who scored in the first leg, played the entire match. LAFC will face the winner of the Toluca vs. LA Galaxy quarterfinal.
The African Union has rejected a procedural move to endorse former Senegalese President Macky Sall as its candidate for UN Secretary-General, with some 20 member states objecting. The controversy highlights tensions between national initiatives and continental endorsement procedures, as well as Senegal's own distancing from the bid.
FIFA has turned down Iran's request to move its 2026 World Cup group-stage matches from the United States to Mexico, citing logistical complications, according to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. The decision comes amid heightened tensions following US-Israel strikes on Iran, with Iranian officials warning that participation could be uncertain without relocation.
Son Heung-min scored his first open-play goal of the season to help Los Angeles FC beat Cruz Azul 3-0 in the first leg of their Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal. The South Korea forward had earlier recorded a career-high four assists in an MLS match, and LAFC now need only a draw in the second leg to reach the semifinals.
The Trump administration has reiterated its intention to deport Salvadoran immigrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Liberia, despite his preference for Costa Rica and a judge's criticism of the plan. The case has become a flashpoint in the immigration debate, drawing scrutiny over the administration's motives and the legality of its deportation campaign.