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New Caledonia's non-independence parties have secured control of the territory's Congress after forming an alliance with a small party, electing Virginie Ruffenach as president. The move comes weeks after provincial elections marked by high turnout and a backdrop of past unrest.
Voters in New Caledonia went to the polls on Sunday for the first provincial elections since 2019, with about 192,000 eligible to elect 76 councillors. The vote, delayed from 2024 due to unrest, will shape negotiations with France, with independence as the defining issue. Turnout stood at 54.42% an hour before polls closed.
Solomon Islands' new prime minister Matthew Wale has agreed to start negotiations on a comprehensive treaty with Australia during his visit to Canberra, while confirming his government will review the contentious security pact with China. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed openness to elevating the bilateral relationship as Wale reiterates a policy of 'friends to all, enemies to none.'
Iraq and DR Congo claimed the last two spots in the 48-team 2026 World Cup field, completing the lineup for the first tournament to feature the expanded format. Iraq beat Bolivia 2-1, while DR Congo edged Jamaica 1-0 after extra time, setting up group assignments in the June-July tournament co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 52 years, following a 1-0 extra-time victory over Jamaica. The government declared a national holiday, and fans celebrated across the country, with President Félix Tshisekedi promising rewards for the players.
Axel Tuanzebe scored an extra-time winner as DR Congo beat Jamaica 1-0 in the intercontinental playoff final, securing a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It is the first time the country has qualified since 1974, when it was known as Zaire. The Leopards join Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan in Group K.