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As the 2026 World Cup group stage concludes, a new tiebreaker system and an expanded 48-team format are changing how teams qualify. Eight teams already have nothing to play for, while Mexico has secured a home knockout game and South Korea faces an uncertain path after a surprise loss.
Leaders of the E5 nations met in Berlin, pledging to deepen NATO-Ukraine ties and increase defense spending. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the time for negotiations with Russia will come, while stressing Europe's continued support for Ukraine.
France's national temperature indicator hit a record 29.8°C on Tuesday, with around 44 million people affected by an extreme heatwave that has caused power outages in the northwest and driven up sales of fans and air conditioners. Italy has declared red alerts in 16 cities, and the heat is expected to spread into eastern Europe.
A new Pew Research Center survey across 36 countries finds only 23% of adults trust President Donald Trump on world affairs, with confidence dropping in most nations with trend data. Views of the US itself are also largely negative, and assessments of its reliability and role are worsening.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte met with US President Donald Trump at the White House to smooth over differences ahead of the July NATO summit in Ankara. Trump has renewed threats to leave the alliance and announced a review of US forces in Europe, amid fallout from the Iran war and disputes over Greenland.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has given Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko a week to remove Russian military equipment from Belarusian territory, threatening action if he does not. CIS Secretary General Sergey Lebedev dismissed the threats as a 'bluff,' while Lukashenko ordered reinforced border protection.
European defense spending has surged since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with NATO members investing hundreds of billions, yet structural challenges and procurement bottlenecks hamper the continent's military ambitions. A scrapped Franco-German fighter jet project highlights persistent fragmentation.
France and Spain have issued red heat alerts with temperatures forecast to exceed 40C, while Italy's health ministry has declared red alerts in 16 cities. The heatwave has been linked to several deaths, including two children in France and five swimmers in Germany.
Lionel Messi scored twice to become the all-time leading scorer in men's World Cup history, leading Argentina to a 2-0 victory over Austria and securing their place in the last 32.
Tunisia became the first African team to be eliminated from the 2026 World Cup after a 4-0 defeat to Japan, following a 5-1 loss to Sweden. Coach Hervé Renard, brought in just before the match, announced his departure. Japan's win, with two goals from Ayase Ueda, put them level with the Netherlands on points.
Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian-occupied Crimea killed at least four people and wounded 28, prompting authorities to suspend fuel sales. The strikes also caused power outages in Sevastopol and targeted Russian energy infrastructure, escalating Kyiv's campaign to disrupt Moscow's supply lines.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and senior officials are returning Polish state honors after Poland's President Karol Nawrocki stripped Zelensky of the Order of the White Eagle, a decision linked to a dispute over a Ukrainian military unit named after the WWII-era Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). The row has strained ties between the two close allies, with Ukrainian officials calling the move a gift to Moscow and Polish officials emphasizing historical truth and moral obligations.
A Belarusian lawmaker accused Ukrainian President Zelensky of attempting to draw Belarus and all of Europe into a military conflict. Meanwhile, Belarusian and Russian officials expressed concerns over European militarization and Kiev's alleged efforts to involve Belarus in the hostilities.
Polish President Karol Nawrocki has decided to revoke Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's Order of the White Eagle after Kyiv named a military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). Nawrocki also expressed concern that Polish-trained Ukrainian soldiers might serve under UPA banners, calling it unacceptable. The move has drawn reactions from Russian officials, who see it as validation of their claims about neo-Nazism in Ukraine.
As Gadi Eisenkot enters the race for prime minister, his English proficiency has become a campaign issue, with critics questioning his ability to represent Israel on the global stage. The debate highlights a trend where Israeli leaders have often been fluent in English, sparking discussions about the importance of language skills in leadership.
New data from Georgia's National Statistics Office shows wine exports to Russia fell 8.6% in the first five months of the year, while wheat imports from Russia rose 24.7%. TASS reports the figures, which highlight ongoing trade dynamics between the two countries.
Michel Barnier, the EU's former chief Brexit negotiator, has said the UK could regain special terms if it rejoined the EU, including keeping the pound and staying outside the Schengen area. He cited precedents from other member states and noted recent polling showing majority support for rejoining.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a six-month review of US military presence in Europe, criticizing NATO allies for insufficient defense spending and for restricting US forces during the Iran war. He warned that US contributions to NATO's budget would be reduced if allies fail to meet spending targets, while NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte noted European allies have already increased spending significantly.
Despite fierce opposition from Sen. Rick Scott, Holocaust survivors, and Jewish leaders, two Kanye West concerts are scheduled to proceed at Tampa's Raymond James Stadium this weekend. The Tampa Sports Authority cites free speech protections and a binding contract, while contract details reveal significant expected revenue and a clause limiting cancellation.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte reaffirmed US commitment to the alliance despite reductions in US contributions to NATO's force model, urging European allies to 'backfill' the gap. He outlined plans for a 'stronger European-led NATO' with Europeans assuming more responsibility in Europe and Ukraine.