KANSAS CITY: Africa set a record by sending nine of its teams to the knockout rounds of the World Cup. Seven of them were knocked out in the first round. Ghana were the last African team to play in the Round of 32 on Friday night, and the white-clad Black Stars went down with a whimper in a 1-0 los»»»

MEXICO CITY: The Mexican dream at this World Cup can be summed up in a phrase: “And what if we do?” The question omits the ending — and what if we do win? — but captures the hope of two generations of Mexicans who were used to defeats and have waited 40 years to see their national team make it to t»»»

Doha: Qatar and Saudi Arabia national basketball teams will meet tomorrow in the closing fixture of the third window of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 in Qatar. The encounter promises strong competitiveness despite qualification to the second round already being secured»»»

RIYADH: Large-scale concerts, scintillating theme parks, and a booming cinema industry are no longer novelties in Saudi Arabia, with them becoming powerful engines of economic diversification under Vision 2030, according to industry experts. Guided by the ambitious program, Saudi Arabia is affirmin»»»

COLOMBO: A new medical college complex in southwestern Sri Lanka, financed by the Saudi Fund for Development, was inaugurated on Saturday, marking the latest Saudi assistance aimed at improving healthcare and education in the island nation. The $50 million project for the Faculty of Medicine at the»»»

President Donald Trump ushered in the 250th anniversary of American independence on Friday with soaring rhetoric about American exceptionalism before veering into a darkly political speech with warnings about a sinister threat of communism that evoked one of the country’s ugliest chapters. Ian Reif»»»

Washington: Millions of Americans celebrated the country's 250th birthday on Saturday -- a landmark celebration that comes at a time of deep political division, with a president determined to put his stamp on the festivities. Washington's traditional fireworks display on the National Mall -- lined »»»

Russia’s strikes on the Ukrainian military-industrial facilities will intensify, just as President Vladimir Putin has instructed, military analyst Boris Rozhin tells Sputnik. Ukraine is already grappling with mounting logistical chaos triggered by them, the pundit notes.While some lost production c»»»

BEIRUT: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Saturday urged the United States to stand by his country after a recent US-backed framework deal with Israel aiming to permanently end hostilities after the latest Israel-Hezbollah war. The deal reached in Washington calls for the disarmament of Iran-backed»»»

GAZA CITY, Palestinian Territories: The Gaza war was the spark that touched off years of Middle East conflict culminating in the US-Israeli war with Iran, but as Washington and Tehran wrangle over terms for peace, the devastated territory’s fate seems largely out of mind. “Ever since the United Sta»»»

Mexico City: Canada have already made World Cup history, while Mexico and the USA are also on course to beat their best ever runs in the tournament as home advantage has paid dividends. AFP Sports looks at how all three co-hosts have thrived while others have struggled with the sprawling tournament»»»

Lake Velence, Hungary’s third-largest natural lake and one of the country’s most popular recreational destinations, is once again facing a critical summer. Prolonged drought, high evaporation rates and the lack of a long-term water replenishment strategy have pushed water levels to worrying lows. F»»»

In tonight's edition, Ebola is spreading beyond its original hotspot in the DRC as a new case has been detected nearly 600 kilometers away. And another human rights catastrophe is unfolding in Sudan around the besieged city of al-Obeid, the UN says.  Produced by Clarisse Fortuné and Antonia Ci»»»

Europe’s peak travel season is under pressure as the new Entry/Exit System (EES) creates long queues, processing delays and operational bottlenecks at airports across the Schengen Area. Designed to replace passport stamping with biometric checks, the system is intended to modernise border control. »»»

More than 640,000 displaced people in Lebanon have returned home, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), as clashes between Hezbollah and Israel have wound down following a deal to end the Middle East war. Lebanon was drawn into the regional war on March 2 when Tehran-back»»»

Indian carriers IndiGo and Air India have issued travel advisories as heavy rainfall continues to disrupt normal life in Mumbai and nearby regions, impacting flight operations and causing delays. In Mumbai, heavy showers led to severe waterlogging in areas including Mahim, causing major traffic con»»»

Dubai: Dubai has launched its first integrated life skills framework for learners, a new education initiative aimed at preparing children and young people for a rapidly changing world by strengthening their practical, personal and social capabilities. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority a»»»

Long-term investors are central to the Government’s economic policy, Deputy Minister of Economy, Investments and Industry Krasimir Yakimov said at Mihalkovo’s 70th anniversary, the Ministry of Economy, Investments and Industry’s press service said on Saturday. Yakimov attended the opening of new pr»»»

DALLAS: After a week in which Egypt’s coach Hossam Hassan fielded repeated questions about Australia’s physical advantages and Mohamed Salah’s fitness, it felt fitting that the Pharaohs’ biggest match on the world stage since 1934 began with the two captains — 175 cm Salah and the Socceroos’ 2-mete»»»

A nerveless Mohamed Salah said he decided only at the last moment to chip in his penalty under massive pressure to help Egypt into the World Cup last 16 on Friday. The former Liverpool superstar and Egypt captain stepped up third in the shootout for his country and scored a "Panenka" as they beat A»»»

Arlington, United States: Australia goalkeeper Patrick Beach had no idea he was going to be taken off for the World Cup penalty shootout with Egypt Friday as coach Tony Popovic came under fire for the baffling decision. Beach, 22, headed to the tournament as number two to seasoned Socceroos shot-st»»»

FRIA, Guinea: Kazaliou Balde’s parents started worrying about him when as a small child he avoided eye contact and had difficulty communicating. First, the family in the West African nation of Guinea turned to a traditional healer who suggested protective amulets. Then, as the boy dragged himself a»»»

A nerveless Mohamed Salah said he decided only at the last moment to chip in his penalty under massive pressure to help Egypt into the World Cup last 16 on Friday. The former Liverpool superstar and Egypt captain stepped up third in the shootout for his country and scored a "Panenka" as they beat A»»»

Arlington, United States: Australia goalkeeper Patrick Beach had no idea he was going to be taken off for the World Cup penalty shootout with Egypt Friday as coach Tony Popovic came under fire for the baffling decision. Beach, 22, headed to the tournament as number two to seasoned Socceroos shot-st»»»

Are you considering relocating to Hungary, applying for a job in Budapest or simply curious about the country’s labour market? One question is asked more than almost any other: How much can you earn in Hungary? The answer depends largely on your profession, qualifications and location. While Hungar»»»

Dubai: For four years, a family in India held on to the hope that one Big Ticket entry could change their lives. That moment has finally arrived on July 3, when Kanika Arora, a 43-year-old housewife, won the Dh25 million grand prize in Big Ticket's live series 288 in Abu Dhabi. Speaking to Gulf New»»»

New Jersey, United States:Raphinha resumed training with Brazil's World Cup squad on Friday as he continues his recovery from a hamstring strain. The Barcelona forward has not played since sustaining the injury in the first half of Brazil's 3-0 group-stage win over Haiti on June 19. Brazil opened t»»»

In the summer of 2026, Germany is a punch-drunk country reeling from harsh knocks, many of which are self-inflicted. In the short term, it has just suffered a humiliating defeat at the UN General Assembly, where it was punished for Berlin’s brazen arrogance, political provincialism, and last but no»»»

On July 4, the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of its independence. Americans will honor the Founding Fathers, the Continental Army, and France’s decisive contribution to victory over Britain. But one foreign power that also helped shape the fate of the young republic has largely dis»»»

Kansas City, USA: Colombia saw off Ghana 1-0 on Friday to become the final team to qualify for the World Cup last 16. The South Americans dominated the game at Arrowhead Stadium and had eight shots on target but ended up with just Jhon Arias's early goal to show for their superiority. Now they can »»»

A gasoline shortage in Russia has started to impact countries in Central Asia, Bloomberg reports. As reported, Kyrgyzstan has appealed to neighboring countries for assistance in maintaining stable fuel supplies. In Uzbekistan, gasoline prices have surged sharply. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan has tightened»»»

Brasília: Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro will remain under humanitarian house arrest in Brasilia as he serves a 27-year sentence for a failed coup attempt, the Supreme Court ruled Friday. Bolsonaro, 71, was moved from prison to house arrest in March after being hospitalized with bronchop»»»

Praia, Cape Verde: Applause erupted, drums began to beat and car horns honked: Cape Verde's narrow loss to Argentina was cause for celebration early Saturday in Praia as the Blue Sharks' World Cup dream run came to a sad but brilliant end. The African archipelago of just over 500,000 people progres»»»

Makati, Manila: Patrick Balala, 53, a former overseas Filipino worker (OFW) and homeowner here, had been waiting for a renter for his one-bedroom condominium unit in Makati, Manila's financial centre. No tenant came for more than two years. Now, his property agent came up with a piece of good news:»»»

MIAMI: Lionel Messi’s Argentina beat rank outsiders Cape Verde 3-2 after extra-time in an epic contest to reach the World Cup last 16 on Friday. An own goal from Diney Borges under pressure from Argentina’s Cristian Romero in the 111th minute settled the match in Miami and reigning champions Argent»»»

Dubai: The UAE is expected to see generally fair weather today, Saturday, July 4, with partly cloudy conditions at times and low clouds appearing over the east coast, according to the latest forecast. The weather is being influenced by an extension of a surface low-pressure system from the east, ac»»»

Manila: A proposal to give bigger Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) benefits to members who pay monthly premiums has ignited a nationwide debate over fairness, universal healthcare and the government's funding obligations. More than 70 medical and healthcare organisations have rejected»»»

DUBAI: Egypt have beaten Australia in a penalty shootout at Dallas Stadium to reach the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. It was their first-ever knockout stage win. They now join Morocco as the second African and Arab nation to reach the last 16 of this tournament. Egypt had been buoyed by the ne»»»

Arlington, United States: Hossam Abdelmaguid scored the decisive penalty as Egypt beat Australia 4-2 on penalties after they finished level at 1-1 following extra time on Friday to reach the World Cup last 16. Egypt's players celebrate after winning the 2026 World Cup round of 32 football match bet»»»

Peru has become one of South America’s clearest political contradictions. Presidents fall, parties fragment, voters withdraw, and Congress repeatedly turns constitutional procedures into instruments of self-preservation. At the same time, the economy continues to project a level of discipline that »»»

Geneva: The Ebola disease outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus (BVD) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) had claimed 452 lives among 1,460 confirmed cases as of July 1, with transmission continuing to spread into new health zones, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported on Friday.»»»

BEIRUT: More than 640,000 displaced people in Lebanon have returned home, according to the International Organization for Migration, as clashes between Hezbollah and Israel have wound down following a deal to end the Middle East war. Lebanon was drawn into the regional war on March 2 when Hezbollah»»»

1 of 4 | New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani delivers an address to commemorate America's 250th anniversary on Friday in New York City. Mayor Mamdani delivered the speech from George Washington's desk, surrounded by recently naturalized citizens. Pool Photo by Anna Connors/UPI | License Photo July 3»»»

DOHA: Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia hailed his side's resilience and unwavering belief after they produced one of the most remarkable comebacks of the FIFA World Cup 2026, overturning a two-goal deficit to defeat Senegal 3-2 after extra time and book their place in the Round of 16. With Belgium tr»»»

In an economically and financially unstable market, young Romanians are not making the best choices regarding their academic future. A recent Eurostat study shows that we are in last place in the European Union in terms of the percentage of higher education graduates among young people, while a thi»»»

The US was concerned that Israel could kill Iran’s top negotiators in an attempt to derail the peace negotiations between Washington and Tehran, the New York Times has reported, citing American officials. According to a report by the newspaper on Thursday, US officials feared that Israel would targ»»»

Nearly half of Americans do not know what the country’s 250th anniversary is actually celebrating, despite overwhelming majorities saying they are proud and grateful to be American, according to the Cato Institute. The milestone commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4»»»

FRANCE 24’s Europe editor-in-chief Caroline de Camaret hosts Maia Sandu, the President of Moldova. This in the context of an EU-Moldova summit held on June 22, 2026, in Brussels. The ex-Soviet republic of nearly 3 million people that borders Ukraine has opened its first “cluster” of negotiatio»»»

An Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has killed more than 400 people and continues to spread, with health authorities confirming a first case in the major city of Kisangani, hundreds of kilometres from the epidemic's epicentre in the northeast. An Ebola outbreak in the DR Congo has»»»

Basking Ridge, New Jersey, United States: Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti said Neymar is unhappy he has had such a limited role at the World Cup but has handled the situation professionally and remains a positive influence within the squad. The country's all-time leading goalscorer has made just one s»»»