Iran have certain World Cup last-32 place snatched away
Seattle: Iran were deprived of a certain place in the World Cup knockout phase when a goal in stoppage time that would have given them a 2-1 win against Egypt was disallowed. Shoja Khalilzadeh thought he had scored the crucial winning goal as he slammed into the net after Egyptian defenders failed »»»
Kerala rigger in Saudi Arabia celebrates Dh25,000 Big Ticket win with group of 10 friends
Dubai: For Jayakrishnan Kannan, a 31-year-old rigger from Kerala working in Saudi Arabia, buying a Big Ticket has become a shared tradition with friends. This week, that tradition has paid off when their group won Dh25,000 in Big Ticket's third weekly e-draw for June. Kannan has been one of four wi»»»
Belgium into World Cup last 32 with New Zealand rout
Vancouver: Belgium defeated New Zealand 5-1 to book their place in the knockout rounds of the World Cup on Friday, securing their first win of the tournament to finish on top of Group G in Vancouver. A double strike from Arsenal's Leandro Trossard and goals from Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and A»»»
Support for euro adoption reaches 75%, says prime minister
Support for Hungary joining the eurozone is exceptionally high, at around 70–75%, Prime Minister Péter Magyar said at a press conference in Budapest on Friday following talks with Kyriakos Pierrakakis, president of the Eurogroup, the finance ministers' body of the eurozone. He stressed that meeting»»»
The World Cup and the meteoric rise of sports betting
From the moment the referee blew the opening whistle of the FIFA World Cup 2026, the players were not the only ones competing. During the 39-day competition, billions of dollars will be wagered across smartphone apps, betting platforms, and data centres scattered across the globe. In London, a fan »»»
Uruguay crash out of World Cup as Spain avoid Argentina clash
Guadalajara, Mexico: Uruguay bowed out of the World Cup as goalkeeper Fernando Muslera's howler gifted Spain a 1-0 win in Guadalajara to secure top spot in Group H. Alex Baena's weak shot slipped through Muslera's grasp for the only goal as Spain avoided a last-32 showdown against Argentina. The Eu»»»
Arab teams at World Cup 2026: Saudi Arabia and Iraq knocked out after last game in the group stage
DUBAI: Saudi Arabia exited the World Cup at the group stage for the third tournament in a row, after a goalless draw with Cabo Verde at Houston Stadium on Friday. Cape Verde (0-0-3, 3 points) are now the smallest nation ever to reach the second phase, finishing second in the group above Saudi Arabi»»»
Startup wrap — Funding and acquisition momentum continues in MENA
RIYADH: Startups across the Middle East and North Africa region secured multiple funding rounds and attracted several notable acquisitions across diverse sectors last week, highlighting the region’s continued appeal to global investors. This momentum builds on a record-breaking 2025, when MENA star»»»
Kyrgyzstan's uranium legacy to be subject to permanent radiation monitoring - | 24.KG
It is proposed to approve a new regulation on radioecological monitoring of former uranium production sites, radioactive tailing dumps, and radioactive waste disposal sites after reclamation in Kyrgyzstan. A draft Cabinet of Ministers resolution has been submitted for public comment. The document e»»»
Venezuelans take search for the missing into their own hands as earthquake death toll nears 1,000
LA GUAIRA, Venezuela: Venezuelans took the search for missing loved ones into their own hands Friday in the aftermath of back-to-back earthquakes, citing the scarcity of government rescuers, as the human toll of the disaster climbed to at least 920 dead and more than 51,000 missing. Citizens diggin»»»
Dembele hat-trick as France swat Norway, Senegal stay alive
LOS ANGELES: Ousmane Dembele scored a first-half hat-trick as France powered past Norway 4-1 to clinch top spot in World Cup Group I on Friday as Senegal kept their hopes of a last-32 spot alive with a thumping victory over Iraq. Paris Saint-Germain’s reigning Ballon D’Or winner Dembele scored in t»»»
World Cup joy for Cabo Verde as stalemate with the Saudis sees them through to knockout stages
DUBAI: Saudi Arabia exited the World Cup at the group stage for the third tournament in a row, after a goalless draw with Cabo Verde at Houston Stadium on Friday. For their African opponents, it was a historic evening as they progressed to the knockout stages at the first finals they have ever qual»»»
Your fridge is working harder in UAE heat—experts reveal early warning signs to protect your food and health
Warm milk. Warm food. The bottle of water that you placed at 7 am is still lukewarm by the end of the day, ruining your hopes of an ice-cold drink after battling traffic for an hour. Warm, warm, and warmer. Well, the universe isn’t against you, but your refrigerator is waving a white flag. In 45 de»»»
From kitchen helper to culinary mentor: Why this Filipino expat is committed to giving back in the UAE
Dubai: For many expatriates, arriving in the UAE marks the beginning of an uncertain chapter. There are dreams to pursue, sacrifices to make, and countless challenges to overcome. When Filipino expat Francis Diesto Danganan landed in the UAE in 2003, he was carrying the same hopes shared by million»»»
10-man Iraq depart World Cup after 5-0 drubbing by Senegal
DUBAI: Iraq bowed out of the 2026 World Cup on Friday with a 5-0 loss to Senegal at Toronto Stadium that left them bottom of Group I with no points from their campaign. The result rounded off three heavy defeats in which Iraq conceded 12 goals and scored only one. Senegal now sit on three points in»»»
Full text of Lebanon-Israel framework agreement
Below is the full text of the Israel-Lebanon framework agreement brokered by the Trump administration as published by Axios journalist Barak Ravid: TRILATERAL FRAMEWORK BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, THE STATE OF ISRAEL, AND THE REPUBLIC OF LEBANON The Government of Israel and the Government»»»
Venezuelans search for missing as earthquake death toll climbs
The death toll from the twin earthquakes in Venezuela continued to rise on Friday, with at least 920 dead and more than 51,000 missing, as distress grew among Venezuelans. The 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes that struck late Wednesday left a landscape of devastation, with countless collapsed buildings»»»
Germany loss is timely warning ahead of World Cup knockout stage
BOSTON, Massachusetts: Germany may not be too worried by their 2-1 loss to Ecuador on Thursday as they had secured top spot in Group E beforehand, but it was a timely wake-up call ahead of the World Cup knockout stage for the four-time world champions. Germany made it out of their group for the f»»»
Netherlands coach wary of Morocco threat despite topping group
KANSAS CITY, Missouri: Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman was taking nothing for granted after his side sealed top spot in Group F with a 3-1 win over Tunisia on Thursday, warning that next opponents Morocco would provide a formidable test in the World Cup round of 32. The Dutch finished the group s»»»
Senegal keep World Cup hopes alive with five-goal win over Iraq
Toronto: Senegal kept their hopes of reaching the World Cup last 32 alive with a 5-0 victory over Iraq in their final Group Nine match. Habib Diallo, Ismaila Sarr, Pape Gueye, who scored twice, and Iliman Ndiaye were all on target as Senegal finished third in the group with three points and remaine»»»
CDC increases response level to Ebola outbreak - UPI.com
June 26 (UPI) -- The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday increased its response level to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. In an update to reporters, Satish Pillai, the Ebola response incidence manager at the CDC, said public health officia»»»
Middle East war: Lebanon, Israel and US sign framework agreement in Washington
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Friday a framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon following talks held in Washington. Nada Hamadeh, ambassador of Lebanon to the United States described the framework as "a first step on the road of restoring Lebanese sovereignty and terri»»»
Lebanon, Israel, US sign trilateral framework agreement in Washington
Lebanon, Israel and the United States on Friday signed a trilateral framework agreement aimed at paving the way for a peace deal between the two long-time Middle East adversaries. The agreement -- which officials said includes a pilot effort in which Lebanese soldiers will take control of two areas»»»
More than a month into DR Congo Ebola outbreak, doctors warn 'this epidemic will last'
While France confirmed its first case of Ebola, reports of people successfully treated for the condition are also emerging from Mongbwalu, the epicentre of the epidemic in the eastern part of the DRC. Although successful treatments are sparking hope among teams on the ground, health professionals r»»»
How Lebanon’s conflict is putting pregnant women and girls at greater risk
NEW YORK CITY: When Anandita Philipose, the UN Population Fund’s representative in Lebanon, visited a Beirut shelter in the first days of the crisis, she met a woman who was heavily pregnant, days from her due date, displaced, and entirely alone in a system she no longer recognized. “She didn’t kno»»»
Antoine Semenyo: Time for Ghana to pressure officials after big no-call
PHILADELPHIA, USA: Ghana star Antoine Semenyo says his team needs to “gang around the referee” more often after his side’s potential penalty shot against England on Tuesday went unreviewed. The Black Stars earned a historic 0-0 draw against the Three Lions in Group L. With a win or draw against Cr»»»
Massive Saharan dust clouds to approach Florida, Gulf this weekend - UPI.com
Dust in the Caribbean on visible satellite Friday morning. (NOAA/CIRA) It's Saharan dust season in the Atlantic, the time of year when massive clouds of dust from Africa's Sahara Desert are carried westward by winds, sometimes traveling thousands of miles to the United States. Where is the dust now»»»
Canada and South Africa enter uncharted territory in first World Cup last-32 game
CALEFORNIA, USA: Co-hosts Canada and South Africa clash on Sunday in the first of the last-32 ties at the World Cup, both entering unfamiliar territory without any prior experience of the tournament’s knockout stages. For Canada, it is the first time they have advanced past the group stage in three»»»
Ebola epidemic deaths exceed 300 in DR Congo
KINSHASA: The Ebola epidemic has claimed more than 300 lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a little over one month after it was declared, health authorities said on Friday. The deadly viral disease, which spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids, can cause severe bleeding and organ »»»
World Gymnastics Must Punish Discrimination of Russia's Athletes – Expert
The World Gymnastics organization should impose an appropriate penalty on the “renegades” who ignore their policy of “sport must be separate from politics”, journalist Rick Sterling tells Sputnik. If this violation is not penalized, “it will mean the further breakdown of international standards and»»»
Hezbollah leader says Israel must leave ‘humiliated,’ calls Iran ‘path to salvation’ - UPI.com
Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem seen in June 19, 2024. He spoke in a televised speech Friday, marking Ashura, the culmination of a 10-day mourning period observed by Shiite Muslims. Photo by Wael Hamzeh/UPI BEIRUT, June 26 (UPI) -- Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem said »»»
Coal’s unexpected comeback on Middle East conflict energy security fears
The disruption to global energy markets caused by the conflict in the Middle East has triggered an unexpected resurgence in coal demand, as energy security fears outweigh Climate Crisis commitments. Coal prices and consumption both rose following disruptions to natural gas supplies from the Gulf, r»»»
Brussels separates Ukraine and Moldova on EU accession track as merit-based approach takes hold
The EU has effectively separated the accession trajectories of Ukraine and Moldova, with each country now expected to advance towards membership at its own pace after the opening of the first negotiating cluster, reported European Pravda. The shift reflects a more explicitly “merit-based” approach »»»
Ecuador president declares national holiday following World Cup heroics
Quito: Ecuador President Daniel Noboa declared Friday a holiday after the national team reached the World Cup knock-out stages by beating four-time champions Germany 2-1 in their final group match. "Thank you to the players and to the coach (Sebastian Beccacece) who, in spite of the critics, insult»»»
Thousands seek way out as South Africa braces for anti-immigrant protests
DURBAN: Thousands of Malawian migrants queued for processing at a makeshift camp in the South African city of Durban this week while hundreds of Zimbabweans slept on the pavement outside their consulate in Cape Town. All had the same goal: to leave South Africa before nationwide anti-immigrant prot»»»
Mongolia's risky fuel strategy gamble
In Brief Mongolia’s dependence on Russian fuel gives it short-term supply stability but leaves it structurally exposed. Russia’s temporary petrol export ban spared Mongolia through bilateral arrangements, underscoring the strength of the relationship while revealing the risks of relying on Moscow. »»»
Another diplomatic breakthrough: UAE brokers 320-prisoner exchange
Abu Dhabi: The UAE announced the success of a new mediation effort between Russia and Ukraine that resulted in the exchange of 320 prisoners, with 160 Russian and 160 Ukrainian captives released. The latest exchange brings the total number of prisoners swapped through UAE-mediated efforts between t»»»
Pochettino annoyed by perceived disappointment after US finishes group play with 3-2 loss to Turkiye
CALIFORNIA, USA: The United States only wanted to get through their final World Cup group stage match Thursday night without an injury or a red card, while Turkiye were playing for a face-saving victory to end a dismal tournament. Both teams got what they wanted most out of their meaningless meetin»»»
Doves and hawks vie for Putin's attention to end the Ukraine war, but the “wait-and-see” camp remains in charge
Tensions in the Kremlin are rising as the economy tanks and trust in the president is starting to wane. There is a growing consensus it’s high time to end the war in Ukraine. Two factions have appeared and are vying for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s attention: the doves that want to freeze the»»»
CEU may return degree programmes to Budapest in major turnaround after years in Vienna!
The Central European University (CEU) could once again offer degree programmes in Budapest, nearly eight years after relocating its US-accredited courses to Vienna. University representatives say CEU is preparing to become a dual-campus institution, with accredited programmes operating in both Aust»»»
Saudi users more selective on social media as digital maturity rises: Deloitte
LONDON: As governments move to tighten rules around children’s access to social media, Saudi users appear to be sending a different message: not rejection, but growing caution, selectiveness and a demand for stronger guardrails. In the Arab world, the discussion has become more visible following re»»»
Bulgaria Interested in Restoring Full Membership in Institute for Nuclear Research and Nuclear Energy, Deputy PM Hristov Says
Deputy Prime Minister Ivo Hristov said that Bulgaria has an interest in restoring its full membership in the Institute for Nuclear Research and Nuclear Energy, where most Bulgarian experts in nuclear sciences received their education. During Friday's Question Time in Parliament, Hristo said that th»»»
Mongolia's risky fuel strategy gamble
In Brief Mongolia’s dependence on Russian fuel gives it short-term supply stability but leaves it structurally exposed. Russia’s temporary petrol export ban spared Mongolia through bilateral arrangements, underscoring the strength of the relationship while revealing the risks of relying on Moscow. »»»
Russia hit by double whammy of forced crude exports as Ukraine drone strikes reduce refining throughput
The Russian government has been hit by a double whammy, forced to boost crude exports just as prices tumble following the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, due to sustained Ukrainian drone strikes on key facilities reducing its refining throughput. Russia is exporting crude oil at its fastest pace»»»
Only 530 young Germans volunteer to serve in military
Germany’s new military registration program has fallen disastrously short of the numbers expected by the Bundeswehr, Die Zeit has reported, citing data from the Defense Ministry. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said in April that the size of the German military should increase from the current 184»»»
Mbappe v Haaland as France face Norway in World Cup group decider
LOS ANGELES, USA: A mouthwatering duel between in-form goalscorers Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland will take center stage at the World Cup on Friday as France face Norway in a crucial Group I decider. Real Madrid star Mbappe and Manchester City striker Haaland have started the tournament in bliste»»»
Analysis: Trump’s push for Sharaa to curb Hezbollah revives fears in Lebanon, Syria - UPI.com
U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated suggestions that Syria’s new leader, Ahmad Sharaa, can better curb Iran-backed Hezbollah than Israel have alarmed Lebanon and Syria. Photo by Aaron Schwartz/UPI | License Photo BEIRUT, Lebanon, June 26 (UPI) -- U.S. President Donald Trump's repeated suggestion»»»
Keir Starmer’s CPS legacy: Savile, Assange and the secrets left behind
As Keir Starmer prepares to leave the UK’s highest office after less than two years, the media has lined up to explain why he failed to deliver on the enormous hype he received as opposition leader, and during his initial months in office. A repeated trope has been that Starmer was a “decent man,” »»»
Ukraine targets major reconstruction deals despite tensions with Poland
Ukraine will seek to secure more than €1.5bn in reconstruction agreements at this week's Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC2026) in the Polish city of Gdańsk, with railways, ports, energy infrastructure and private investment expected to dominate the agenda as Kyiv looks to strengthen the economy aga»»»
2026 FIFA World Cup becomes highest-scoring tournament in history
Doha, Qatar: The 2026 FIFA World Cup has become the highest-scoring edition in the tournament's history, surpassing the previous record of 172 goals set during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The milestone was reached during the tournament's 59th match, the Group D clash between the United States»»»