The Spanish national team returned to Madrid after defeating Argentina in the World Cup final. The team was greeted by the king, the prime minister, and about 1.8 million fans.
US President Donald Trump will present the trophy to the winner of the 2026 World Cup final. Argentina's President Javier Milei will not attend due to superstitions.
Botswana's Ministry of International Relations stated that more and more citizens are being forced to fight on Russia's side in the war against Ukraine. The ministry receives calls from citizens who are on the front line and report dangerous conditions.
July 18 marks the UN-backed International Nelson Mandela Day and World Listening Day. According to the new church calendar, the memory of Saint Athanasius of Athos is honored.
Traditions of wearing wedding rings depend on culture: in Ukraine, the right hand is chosen, while in the USA, it is the left. The custom originates from Egypt and symbolizes eternity.
The world marks World Sea Turtle Day, the Day of the African Child, and the literary Bloomsday. Believers honor Saint Tikhon and observe the Apostles' Fast.
Canada begins its home 2026 World Cup with a match against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto. Bryan Adams, Michael Bublé, and Alanis Morissette are set to perform before the game.
The Mexican national team defeated South Africa 2-0 at the Azteca Stadium. Goals were scored by Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup.
The 2026 World Cup opening ceremony has kicked off in Mexico City featuring Shakira and Burna Boy. Over 80,000 spectators are expected at the stadium ahead of the game against South Africa.
The 2026 World Cup kicks off with a match between Mexico and South Africa and a grand show featuring Shakira. For the first time, the tournament hosted by three countries will bring together 48 national teams and will feature a round of 32 stage.
The vessel returned to Cape Town after seven months of operation and 18 crossings of the Drake Passage. For the first time, scientists conducted research beyond the Arctic Circle.
Monthly spending on the upbringing of Putin and Kabaeva's sons reaches 3. 5 million rubles. Foreign governesses are prohibited from discussing politics and LGBT issues with the children.
Trump increased the refugee quota to 17,500 people only for white South Africans. Assistance programs for other countries remain blocked.
Due to a shortage of polar diesel, the vessel SA Agulhas II has not departed from Cape Town. Only nine days of fuel remain at the Marion Island base.
Three people have died due to a hantavirus outbreak on the vessel MV Hondius. The WHO is in contact with officials from at least 12 countries monitoring citizens who have returned home; five Ukrainians are on board.
Three people have died due to a hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship. The WHO has confirmed five cases of infection but does not expect a large-scale epidemic.
Three people have died on board the MV Hondius due to a hantavirus outbreak. Five Ukrainians are among the crew, and the liner is currently en route to Spain.
Canary Islands authorities ban the entry of the MV Hondius cruise ship due to a hantavirus outbreak. South Africa reports two cases of the Andes hantavirus strain, which is transmitted from person to person, linked to the vessel. One passenger has died, and another is hospitalized.
Three people have died from hantavirus on a Dutch liner. The WHO states there is a low risk to the general public and no need for restrictions.
Ukraine ranked 55th in the press freedom index, overtaking the United States. The global level of media freedom has dropped to a 25-year historical low.
Pedro Sanchez and Lula da Silva concluded agreements on resources and AI. The leaders aim to reform the UN and limit US influence amid international tensions.
Rallies for and against war with Iran took place in Tel Aviv, Paris, and other cities. Protesters called for an end to the war machine and regime change.
Russia promises Africans jobs, but confiscates their documents and sends them to the front. Recruitment through games and fraud has been recorded in Zimbabwe, Kenya, and South Africa.
France canceled Cyril Ramaphosa's invitation to the G7 summit due to US threats to boycott the event. Paris denies Trump's pressure and explains the decision by logistics.
The International Olympic Committee has restricted the women's category to biological women based on the SRY gene test. The new rules will be in effect starting from the 2028 Olympic Games.
The Iranian Embassy in Ukraine invited Ukrainians to express their sorrow for the deceased Ayatollah Ali Khamenei by opening a book of condolences on March 4-6, 2026. Ukraine's Ambassador to South Africa, Oleksandr Shcherba, condemned this initiative, recalling Iran's responsibility for assisting the Russians and the deaths of Ukrainians.
Iranian warship IRIS Dena sank off the coast of Sri Lanka. 32 people were rescued, one is in critical condition.
The government of Ghana is initiating a dialogue with Moscow to stop the recruitment of its citizens for the war. Since the beginning of the invasion, at least 55 Ghanaians, deceived into joining the Russian army, have died.
The Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine reports that Russia is increasing its influence in Africa, combining humanitarian initiatives with covert military recruitment. By the end of 2025, over 1.4 thousand citizens from 36 African states will be fighting on Moscow's side.
Four South Africans, deceptively recruited by Russia to fight in Ukraine, have been repatriated. They were recruited by the daughter of a former South African president, who promised them jobs as security guards.
