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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that no reconstruction in Gaza will proceed without Hamas being disarmed and the Strip demilitarized, reaffirming Israel's position amid stalled U.S.-backed planning.
Norway advanced to the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup for the first time after defeating Brazil 2–1 in the round of 16. Brazil's exit marks their earliest elimination since 1990.
Lionel Messi scored in Argentina's 3–2 extra-time win over Cape Verde, becoming the first player to reach 30 World Cup appearances and 20 goals. He extended his record of scoring in eight consecutive World Cup matches.
Egypt progressed to the round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup by defeating Australia 4–2 in a penalty shootout following a 1–1 draw after extra time. The match took place on 3 July 2026 in Atlanta.
The Israeli military and Shin Bet confirmed the killing of Hamas militant Muhammad Na'im Jandiya in an airstrike in northern Gaza. He had been involved in the October 7 attack on Nahal Oz and held multiple hostages in underground tunnels.
The funeral of Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a US-Israeli airstrike on February 28, began in Tehran with the body lying in state at the Grand Mosalla. The event is part of a six-day mourning period planned by Iranian authorities.
The Israeli military confirmed strikes in northern Gaza that killed four Al-Qassam Brigades militants and destroyed several missile launchers. The operation occurred amid ongoing violence despite a fragile ceasefire.
The United States will not renew the USMCA trade agreement, opting instead for annual reviews and potential amendments. The decision follows claims that trade deficits with Mexico and Canada increased under the agreement.
Ukraine's parliament has approved the creation of a national pantheon in Kyiv for state ceremonies, reburials, and memorials to national figures, with eligibility rules and potential honorees sparking controversy over historical memory and relations with Poland.
A drone strike in central Gaza killed three Palestinians, including an 8-year-old boy and his grandfather, according to medical officials.
Canada advanced to the round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time, defeating South Africa 1–0 in the round of 32 with a stoppage-time goal by Stephen Eustaquio.
Mansour Sami Mahmoud Shahtout, a Hamas naval police commander involved in the October 7 attacks, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip. The strike targeted him and two other armed operatives in a vehicle, according to the IDF.
DR Congo qualified for the last 32 of the World Cup for the first time after defeating Uzbekistan 3–1 in their final group match, finishing as the best third-place team.
Lionel Messi scores in Argentina's 3–1 win over Jordan, becoming the first male player to score in seven consecutive FIFA World Cup matches. The goal came in the 78th minute via a free kick.
Cape Verde became the smallest nation by population to qualify for the knockout stage of a FIFA World Cup after finishing second in Group H. They achieved this by drawing all three group matches, including a 0-0 result against Saudi Arabia in Houston.
Ivory Coast secured their first-ever World Cup knockout stage appearance by defeating Curaçao 2–0 in Group E, finishing as runners-up.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that Israeli forces will remain in occupied areas of Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza indefinitely, citing ongoing security needs. The military presence includes regions in southern Lebanon, the Golan Heights, and over half of the Gaza Strip.
South Africa advanced to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time, defeating South Korea 1–0 in their final group match. Co-hosts Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina also progressed after finishing second and third in their respective groups.
The Israeli military confirmed the killing of Akram Muhammad Mahmoud Abu Machi, a Hamas militant involved in the October 7 attacks, during an airstrike in southern Gaza.
Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score in six FIFA World Cups and Portugal's all-time top goalscorer during a 5–0 group stage win over Uzbekistan.
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which aims to reduce housing costs and support affordable housing, sending it to President Donald Trump for signature.
The National Elections Commission has announced the date for South Sudan’s first general election since 2011, amid ongoing conflict and legal challenges.
Lionel Messi scored 18 goals in FIFA World Cup tournaments, surpassing Miroslav Klose's record, after a brace in Argentina's 2–0 win over Austria on 22 June 2026.
José Luis Ábalos sentenced to 24 years for corruption linked to COVID-19 public contracts, with aides and businessman also convicted.