Houston (AFP) – Cody Gakpo and Brian Brobbey both scored twice as the rampant Netherlands thrashed Sweden 5-1 in a World Cup warning on Saturday in Houston. 

Ukraine and Poland's close wartime partnership has been shaken by a growing dispute over World War II history, with President Volodymyr Zelensky and senior Ukrainian officials returning Polish state honours after Warsaw stripped him of its highest award. 

Vinícius Júnior scored and set up one of Matheus Cunha's two goals as Brazil beat Haiti 3-0 on Friday to strengthen their bid for a place in the World Cup knockout stage. Haiti became the first team eliminated from the tournament, while Brazil responded emphatically after their opening draw with Morocco. 

The US lifted its blockade of Iranian ports on Thursday after US President Donald Trump and Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian signed an interim peace deal to end the US-Israeli war on Iran. But uncertainty surrounded Friday's planned talks in Switzerland as both sides prepared for negotiations on Tehran’s nuclear programme. 

The US lifted its blockade of Iranian ports on Thursday after US President Donald Trump and Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian signed an interim peace deal to end the US-Israeli war on Iran. But uncertainty surrounded Friday's planned talks in Switzerland as both sides prepared for negotiations on Tehran’s nuclear programme. 

The official visit of Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze to the Republic of Tajikistan has begun.

Co-hosts Mexico became the first team to secure a place in the World Cup knockout stage after a 1-0 victory over South Korea at a jubilant Guadalajara Stadium on Thursday. Luis Romo scored shortly after half-time, capitalising on a goalkeeping error, to seal Mexico's second straight win and confirm them as Group A winners with one match remaining. 

Canada secured their first-ever World Cup victory with a 6-0 rout of nine-man Qatar in a Group B match overshadowed by a serious injury to midfielder Ismael Koné and two red cards for Qatar. 

England claimed a convincing 4-2 victory over Croatia in an enthralling Group L encounter in Arlington, Texas, with Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford combining to overcome a resilient Croatian comeback. The Three Lions survived sustained pressure from Zlatko Dalic's side in a match that lived up to its billing as a rematch of the 2018 World Cup semi-final. 

Ilia Topuria took part in the largest event in UFC history, which was held at the White House in Washington. In the lightweight division (70 kg) title bout, he faced Justin Gaethje. The victory went to the American fighter.

The National Bank of Georgia has set new exchange rates.

Officers of the Adjara Main Division of the Central Criminal Police Department of Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs have detained a citizen of the Republic of Türkiye who was wanted under an Interpol Red Notice. This was reported by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia.

Ghana secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama thanks to a stoppage-time strike from Caleb Yirenkyi. The Black Stars were frustrated for long spells by a disciplined Panamanian side but found a breakthrough deep into added time to claim all three points. 

Portugal and DR Congo played out a dramatic 1-1 draw in Houston as the African underdogs showed remarkable resilience against one of the tournament's favourites. João Neves gave the Portuguese an early lead, but Yoane Wissa's equaliser just before half-time earned the Leopards a crucial point in their first World Cup appearance since 1974. 

Lionel Messi piled up the records as he scored all three goals for Argentina in their 2026 World Cup opener against Algeria on Tuesday, becoming the first player to feature in six World Cups and matching former Germany ​striker ​Miroslav ​Klose's tally ​of 16 goals on football's biggest stage. 

According to Armenia’s Ministry of Defense, the country will host joint military exercises involving servicemen from Armenia, the United States, France, and Greece. This was reported by Nexta Live.

The terms of all party officials expire in July. It is necessary to hold the election of the party chairperson in a format that excludes interference by the regime. My candidate for the position of chairperson is Nanuka Zhorzholiani, former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili wrote on social media.

French President Emmanuel Macron will meet US President Donald Trump over dinner at the Palace of Versailles following the G7 summit of leading industrialised nations, which will take place next week in French lakeside town of Evian-les-Bains. The dinnerWednesday will mark the 250th anniversary of US independence, according to Macron's office.  

Switzerland was caught off guard in a dramatic draw against Qatar (1-1) in their World Cup 2026 group stage opener. Breel Embolo opened the scoring in the 17th minute from the penalty spot after a reckless challenge from goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada. The Swiss dominated possession but struggled to convert their numerous chances, allowing Boualem Khoukhi to snatch a stoppage-time equaliser. 

Switzerland was caught off guard in a dramatic draw against Qatar (1-1) in their World Cup 2026 group stage opener. Breel Embolo opened the scoring in the 17th minute from the penalty spot after a reckless challenge from goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada. The Swiss dominated possession but struggled to convert their numerous chances, allowing Boualem Khoukhi to snatch a stoppage-time equaliser. 

Australia defeated Turkey 2-0 on Saturday at Vancouver's BC Place Stadium thanks to a goal in each half by Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe. 

Brazil and Morocco played out a 1-1 draw in their Group C clash at MetLife stadium, the venue that will host World Cup final. Saibari's stunning lob gave Morocco an early lead, but Vinicius's superb finish dragged Brazil level before half-time, setting up a tense second half that saw both sides trade chances. 

Scotland secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Haiti in their Group C opener at Boston's stadium. John McGinn struck early in the 28th minute after a chaotic scramble in the box, before Haiti mounted sustained pressure but lacked the clinical finishing to break down Scotland's resolute defence. 

Pope Leo XIV on Thursday visited Spain's Canary Islands, the once-notorious centre of the European migration debate, where he threw a bouquet of flowers in the sea in tribute to the migrants who perished trying to reach the Atlantic archipelago. The pontiff made a plea for "human dignity" and condemned leaders, including Christians, who turn them away with "indifference".  

At an expanded-format meeting held at the Presidential Palace of Kyrgyzstan, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze thanked Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov for the warm reception and emphasized the importance of high-level visits for the further development of bilateral relations. The two sides discussed the existing potential for deepening cooperation across various sectors.