French TV host France Pierron has apologised after facing backlash for criticising Belgium forward Jérémy Doku for leaving the FIFA World Cup to attend the birth of his first child. Speaking on L'Equipe de Choc, Pierron described childbirth as a “disgusting moment” and claimed “the dad is useless,” sparking widespread criticism. She later expressed regret on X, while L'Équipe distanced itself from the remarks and apologised to Doku. The Belgian winger successfully travelled to London for the birth of his son, Praise. Belgium captain Youri Tielemans publicly backed Doku, calling fatherhood an irreplaceable life moment. (PC: Reuters)

Spain’s teenage star Lamine Yamal continued his rapid rise by matching a historic FIFA World Cup record in Spain’s Group Stage match against Saudi Arabia at Atlanta Stadium. In his first World Cup start, the 18-year-old scored in the 10th minute to give La Roja the lead and make history. At 18 years and 343 days, Yamal became only the second player aged 18 or younger to score the opening goal in a World Cup match, joining Pelé, who did so for Brazil in 1958. It was also Yamal’s first World Cup goal and made him Spain’s second-youngest scorer in tournament history, behind Gavi. Mikel Oyarzabal assisted Yamal’s opener before scoring twice himself, helping Spain take control. His performance made him only the second player since 1966 to be involved in three goals within the first 25 minutes of a World Cup match. (PC: X)

Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela within minutes on Wednesday evening, triggering panic and visible destruction across parts of the country. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the first quake measured 7.2 magnitude and was centred west of Morón, about 168 km from Caracas, at a depth of 13 km. Just one minute later, a stronger 7.5-magnitude earthquake hit the same region at a depth of 10 km. Social media videos showed residents fleeing swaying buildings, collapsed walls, debris-covered streets and dust clouds rising over neighbourhoods. Some structures suffered severe damage, exposing building interiors. The earthquakes rank among the strongest recorded in Venezuela in more than a century.

Brazilian superstar Neymar made an emotional return to international football after a 981-day absence, breaking down in tears following Brazil’s 3-0 victory over Scotland in their final FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match in Miami. The 34-year-old forward, sidelined since October 2023 due to multiple knee surgeries and a recent calf injury, entered as a substitute in the 76th minute. Ahead of the game, coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed Neymar was fit and available. Brazil secured qualification for the Round of 32 with goals from Vinícius Júnior (two) and Matheus Cunha. The five-time champions topped Group C on goal difference, ahead of Morocco, with seven points. (PC: X)

Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa made football history by becoming only the third player ever to appear in six FIFA World Cups, joining Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. The 40-year-old achieved the milestone after replacing Raul Rangel in the 78th minute of Mexico’s final Group A match against Czechia in Mexico City. The appearance marked Ochoa’s 153rd cap for Mexico and his fourth World Cup tournament appearance, despite being selected in six World Cup squads. The match also saw 17-year-old Gilberto Mora become Mexico’s youngest World Cup starter. Mexico secured a 3-0 victory through goals from Mateo Chavez, Julian Quinones and Alvaro Fidalgo, topping Group A with a perfect record. (PC: X)

An Air India flight from Delhi to Amritsar briefly entered Pakistani airspace on June 22 while executing a go-around during landing at Amritsar airport. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft crossed into Pakistan’s airspace during radar vectoring after commencing its approach. The regulator has initiated interim action against both the Amritsar air traffic controller and the airline’s operating crew for failing to report the incident. Air India acknowledged that flight AI479 “marginally infringed” Pakistani airspace while manoeuvring during the aborted landing attempt. The incident has triggered regulatory scrutiny, with authorities examining procedural compliance and reporting lapses surrounding the airspace violation. (PC: X)

Anthropic has accused Chinese tech giant Alibaba of using nearly 25,000 fake accounts to extract capabilities from its Claude AI model through around 28.8 million interactions between April 22 and June 5, 2026. According to Reuters, Anthropic alleges the effort was aimed at improving Alibaba’s AI systems through “distillation,” a technique where smaller models learn from advanced AI outputs. The company claims individuals linked to Alibaba’s Qwen division accessed Claude using fraudulent accounts and raised the issue with US lawmakers ahead of an AI security hearing. Anthropic previously voiced similar concerns involving other Chinese AI firms, intensifying debates over AI competition, intellectual property, and national security. (PC: Inspired Pencil)

India and the United States concluded multiple rounds of ministerial-level negotiations on an interim trade deal, with Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer reporting “substantial progress” toward a broader bilateral trade agreement (BTA). Discussions focused on finalising an interim pact as a stepping stone to the comprehensive BTA envisioned under “Mission 500,” which targets bilateral trade of $500 billion by 2030. While most issues have reportedly been resolved, negotiators are still working on a tariff framework for Indian exports to the US market. Both sides reaffirmed commitment to deepening economic cooperation in technology, AI, manufacturing and trade, despite no agreement being signed yet.

Two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 struck western Venezuela within seconds on June 24, triggering widespread panic, structural collapses and emergency rescue operations. The epicentres were located near Morón, about 160 kilometres west of Caracas. Authorities reported damage to residential buildings, roads and airport infrastructure, while hospitals were placed on alert. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a nationwide state of emergency, identified six worst-hit regions and appointed General Juan Ernesto Sulbarán Quintero to lead the military response. Venezuela’s main international airport was temporarily closed due to serious damage. At least 20 aftershocks followed, while the USGS warned of potentially significant casualties and economic losses.

Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo has been suspended for five matches by FIFA after a reckless tackle left Canada’s Ismael Kone with a broken tibia and fibula during their FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage match in Vancouver. The incident occurred in the 51st minute of Canada’s 6-0 victory, overshadowing the nation’s landmark World Cup win. Madibo received a straight red card and later personally apologised to Kone. Following a review, FIFA’s disciplinary committee imposed the ban for “serious foul play.” Kone underwent emergency surgery and is expected to be sidelined for several months. Qatar can appeal the decision but had not commented immediately after the ruling.