The FIFA World Cup 2026 has faced criticism over high ticket prices after several matches, including South Korea vs Czech Republic in Guadalajara, showed large sections of empty seats. Despite FIFA reporting hundreds of millions of ticket requests, thousands of tickets remain available for upcoming matches, including Canada’s opening game against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto. Fans and commentators have accused FIFA of refusing to lower prices, describing the situation as a “war of attrition” between supporters and organisers. Reports noted lower-tier tickets reaching $500 and hospitality packages exceeding $5,000. Average ticket prices range from $598 in Los Angeles to $2,096 in Mexico City. (PC: Reuters)

A three-year-old girl was rescued after she was left dangling from a window ledge above a pawnbroker’s shop in London. The dramatic rescue involved a police officer and Indian resident Mohamed Jesil, a restaurant manager and father of five-month-old twins. After bystanders raised the alarm, the officer climbed onto a ledge beneath the child while Jesil crossed nearby rooftops to assist. When the girl lost her grip, Jesil caught her as the officer helped steady them. Jesil later said he acted instinctively and credited his cricket background for helping with the catch. The girl was unharmed, and her father praised both rescuers as “amazing heroes”.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 opener between Mexico and South Africa produced three red cards, nearly matching the combined total from the entire 2018 and 2022 tournaments, which recorded four dismissals each. South Africa’s Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane, along with Mexico’s César Montes, were sent off in a heated match at Estadio Azteca. The surge in dismissals has drawn attention to FIFA’s new refereeing framework, developed under refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina and implemented through updated IFAB laws. The changes include expanded VAR authority and stricter action against confrontational behaviour. Analysts suggest the opening-night decisions may reflect a deliberate effort to enforce discipline more aggressively throughout the tournament. (PC: X/@FootyAccums)

The United States and Iran are reportedly moving closer to an agreement that would extend the ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with Geneva emerging as a possible venue for signing the accord. The development comes ahead of the G7 summit in Evian, France, from June 15-17. According to officials cited by Bloomberg, the arrangement is expected to take the form of a memorandum of understanding rather than a final treaty. US President Donald Trump has said a deal could be signed as early as this weekend and claimed Iran’s leadership supports it. However, Tehran has denied approving any final draft, though prospects for eventual approval reportedly remain high. (PC: X)

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar forcefully defended New Delhi’s Russian oil purchases during the Kultaranta Talks in Finland, rejecting Western criticism over India’s energy ties with Moscow. Responding to questions on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Jaishankar said India buys oil based on affordability and availability, noting that European demand for Middle Eastern crude after 2022 pushed India toward Russian supplies. He also revealed that the United States had encouraged India to continue buying Russian oil to help stabilise global energy markets. Criticising Europe’s position, Jaishankar argued that European-made weapons had been used against India for decades, while India had never supplied arms threatening European security or interests.

Indian actress and singer Nora Fatehi has achieved a major global milestone as her FIFA World Cup 2026 anthem “Siir Siir” reportedly became the most-watched FIFA anthem on YouTube within its first 24 hours, crossing 20 million views and surpassing the previous first-day record associated with Shakira. The song, featuring French artist Vegedream and producer Sanjoy, is part of the official FIFA World Cup 2026 album. The anthem has received widespread international attention for its energetic sound, multicultural appeal, and strong visual presentation, marking another significant achievement for Nora on the global music stage.

New Zealand batting great and former captain Kane Williamson has announced his retirement from international cricket with immediate effect, bringing an end to a remarkable 16-year career. The announcement came during New Zealand’s ongoing Test series against England, meaning Williamson will take no further part in the tour. He leaves the game as New Zealand’s highest international run-scorer with 19,346 runs, 48 centuries, and six double hundreds across formats. Williamson said he could no longer continue unless he was able to give his absolute best. The 35-year-old famously led New Zealand to victory in the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021, cementing his legacy as one of cricket’s finest modern players. (PC: Reuters)

India on Friday summoned US Chargé d’Affaires Jason Meeks for the second time in a week after a third attack on a commercial vessel carrying Indian crew members near the Strait of Hormuz. The move follows the death of three Indian seafarers in a recent strike on the tanker MT Settebello off Oman. New Delhi lodged a strong diplomatic protest, expressing concern over the safety of Indian nationals and escalating maritime tensions in the Gulf region. The Ministry of External Affairs called for an immediate end to attacks on civilian shipping and urged all sides to pursue dialogue and de-escalation. (PC: India Today)

South Korea captain Son Heung-min sparked a viral moment during his side’s 2-1 FIFA World Cup 2026 victory over Czechia when a powerful attempt from distance flew into the stands and narrowly missed a spectator. The incident, captured on video, quickly spread across social media, with fans reacting humorously to the near miss. Despite the scare, no one was injured. On the pitch, Son endured a frustrating evening, missing several chances as South Korea trailed before mounting a second-half comeback. Goals from Hwang In-beom and Oh Hyeon-gyu secured a crucial opening-win for the Koreans in Group A.

Iran has dismissed claims by U.S. President Donald Trump that a peace agreement between Washington and Tehran could be signed within days, stating that no final decision or binding agreement has been reached. Iranian officials acknowledged progress in negotiations but emphasized that major disagreements remain unresolved, including sanctions relief, nuclear activities, and regional security issues. Trump said a deal could be signed in Europe over the weekend and would help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil route. However, Iran insists it will not compromise on its core demands. Meanwhile, military tensions continue in the Gulf despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.