A delegation of the Egyptian Environment Ministry held a series of high-level meetings with European Commission officials in Brussels as part of Egypt’s presidency of the Barcelona Convention and the Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP) for 2026-2027.

3 red cards mar opening World Cup match

MEXICO CITY — The opening match of the World Cup delivered a rarity in international soccer: three players sent off with red cards.

No World Cup match has had that many players ejected since a 2006 game between Portugal and the Netherlands, when four players received red cards – a World Cup record.

Iran‑linked hackers claim FBI drone breach, threaten W. Cup

An Iran‑linked hacker group is claiming that it breached FBI-operated drones and is now threatening to target the World Cup, which began this week, according to a monitoring organisation.

Hezbollah trusts Iran to include Lebanon in US deal  

Hezbollah believes Iran will insist that Lebanon be included in any agreement reached with the United States, a senior Hezbollah figure said Friday, as expectations grew for a potential deal between Washington and Tehran.

Belgian Wout out of Alpes Tour

PARIS — Belgian rider Wout Van Aert retired from the Tour Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes on Friday with a persistent elbow injury a day after sprinting to victory in stage five.

Trump: Iran war deal near amid Hormuz tensions

Prospects for a peace agreement between Iran and the United States brightened on Friday after President Donald Trump indicated that a deal could be finalized as early as this weekend, even though Tehran insisted it had not yet reached a definitive decision.

Arab teams face tough openers at World Cup

 Arab national teams are preparing for their opening matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, currently being held across the United States, Canada and Mexico through July 19.

Belgian Wout out of Alpes Tour

PARIS — Belgian rider Wout Van Aert retired from the Tour Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes on Friday with a persistent elbow injury a day after sprinting to victory in stage five.