The United States is withdrawing from the U17 World Cup in Qatar because of the security situation in the Middle East. "The well-being of our players and staff will always be our top priority," the U.S. Soccer Federation wrote in a letter to its players.
FootballThree Swedish shooters who had qualified for the Olympics missed the World Championships in Qatar and a chance to secure Olympic qualifying spots. The reason? Uncertainty in the region.
SportsDemocrats in the US are expected to block legislation and launch tough scrutiny of Donald Trump’s administration as the midterm elections loom. Trump will be forced to do something he is not very good at: negotiate with an equal, says political science professor William Bianco.
World politicsIran says “intensive” talks with the United States are underway on a settlement to the war. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has given the government a mandate to negotiate. US Vice President JD Vance says he and President Donald Trump are “hopeful” about reaching a settlement with Iran.
ConflictsA delegation from Qatar, which is mediating, is now in Iran’s capital, Tehran, for talks, according to Iranian state media.
ConflictsAfter the elections in Israel, the Shin Bet security service will investigate allegations of fraud. The chairman of the State Election Committee, Noam Sohlberg, cites “serious suspicions” of attempts at foreign influence. At the same time, the committee’s acting director general says there is currently no indication of irregularities.
World politicsThe high ticket prices for this summer’s World Cup drew heavy criticism. But FIFA can laugh all the way to the bank. According to The Times, ticket revenue totaled 50 billion kronor.
FootballThe Dakar Rally will not be held in Saudi Arabia in 2027, organizers have announced. The reason is “recent developments in the region.”
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