The World Cup group stage features four matches on Monday: Spain vs. Cape Verde, Belgium vs. Egypt, Saudi Arabia vs. Uruguay, and Iran vs. New Zealand. Beyond the games, Uruguay's travel delays, divisions in LA's Iranian American community, and Haiti's inspiring return are drawing attention.
Egypt, despite winning the Africa Cup of Nations seven times, has never won a World Cup match. Star player Mohamed Salah, carrying an injury, aims to lead the Pharaohs to their first victory in their fourth appearance, a feat that would cement his legacy.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo's football team arrived in Houston for their first World Cup since 1974, showcasing style and resilience despite challenges like the Ebola outbreak and US isolation periods. The team received a warm welcome from local volunteers and the Congolese expat community.
Egypt will begin their 2026 World Cup campaign against Belgium on Monday, June 15, at Lumen Field in Seattle. The match will kick off at 10 PM Cairo time. Egypt has a historical advantage, winning 3 out of 4 previous friendly encounters against Belgium.
The US men's soccer team achieved a historic 4-1 victory over Paraguay, marking their largest World Cup margin of win in 96 years and most goals scored. The team's fluid play and strong individual performances, particularly from Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun, have garnered praise and new fans.
天皇、皇后両陛下が6月にオランダとベルギーを訪問されるにあたり、海外王室の話題を多く取り上げるテレビプロデューサーのデーブ・スペクター氏が、その人気の理由を「視聴者が求めている」と分析。豪華さ、ゴシップ、特権階級への関心、子供たちの映像などを挙げ、日本の皇室との対比にも言及した。
The Council of Europe is urging Belgium to urgently develop a long-term strategy to combat severe prison overcrowding, with prisons operating at over 120% capacity. The organization recommends reducing pretrial detention and lowering the overall detainee population instead of building more facilities.
South Africa, managed by Hugo Broos, will face Mexico, managed by Javier Aguirre, in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup. The coaches recall their 1986 encounter, with Broos noting the expanded tournament's logistical challenges.
天皇陛下はオランダ・ベルギー訪問を前に記者会見し、国際親善への抱負を語った。皇族数確保策の議論については、国民の理解が得られることを望むと述べ、制度への具体的な言及は控えた。衆参両院は女性皇族の身位保持と旧宮家男子の養子縁組による皇族入りを求める「立法府の総意」をまとめた。
Belgium's 2026 World Cup away jersey, designed with Adidas, features surrealist blue and pink patterns inspired by Belgian artist René Magritte. This artistic approach continues a tradition of unique jersey designs for the team.
Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako will visit the Netherlands and Belgium from May 13-26. Both nations became kingdoms in the early 19th century. The visits highlight parallels between the Japanese Imperial Family and European monarchies, particularly in confronting historical issues like slavery and colonialism, with European monarchs issuing apologies and expressing regret for past actions.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung left Belgium for Italy after holding talks with Belgian PM Bart De Wever and EU leaders. Discussions focused on expanding investment in advanced sectors and condemning North Korea-Russia military cooperation. Lee will next meet with Italian leaders and the Pope.
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo agreed to strengthen cooperation in semiconductors and support investment in strategic industries. Discussions with EU leaders also covered security pact negotiations and concerns over EU steel tariffs and carbon border adjustment measures.
Belgium has rejected a US demand to impose an entry ban on travelers from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, citing scientific advice over political pressure. Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke stated Belgium focuses on screening at departure points and quarantine for symptomatic arrivals, criticizing US aid cuts and travel restrictions.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever agreed to expand investment in strategic sectors like batteries, materials, and energy, and to promote SMEs and startups. They also discussed semiconductor cooperation and peace on the Korean Peninsula.
Scotland secured a crucial 6-0 win over Israel in their World Cup qualifier, but the victory was marred by a potentially serious injury to midfielder Erin Cuthbert, who was stretchered off and hospitalized.
A protest in Brussels against education spending cuts turned violent with fires, property damage, and clashes with police, despite the measures being approved by the French Community Parliament.
EU Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius could not visit Thales in Herstal after a protest and security concerns. The Commission said the meeting was moved to its premises in Brussels.
Belgium's Red Devils head into the 2026 World Cup with a potent attack led by De Bruyne, Doku, and Lukaku, but a shaky defense. Coach Rudi Garcia emphasizes attacking play, despite Lukaku's lack of match rhythm. Young talents like Matias Fernandez-Pardo and Maxim De Cuyper offer crucial support.
Суд в Бельгии арестовал имущество Google Belgium на 115 млн евро по иску российского ООО «Гугл». Арест является обеспечительной мерой до завершения судебного процесса, направленной на исполнение решения российского суда о взыскании средств.
Бельгия арестовала активы Google Belgium на 115 млн евро по иску ООО «Гугл» (Россия) для обеспечения выплаты дивидендов, выведенных перед банкротством.
Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou mysteriously disappeared from the field before the match against Belgium in the 2022 World Cup. He later explained he felt dizzy due to an injury from the previous game and requested substitution to avoid wasting a change during the match.
Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was unexpectedly replaced before the match against Belgium in the 2022 World Cup. He later explained he felt dizzy due to an injury sustained in the previous game against Croatia, opting to be substituted to avoid wasting a substitution during the match.
A pre-World Cup friendly between DR Congo and Chile in La Línea de la Concepción, Spain, was cancelled by the mayor due to health concerns over the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo.
