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Netherlands national football team manager Ronald Koeman is preparing to use the upcoming international friendly against Uzbekistan as a final dress rehearsal before the World Cup kicks off.

The Dutch squad will face the Central Asian team on June 8 at 23:45 (GMT+5) at the Icahn Stadium in New York. According to reports from Reuters, Koeman intends to deploy his preferred starting eleven to build cohesion ahead of the major tournament.
Explaining his tactical strategy and the reasoning behind scheduling two warm-up games, Koeman stated:

“We want to use the first match to make as few changes...

Russian energy corporation Gazprom delivered 6.5 bn cubic metres of natural gas to Uzbekistan last year. This figure represents a 15% increase in annual supply volume compared to the previous 12 months, according to reports from the TASS news agency.

To put this growth into perspective, export levels stood at 5.6 bn cubic metres in 2024. The fuel is currently transported to the Central Asian republic via the dedicated Central Asia-Centre pipeline system, which transits through neighbouring Kazakhstan.

The boost in Uzbek exports aligns with a broader regional trend for the Russian supplier. Gazprom recently announced significant jumps in...

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan marked the triumph of his Civil Contract party in the recent parliamentary elections by singing Queen’s legendary hit We Are the Champions. The political leader proudly shared a video of his impromptu musical celebration with his followers on Instagram.

The Central Electoral Commission has published the preliminary results after processing data from all 2,005 polling stations across the country. Over 1.47 mln citizens turned...

Rapper Morgenshtern has completed the process of giyur to convert to Judaism. According to a report by the Voice of Israel Telegram channel, the artist has embraced a new religious identity and will now use the name Israel Yehuda Morgenshtern instead of his birth name Alisher Tagirovich Morgenshtern.

The religious milestone follows a period of profound personal transformation for the musician. Over the past few weeks Morgenshtern has been sharing a series of reflective videos on his Instagram account.

In these broadcasts he openly discusses his life, his newfound faith and the internal changes he has experienced since completing...

Ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix, rival teams considered Ferrari the clear favourites. The tight street circuit typically minimises the need for outright engine power, which is the exact area where the Scuderia currently struggles most against the competition.

However, the anticipated victory failed to materialise. Lewis Hamilton managed to secure second place but was never truly in contention for the win. Before the red flag, the British driver was trailing by more than twenty seconds. Despite this significant deficit, Ferrari management remains optimistic and believes they are maximising the current capabilities of the car.

It is no secret...

A violent knife attack at New York City’s Penn Station has left five individuals requiring hospital treatment, BBC reports. The incident occurred just as local authorities were ramping up security protocols ahead of a high-profile visit from U.S. President Donald Trump.

The stabbing took place at approximately 19:00 EST (00:00 BST). According to a statement issued by the Fire Department of New York to U.S. media outlets, the victims sustained a range of wounds. Emergency responders rushed all five individuals to Bellevue Hospital for urgent medical attention. Medical staff are treating one person for serious injuries, two others for...

Three of the most prominent girl groups from South Korean entertainment giant Hybe are teaming up for a massive collaborative single. Representatives for Le Sserafim, Illit and Katseye confirmed on Monday that the highly anticipated track will drop later this week.

The brand new single, titled “Iconic By Mistake”, is scheduled for release on Friday at 1 pm (KST). The announcement was made jointly by the groups’ respective management labels, Source Music, Belift Lab and Hybe X Geffen Records, via the global fan community platform Weverse.

According to the agencies, this unprecedented project merges the distinct musical identities of all...

Renowned American singer and pianist John Legend has arrived in the historic city of Samarkand. The momentous trip marks the celebrated musician’s first-ever visit to Central Asia.

Upon arriving at his hotel, the global superstar was treated to a spectacular cultural reception. Local performers greeted him with live Uzbek music and vibrant national dances. The festive and atmospheric welcome was captured on video by international producer Maxim Berin, who promptly shared the footage with his followers on Instagram.

Legend is scheduled to perform on June 8 at the Registan Square, bringing his world-class talent to one of the most...

Tsunami alerts remain active across Southeast Asia after a massive 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Mindanao in the southern Philippines on Monday, claiming at least three lives, BBC reports.

Following initial assessments, police have confirmed that the devastating tremor killed five people and injured five others. Authorities estimate that the quake has damaged 37 buildings, the majority of which are commercial properties.

In General Santos, a city situated just 15 kilometres from the epicentre, residents fled their homes in panic. Local radio station DZBB reported that locals experienced smashed televisions, falling furniture and general household damage...

Nineteen-year-old Kimi Antonelli has firmly etched his name into the Formula 1 history books after delivering a flawless performance to win a dramatic Monaco Grand Prix. Starting from pole position the Mercedes teenager navigated traffic, a red flag and immense pressure to secure his fifth consecutive win. In doing so he became the youngest Monaco Grand Prix winner in the sport’s history.

Antonelli extended his lead in the Drivers’ Championship to a commanding 66 points over Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton crossed the line in second place despite a time penalty earning his eighth podium in Monaco, a remarkable achievement...

TV personality Katie Price has signaled a reconciliation with husband Lee Andrews after publicly declaring her love for him and putting her wedding ring back on following weeks of relationship speculation.

The couple’s marriage had come under scrutiny after Price was seen without her ring and openly criticized Andrews over a series of missed commitments and ongoing legal troubles in Dubai. The situation prompted rumours that the pair could be heading for a split.

However, Price appeared to put the rumors to rest by sharing a message expressing her affection for Andrews and once again wearing her wedding...

Uzbekistan will face Japan, Morocco and Panama in the group stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after the official draw placed the Central Asian nation in a challenging Group F.

The tournament will mark Uzbekistan’s historic World Cup debut after the White Wolves secured qualification for the first time in the country’s history. Fans are eagerly awaiting the team’s first appearance on football’s biggest stage, where they will take on three experienced international sides.

Japan enter the tournament as one of Asia’s strongest teams, while Morocco arrive as one of Africa’s leading nations following their impressive recent...

Pop star Dua Lipa has reportedly paid £5,000 to residents of Palermo, Sicily, following complaints over disruptions caused by her lavish wedding celebrations with actor Callum Turner. The payment was intended to compensate locals affected by parking restrictions and street closures linked to the three-day event.

The couple’s wedding festivities, estimated to have cost more than £1 mln, took place at several historic venues in Palermo and attracted a star-studded guest list. However, road closures, security measures and restricted access to public spaces sparked protests from residents, who displayed signs reading «Palermo is not for rent» and «Our...

Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar has raised the Palestinian flag at the Presidential Palace, a day after the country’s new government removed it from a government building following a change in leadership.

Musar said the flag would remain on the palace facade for one week before being moved inside the building. She described the gesture as a symbol of support for human dignity and opposition to violations of international humanitarian law, while reiterating her criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza.

The move came shortly after the new right-leaning government of Prime Minister Janez Jansa took office. The administration...

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has come under fire after using a speech marking the 82nd anniversary of the D-Day landings to criticize European immigration policies, drawing comparisons between modern migration and military invasions.

Speaking at the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, France, Hegseth said that «different European beaches are stormed by different dangerous ideologies,» referring to migrants arriving by sea in countries such as Spain, Italy, Greece and Bulgaria. He questioned whether European governments would act against what he described as an «invasion.»

The remarks quickly triggered criticism from historians, academics and human rights advocates. Historian Simon...

Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva claimed her first Grand Slam title after defeating Poland’s Maja Chwalinska 6-3, 6-2 in the French Open final, becoming the youngest women’s champion at Roland Garros since 1992.

The 19-year-old’s victory was overshadowed by renewed debate over restrictions on Russian symbols at international sporting events. During the celebrations, French Open security reportedly asked spectators to remove Russian flags from the stands, in line with tournament rules that prohibit Russian and Belarusian national symbols.

Andreeva competed as a neutral athlete, with no Russian flag displayed next to her name and no national anthem played during...

The British royal family celebrated another momentous occasion on Saturday as Peter Phillips married NHS paediatric nurse Harriet Sperling. The private ceremony took place at All Saints Church in the quaint Cotswolds village of Kemble in Gloucestershire.

Phillips, the 48-year-old son of Princess Anne and the eldest grandson of the late Queen Elizabeth II, was surrounded by senior royals and close friends for his second walk down the aisle. He currently works as a sports management executive and is 19th in the line of succession to the British throne.

A timeless bridal look

The picturesque village was buzzing with...

British newlyweds Dua Lipa and Callum Turner have officially arrived in Palermo ahead of a spectacular weekend of wedding festivities, Reuters reports. The high-profile couple landed in the Sicilian capital on Thursday as they prepare for what is anticipated to be a three-day celebration to honour their recent marriage.

The 30-year-old pop superstar and her 36-year-old actor husband were photographed enjoying the Mediterranean sunshine at the luxurious Grand Hotel Villa Igiea. This prestigious five-star venue is currently owned by the British businessman Rocco Forte and his family.

According to various media reports the celebrity pair officially...

The Iranian national football team has been granted visas to enter the United States ahead of the World Cup tournament kicking off next week, U.S. officials have confirmed, BBC reports.

The clearance comes a mere 10 days before Iran’s opening fixture against New Zealand, which is scheduled to take place in Los Angeles on June 15.

In an official statement, authorities confirmed that the visas required for Iran to compete in the tournament, covering both the athletes and vital backroom staff, had been successfully issued. However, officials explicitly noted that the U.S. would remain vigilant, stating they would not...

Lionel Messi is making strong progress in his recovery from a recent muscle injury and could make an appearance in Argentina’s final warm-up fixtures ahead of the World Cup, Reuters reports.

The 38-year-old forward sustained a muscle strain 10 days ago whilst representing Inter Miami during a thrilling 6-4 victory over the Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer. The setback initially sparked fears regarding his physical condition as the global tournament approaches.

Positive training updates

The reigning world champions are scheduled to face Honduras in Texas on Saturday before taking on Iceland in Alabama next Tuesday for their...

The underdog New York Knicks are suddenly on the brink of their first NBA championship since 1973. Following a tense 105-104 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night, the team has taken a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven NBA Finals, Reuters reports.

While Jalen Brunson powered the Knicks through Game 1 with his fourth-quarter offence, it was his crucial defensive awareness that sealed Friday’s triumph on the road.

A bizarre and dramatic finish

The closing moments of the game featured a highly unusual and decisive sequence. San Antonio’s star player Victor Wembanyama accidentally threw the...

Prosecutors have brought murder charges against a 44-year-old man in connection with the fatal stabbing of veteran Hollywood actor James Handy, Reuters reports. The 81-year-old star, known for a vast body of film and television work spanning half a century, was the partner of the suspect’s mother.

If convicted, Michael Gledhill faces a maximum sentence of 26 years in prison, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. Gledhill was taken into custody on Wednesday after approaching police near the crime scene in the Tarzana neighbourhood to confess that he was the individual they were searching for.

Instead of heading straight to a corporate boardroom, Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang opted for a bustling internet cafe in Seoul to begin his five-day visit to South Korea on Friday, The Korea Herald reports. Arriving at Gimpo International Airport at 1 p.m., the tech billionaire went directly to the Hongik University area to pay homage to the vibrant gaming community that he credits with helping build his technology empire.

A hero’s welcome at T1 Base Camp

Fans armed with smartphones gathered outside T1 Base Camp, a popular “PC bang” operated by the renowned esports organisation T1. As...

Korean-Canadian artist Mark Lee has made his highly anticipated return to the stage. The former NCT member delivered a special acoustic performance at the global commemoration of World Environment Day in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The prestigious event took place on June 5, 2026 and was organised by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). It brought together environmental advocates, global leaders and prominent artists to address urgent climate action. The opening ceremony at the Heydar Aliyev Center was attended by notable figures including Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen.

Closing out the official ceremony, Lee...