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FIFA has appointed Moroccan referee Jalal Jayed to officiate Uzbekistan’s crucial Group K match against Portugal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Jayed will be assisted by fellow Moroccans Zakaria Brinsi and Mostafa Akarkad, while South Africa’s Abongile Tom and Zakhele Siwela will serve as the fourth and reserve assistant officials, respectively.

The match is scheduled to take place on June 23 and could prove decisive for Uzbekistan’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage. After losing 3-1 to Colombia in their opening match, Fabio Cannavaro‘s side need a positive result against Portugal to remain in contention for qualification...

Uzbekistan will face Portugal on June 23 in their second Group K match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The game will take place at NRG Stadium in Houston.

Fabio Cannavaro’s side began their first-ever World Cup campaign with a 3-1 defeat to Colombia. Despite the loss, Abbosbek Fayzullayev made history by scoring Uzbekistan’s first goal at a World Cup.

Portugal also dropped points in their opening match, drawing 1-1 with DR Congo. Roberto Martinez’s team will be looking to recover against Uzbekistan and strengthen their position in the group.

Portugal are widely seen as favourites, with Cristiano...

Pop star Dua Lipa has shared a new collection of wedding photographs with husband Callum Turner, giving fans a closer look at the couple’s lavish celebrations in Sicily.

The singer posted the images on social media with the caption “Mr & Mrs”, showing intimate moments from the wedding, including the couple embracing, dancing and celebrating with friends and family.

The newly released photos feature Lipa in a custom Chanel Haute Couture wedding gown designed by Matthieu Blazy, complete with intricate embellishments, a dramatic feathered train and a long veil. Turner wore a tailored suit for the ceremony, which...

A small Adriatic island off the coast of Albania has become the centre of a growing protest movement after plans for a luxury resort development linked to Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner triggered environmental and political backlash.

Sazan Island, an uninhabited former military outpost in the Adriatic Sea, was earmarked for a major tourism project backed by Kushner’s investment firm. Supporters say the development could boost Albania’s tourism industry, while critics argue it threatens a protected ecosystem and lacks sufficient transparency.

The controversy has fuelled what protesters have dubbed the “Flamingo Revolution,” named after the flamingos and other...

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said Ukrainian long-range drones successfully struck an oil refinery in Russia’s Tyumen region, more than 2,000 kilometres from the Ukrainian border.

In his nightly address, Zelenskyy praised the operation as evidence of Ukraine’s growing long-range strike capabilities, saying the attack targeted infrastructure supporting Russia’s war effort. The refinery is located deep inside Siberia and represents one of the furthest targets reportedly reached by Ukrainian drones since the start of the conflict.

Russian authorities acknowledged a fire at an industrial facility in the Tyumen region but did not immediately confirm the cause. Regional officials...

World Cup broadcasters have defended their decision to limit coverage of Ismael Kone‘s horrific leg injury during Canada’s 6-0 victory over Qatar, saying the move was made out of respect for viewers and the player.

Kone suffered a broken leg following a challenge from Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo during the Group B match. The incident left players visibly shaken and prompted medical staff to rush onto the pitch before the Canadian international was stretchered off for treatment.

Several broadcasters chose not to show replays of the challenge. ITV reportedly avoided replaying the incident during its live coverage, while...

India has dismissed comments by Pakistan regarding alleged hatred and threats targeting Muslims and Islamic religious sites in the country, calling the remarks “absurd” and an interference in its internal affairs.

The response came after Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari expressed concern over reported threats to Muslim places of worship in India, including the historic Masjid Ganj Shaheeda in Varanasi. New Delhi rejected the criticism, saying Pakistan had “no locus standi” to comment on domestic Indian matters.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs accused Islamabad of attempting a political attack and pointed to Pakistan’s own human rights record, arguing...

Spain star Lamine Yamal has revealed that Brazilian forward Neymar, rather than Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, is the player he idolises most.

The 18-year-old Barcelona winger made the admission during a recent Q&A, saying Neymar has been his biggest inspiration since childhood. Yamal described the Brazilian as a player he always enjoys watching and credited him with influencing an entire generation of footballers.

While Yamal has repeatedly praised Messi as the greatest player in football history, he has distinguished between the Argentine legend and his personal idol. The Spanish international said Neymar’s style, creativity and flair made...

Pakistan has been ranked as the country most affected by terrorism, surpassing nations such as Afghanistan, Somalia and Iran, according to the latest Global Terrorism Index (GTI).

The report, published by the Institute for Economics and Peace, found that Pakistan experienced a sharp increase in terrorist activity, with attacks and fatalities rising significantly over the past year. The country’s deteriorating security situation was largely linked to the activities of militant groups operating along its border with Afghanistan.

The GTI also highlighted the growing concentration of terrorism in the Sahel region of Africa, which now accounts for a large...

Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almiron could miss the remainder of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after becoming the first player sent off under football’s new mouth-covering rule.

The former Newcastle United star received a straight red card during Paraguay’s 1-0 victory over Turkey after VAR reviewed an incident in which he spoke to Turkish defender Mert Müldür while covering his mouth. The dismissal came under a FIFA rule introduced ahead of the tournament that prohibits players from obscuring their mouths during confrontations on the pitch.

The regulation was adopted following concerns that players could use the gesture to conceal...

The Tashkent International Investment Forum (TIIF-2026) has officially concluded with unprecedented success, generating 166 investment agreements worth a staggering $43.1 bn.

The 2026 gathering now stands as the largest event in the history of the forum. It attracted over 10,400 participants, including 3,800 foreign delegates from 102 different nations. This robust international turnout highlights a rapidly growing global interest in the region, representing more than a three-and-a-half-fold increase in overseas attendees compared to the inaugural event in 2022.

Surge in corporate attendance

A defining feature of this year’s forum was the heavy presence of the private sector. More...

Student numbers in Uzbekistan’s higher education institutions reached 1,535,000 at the start of the 2025/2026 academic year, according to figures released by the National Committee for Statistics.

The latest data indicates a year-on-year increase of 102,200 students, representing a 7.1% rise compared with the previous academic year. The expansion reflects a broader long-term trend, with total university enrolment nearly doubling since the 2021/2022 academic year when the student population stood at 808,400.

The statistical update highlights a significant demographic shift in higher education, with female students now making up the majority of the university population. Out of the...

The leader of the global music phenomenon BTS has taken on a prestigious new role outside of the recording studio. Kim Nam-joon, widely known as RM, has been officially appointed as the public face and ambassador of South Korea’s National Museum.

The highly anticipated announcement formalises a relationship that has been blossoming organically for years. The global superstar is already well-regarded in the art world for his profound appreciation of traditional works, modern pieces and historical artefacts.

Harnessing the “RM Effect“

The decision to name the artist as the museum’s figurehead is a strategic move to engage a younger...

The family of Argentine football icon Lionel Messi released a formal statement on Thursday confirming that his father, Jorge Messi, is currently dealing with an undisclosed health issue.

According to the official release, Jorge is under strict medical supervision and is “recovering and progressing favourably within the condition he presents.” The family opted not to share specific details regarding the exact nature of the illness.

A plea for privacy

In their public address, the family urged both the press and the public to avoid spreading “versions, rumours and speculation” while strongly requesting that their privacy be respected during this...

American swimmer Kate Douglass has made history by shattering the women’s 50 metres freestyle world record during a U.S. Pro Swim Series event in Indianapolis on Friday.

The 24-year-old athlete, who previously secured gold in the 200m breaststroke at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, touched the wall in a blistering 23.59 seconds. Her astonishing performance narrowly eclipsed the former global benchmark of 23.61 seconds, which was established by Swedish swimming icon Sarah Sjostrom at the 2023 World Championships in Fukuoka, Japan.

A shocking milestone

Speaking to broadcaster Peacock immediately after the race, a visibly stunned Douglass expressed her disbelief...

At least five people have been killed in Israeli air strikes and drone attacks in southern Lebanon. Lebanese state media reported that the strikes took place on Saturday, just hours after a scheduled ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah officially came into effect.

Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA) confirmed that Israeli warplanes and drones targeted the Nabatieh region overnight, with the aerial assaults continuing into Saturday morning. The strikes resulted in the destruction of several homes and residential buildings across the area.

The state news agency also noted that Israeli artillery units shelled Nabatieh and its immediate outskirts prior to...

Paraguay have kept their World Cup knockout hopes alive following a narrow 1-0 victory over Turkey in Group D. The result formally eliminates Vincenzo Montella’s squad from the tournament despite the European side dominating possession and generating dozens of shots.

The fixture was ignited almost immediately. Midfielder Matias Galarza opened the scoring just 64 seconds after kick-off with a strike from outside the penalty area. His effort stands as the fastest goal of the tournament so far and ultimately proved to be the decisive action of the match.

The dynamic of the game shifted drastically during first-half stoppage time due...

James Burrows, the legendary television director who fundamentally redefined the modern sitcom, has died at the age of 85. His family confirmed his peaceful passing on Friday in a public statement that celebrated his extraordinary five-decade career and his status as a beloved industry mentor.

Affectionately known as “Jimmy” across Hollywood, Burrows leaves behind a staggering body of work. He collected 11 Emmy Awards over his career and famously directed every single episode of the hit comedy Will & Grace.

Perhaps his most enduring technical contribution to the medium was pioneering the four-camera sitcom format, an innovation that quickly...

Authorities have launched a comprehensive inquiry after two passenger trains collided on the Midland Main Line on Friday afternoon. The crash occurred just south of Elstow near the A421 and A6 road interchange at approximately 17:15 BST.

The collision involved two southbound East Midlands Railway (EMR) services that were both routed towards London St Pancras. Rail officials identified the specific trains as the 15:50 departure from Nottingham and the 16:40 service originating from Corby.

As is standard procedure for UK rail accidents, the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) and the Office of Rail and Road are expected to assess...

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is preparing to inject $50 mln into the property sector of Uzbekistan. Representatives from the financial institution confirmed that the substantial loan will be directed to the national Mortgage Refinancing Company to heavily bolster the domestic housing market.

The credit will be issued in the form of a synthetic local currency, a unique financial instrument tied to various currencies or exchange assets. This specific structure will allow the domestic company to secure vital medium-term funding in Uzbek soums and maintain steady support for the rapidly developing national mortgage sector.

According to...

Uzbekistan is steadily transforming into one of Eurasia’s most important transport and logistics hubs, according to the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB), which highlighted the country’s growing role in connecting major regional trade routes.

Speaking at an EDB event in Tashkent, the bank’s chief economist Evgeny Vinokurov said Uzbekistan’s strategic location and expanding transport infrastructure are helping it become a key link between Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The EDB’s proposed «Eurasian transport framework» aims to boost regional transport capacity by connecting major east-west and north-south corridors.

The bank expects projects such as the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway and the...

The Republic of Uzbekistan has formally declared its support for the newly signed Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran. In an official statement, the government hailed the agreement as a vital diplomatic breakthrough designed to de-escalate ongoing tensions and restore much-needed security within a highly complex global landscape.

Uzbek officials commended the strategic foresight and political courage demonstrated by both American and Iranian leaders at such a delicate juncture. The government views this mutual understanding as the foundation for a long-awaited peaceful settlement that the wider international community has heavily anticipated.

Robert Caskin “Bobby” Prince III, the celebrated composer who helped define an era of video game audio, passed away on June 16, 2026. He was 81.

Renowned for his groundbreaking soundtracks and sound design on legendary titles such as Doom, Wolfenstein 3D and Duke Nukem 3D, Prince leaves behind a monumental legacy that helped elevate video game music into a highly respected art form.

Born on March 12, 1945 in Madison, Indiana, Prince spent his formative years moving with his military family before eventually settling in Athens, Georgia. It was here that his lifelong passion for music truly took...

Gulf Egypt for Hotels and Tourism has announced plans to expand its presence in the Egyptian market, reinforcing its commitment to one of the Middle East and North Africa region’s fastest-growing tourism destinations.

The company said it aims to capitalise on increasing tourist arrivals and rising demand for hospitality services by strengthening its portfolio of hotel and tourism-related investments. The expansion aligns with Egypt’s broader efforts to attract foreign investment and boost tourism revenues.

Company executives highlighted Egypt’s strategic location, growing infrastructure network and strong government support for tourism development as key factors behind the decision. The country...