BREAKING NEWS
BTS’ Toronto return sparks excitement among fans • Google brings Gemini AI features to Chrome on Android devices • Football great Roberto Carlos reportedly enters Islam • Misbah Arshad crowned Miss Universe Pakistan 2026 • Pakistan considers income tax on farmers to meet IMF targets • US military quietly establishes shipping corridor through Strait of Hormuz • Imran Khan likely to be taken to Shifa Hospital shortly   • Imran Khan not negotiating any deal, says Barrister Gohar • China unveils humanoid robot that can run faster than Usain Bolt • Sindh declares 6,220 school buildings unsafe, orders suspension of classes • Saba Qamar, Yasir Hussain’s dance at qawwali night goes viral • Iranian Army Chief warns countries hosting US attacks • First Test: Pakistan collapse to 171 against England • Pakistan govt decides to cut diesel price by up to Rs. 32 per liter • Oil prices hit three-week high for fourth straight day
Advertise with us >

World Desk

Future Soch World Desk covers international politics, conflicts, markets, diplomacy and global developments with context for Pakistani readers.

Ronaldo becomes first player to score in six different FIFA World Cups

by
Ronaldo becomes

LISBON: Cristiano Ronaldo added another milestone to his storied career, becoming the first player to score in six different FIFA World Cup editions.

The Portugal captain achieved the feat during his team’s match against Uzbekistan, scoring in the sixth minute with a right-footed finish off a cross from Joao Cancelo.

Ronaldo, 41, had previously scored once in the 2006, 2010 and 2014 tournaments, four times in 2018 and once in the 2022 World Cup.

The goal also made Ronaldo the second-oldest player to score in World Cup history. The record for the oldest World Cup scorer is still held by Cameroon great Roger Milla.

Argentina star Lionel Messi is also competing in his sixth World Cup this year, but he has not scored in every edition of the tournament.

Ronaldo’s latest achievement further cements his place among football’s all-time greats as he continues to set records on the sport’s biggest stage.

Lionel Messi sets multiple World Cup records to extend football legacy

by
Lionel Messi

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina: Argentina captain Lionel Messi has added several more milestones to his illustrious career, setting multiple World Cup records following standout performances in the opening two matches of the tournament.

Messi became the leading goal scorer in World Cup history with 18 goals, further cementing his status among the sport’s all-time greats.

The Argentine star also set a new record for the most World Cup appearances, playing his 28th match in the competition.

In another achievement, Messi became the first player to record 18 World Cup victories, surpassing previous marks in the tournament’s history.

The 39-year-old also established a new record for the most minutes played at the World Cup, reaching a total of 2,489 minutes on the field.

Despite approaching his 39th birthday, Messi’s form and fitness have continued to impress fans and analysts alike.

His latest accomplishments have reignited debate over whether the Argentine superstar should be regarded as the greatest player in football history.

FIH issues unconditional apology to Pakistan over incorrect flag display

by
FIH issues

ISLAMABAD: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has issued an unconditional apology to the Pakistan Hockey Federation after Pakistan’s national flag was incorrectly displayed before a Pro League match against India in London.

In a letter addressed to Pakistan Hockey Federation President Mohiuddin Ahmad Wani, FIH Pro League Director Hilary Atkinson expressed deep regret over the incident, which occurred during the national anthem ceremony before the match. The Pakistani flag displayed at the venue omitted the white stripe, an integral part of the country’s national flag.

Atkinson said a national flag represents a team’s identity, pride and heritage, and acknowledged that the error had caused distress to the Pakistan team, its supporters, the Pakistani public and the Pakistan Hockey Federation.

She accepted full responsibility for the incident, describing it as an administrative error, and offered an unconditional apology.

“At the FIH, we deeply regret the mistake and the hurt it caused,” the letter said.

Atkinson said the organization would conduct a comprehensive review of its administrative and operational procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future and ensure that the identity and dignity of participating nations are properly respected.

The FIH also praised the Pakistan Hockey Federation and the national team for their participation in the Pro League, saying that maintaining professionalism and respect toward all teams remains one of its top priorities.

The incident sparked criticism on social media and within hockey circles, with many questioning how such a mistake went unnoticed at an international event. Some critics also questioned why Pakistan’s team management failed to identify the error before the ceremony began.

Heatwave-driven swimming deaths claim 40 lives in France

by
Heatwave-driven

PARIS:  A severe heatwave gripping France has led to a surge in drowning deaths, with 40 people dying in rivers and canals since last Thursday as many sought relief from soaring temperatures, authorities said.

Temperatures have reached record levels in several major French cities as Europe experiences one of its most intense heatwaves of the year.

French Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Marina Ferrari warned against swimming in unsafe locations during extreme heat, saying the risks should not be underestimated.

“Swimming in unsafe places during a heatwave should not be taken lightly,” Ferrari said in an interview with French radio.

France’s meteorological service said Monday was the hottest June day ever recorded in the country.

Spain and Italy are also among the countries hardest hit by the heatwave, which has affected much of Europe.

French officials said many people have turned to rivers and canals to escape the heat but are failing to appreciate the dangers associated with such locations.

In Germany, several drowning deaths have also been reported. The German Life Saving Association said at least six people died while swimming between Friday and Sunday, with temperatures expected to reach 40 degrees Celsius by the weekend.

Authorities across Europe have urged residents to take precautions as extreme temperatures continue to increase the risk of heat-related and water-related fatalities.

Why football’s No. 10 jersey is considered a symbol of greatness

by
Why football’

If you are watching football’s biggest tournaments, you may have noticed that many of the game’s greatest stars including Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr. and Kylian Mbappé  often wear the iconic No. 10 jersey.

Unlike many other sports where jersey numbers are simply identifiers, in football the No. 10 carries a symbolic status associated with creativity, leadership and excellence.

The tradition of numbered jerseys in football is believed to have begun in 1911 in Australia, when players were first identified by numbers during matches. The practice later spread to Argentina in 1923, the United States in 1924 and England in 1928.

Initially, numbers were linked to specific playing positions on the field. The No. 10 shirt was typically assigned to the attacking midfielder or playmaker the player responsible for creating goal-scoring opportunities and linking midfield play with attack.

Over time, this role became associated with the team’s most technically gifted and influential player, making the No. 10 shirt a symbol of excellence rather than just a position.

Legendary footballers such as Pelé and Diego Maradona helped elevate the number’s status by making it synonymous with brilliance on the pitch.

In modern football, the No. 10 is no longer strictly tied to a position, but it still represents a player who can score goals, create chances and influence the outcome of a match. However, experts note that wearing the number also brings added pressure and expectations rather than guaranteed success.

Lionel Messi sets new FIFA World Cup scoring record

by
Lionel Messi

DALLAS: Argentina star Lionel Messi has reportedly set a new record in FIFA World Cup history by becoming the tournament’s all-time leading goal scorer during a match against Austria in the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Messi scored his 17th World Cup goal, surpassing Germany’s Miroslav Klose, who previously held the record with 16 goals.

The milestone came after Messi missed an early penalty in the match but later found the net in the 39th minute to give Argentina a 1–0 lead in the game being played in Dallas.

With the new tally, Klose moves to second place on the all-time list, while Brazil’s Ronaldo Nazário remains third with 15 goals. France’s Kylian Mbappé is fourth with 14 goals.

The achievement further cements Messi’s legacy as one of the most prolific scorers in World Cup history.

US issues license allowing Iranian crude oil and petrochemical shipments

by
US issues

WASHINGTON: The United States has issued a general license authorizing Iran to produce, transport and sell crude oil and petrochemical products, temporarily easing longstanding sanctions following recent talks in Switzerland.

U.S. Treasury Secretary said in a social media post that Washington was providing temporary sanctions relief on Iranian oil and petrochemical exports after negotiations held in Switzerland.

According to the Treasury Department, the license allows Iran to continue producing, shipping and selling crude oil and petrochemical products through Aug. 21, 2026.

The department said the authorization also permits the import of Iranian crude oil, petroleum and petrochemical products into the United States under the terms of the license.

The United States had previously imposed restrictions on Iran’s oil exports as part of broader economic sanctions.

Earlier, Reuters, citing a senior Iranian official, reported that a proposed agreement between Washington and Tehran could include temporary easing of oil sanctions, allowing Iran to resume oil sales and access related revenues. The report also said the United States would refrain from imposing new economic sanctions on Iran while negotiations toward a final agreement continue.

Explosion at Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG complex kills 13

by
Explosion

DOHA: An explosion at Ras Laffan LNG Complex has killed 13 people and injured dozens more, Qatar’s Energy Ministry said, with victims including Pakistani and Indian nationals.

Officials said the blast occurred while facilities that had been shut down after a March Iranian attack were being brought back into operation.

In a statement, Qatar’s Energy Ministry confirmed 13 deaths and 66 injuries, adding that the incident did not affect export capacity and posed no environmental risk.

Qatar’s Energy Minister Saad Sherida Al Kaabi said the tragedy involved foreign workers and confirmed that the deceased included citizens of Pakistan and India.

“I am announcing something I had hoped would never happen,” Al Kaabi told reporters, expressing condolences for the victims.

State-owned QatarEnergy said the exact location and cause of the blast remain under investigation, adding that emergency teams have begun a detailed inquiry into the incident.

Authorities said the explosion was powerful enough to be felt in central Doha, with residents up to 70 kilometres away reporting shaking windows.

Officials have launched an investigation into the cause of the blast.

Fire in building in India’s Lucknow kills at least 15

by
Fire in building

LUCKNOW: At least 15 people were killed after a fire broke out in a three-story commercial building in the northern Indian city of Lucknow, local media reported.

The blaze reportedly started on the middle floor of the building before rapidly spreading to other levels.

Authorities said the ground floor housed a pet store and a veterinary clinic, while the upper floors contained a coaching center where students received training in software development related to gaming and animation.

Officials said the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, though preliminary findings suggest a short circuit may have triggered the blaze.

Emergency crews battled the fire for several hours before bringing it under control, according to local media reports. Authorities did not immediately provide details on the number of injured or identify the victims.

An investigation into the incident is underway.

Strait of Hormuz remains open as 55 commercial ships pass safely

by
Strait of Hormuz

The situation remains unclear as conflicting claims have emerged regarding maritime operations in the Strait of Hormuz following Iran’s announcement of a full closure in response to alleged violations of a ceasefire and ongoing regional tensions involving Lebanon and Israel.

Iranian officials, including representatives from the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), have stated that the waterway has been closed to all shipping and warned commercial and oil tankers to avoid the area for safety reasons.

The move was described as a response to alleged U.S. non-compliance with agreements and continued Israeli military activity in southern Lebanon.

However, the United States military has not confirmed these claims, and no independent verification has been provided to support a complete shutdown of the strategically vital passage.

The contradictory statements from both sides have created uncertainty in international shipping markets, particularly given the Strait of Hormuz’s critical role in global oil transportation.

At this stage, the status of maritime traffic through the strait remains disputed, and observers are closely monitoring developments amid heightened regional tensions.