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World Desk

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

UEFA threatens FIFA boycott over proposed World Cup investment plan

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UEFA threatens

NYON, Switzerland: UEFA has threatened to boycott FIFA competitions, including the FIFA World Cup, if the governing body moves forward with a proposal to sell a stake in its commercial operations to private investors.

According to UEFA, its member associations unanimously agreed during an online meeting that European national teams would not participate in FIFA tournaments unless the proposal is withdrawn and FIFA guarantees it will not introduce private ownership into its competitions or governance structure.

In a statement, UEFA said the World Cup is “a historic football legacy” built by generations of players, national teams and supporters, arguing that it should not be treated as an investment asset or partially transferred to private investors.

The dispute follows a proposal backed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino to separate FIFA’s commercial business under a plan reportedly valued at $20 billion, with 20% of the commercial entity potentially being sold to private investors. The proposal also reportedly includes a $20 million payment to each FIFA member association, with a decision expected by mid-September.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) also expressed reservations about the proposal. AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa criticized FIFA for advancing the plan without sufficient consultation, saying it could weaken the existing structure of global football. Infantino has maintained that private investment is only an option rather than a mandatory policy, but the proposal has sparked strong opposition from football organizations worldwide.

Iran claims strike destroyed US F-35 Jets in Jordan

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Iran claims

TEHRAN: Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed that its latest missile strikes destroyed three U.S. F-35 fighter jets at Al Azraq Air Base in Jordan and damaged additional military assets at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait.

According to Iran’s Fars News Agency, the IRGC said its Aerospace Force targeted maintenance hangars and aircraft facilities at Al Azraq Air Base with ballistic missiles, claiming three F-35 stealth fighters were destroyed and three more sustained significant damage.

The claims have not been independently verified, and there has been no immediate confirmation from US or Jordanian officials.

In a separate statement, the IRGC said it also struck Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait as part of its ongoing Operation Nasr 2, claiming the attack set fire to two drone hangars, an aircraft fuel tank, and destroyed U.S. military helicopters. The reported damage has not been independently confirmed.

Meanwhile, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) condemned the reported Iranian attacks on Jordan and Kuwait, describing them as violations of the two countries’ sovereignty and international law.

GCC Secretary-General Jassim Mohammed Al Budaiwi said the attacks represented a dangerous escalation that threatened regional security and stability. He reaffirmed the bloc’s solidarity with Jordan and Kuwait and pledged support for measures to safeguard their security and sovereignty.

US military leaders divided over strategy for potential conflict with Iran

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US military

WASHINGTON: Senior US military leaders are reportedly divided over the strategy the United States should adopt in a potential military conflict with Iran, according to a US media report.

The report said Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, supports launching a large-scale air campaign against Iran that could last for up to two weeks.

However, Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth are reportedly urging a more restrained approach, arguing that U.S. air defense stockpiles should be preserved rather than committed to an expanded military campaign.

The differing views leave President Donald Trump facing a key decision over whether to escalate military action against Iran or adopt a more limited response.

The reported debate follows Trump’s warning that the United States would respond forcefully to what he described as an Iranian missile attack on a US military base in Jordan.

In media interviews, Trump said U.S. forces intercepted the incoming missiles within minutes and vowed that Iran would face a “very strong” response.

Messi yet to decide international future after World Cup defeat

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Messi yet

BUENOS AIRES: Speculation over Lionel Messi’s international future has intensified following Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, with reports suggesting the Argentine Football Association is considering organizing a farewell match for the football icon.

The 39-year-old captain enjoyed another standout World Cup campaign, finishing with eight goals and four assists to rank among the tournament’s top scorers.

However, the final defeat has fueled questions about whether he will retire from international football.

Argentine media reports say Messi is expected to remain with the national team for the next few months to help ease the transition to a new generation of players, but he is not planning to compete at the next FIFA World Cup.

The reports also say the Argentine Football Association (AFA) is considering staging a special farewell match to honor Messi’s contributions to the national team.

Former Argentina winger Ángel Di María has urged Messi to delay any retirement decision, saying age should not determine the veteran’s future because he remains one of the world’s best players.

Midfielder Leandro Paredes also expressed hope that Messi will continue representing Argentina but said the final decision rests with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Cristiano Ronaldo earned about $570 minute last year

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Cristiano Ronaldo

LISBON: Cristiano Ronaldo may have fallen short of winning a FIFA World Cup with Portugal, but the football superstar continues to rank among the world’s highest-paid athletes, earning an estimated $570 per minute over the past year, according to Forbes.

The business magazine estimates Ronaldo’s net worth has reached $1.2 billion, placing him among the wealthiest athletes in history. Forbes said the Portugal captain earned about $300 million over the past year, equivalent to roughly $570 every minute.

A significant portion of Ronaldo’s income comes from his contract with Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr, which he joined in 2023 and renewed in 2025. According to the report, the deal is worth more than $200 million annually.

Beyond his football salary, Ronaldo generates substantial revenue through endorsement deals, business investments and his extensive social media presence, making him one of the world’s most commercially successful athletes.

Although Portugal did not win the most recent FIFA World Cup  a tournament widely viewed as potentially Ronaldo’s last  the 41-year-old has not announced his retirement from international football.

Pentagon says 18 US troops killed, 624 wounded in Iran conflict

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Pentagon

WASHINGTON: The Pentagon has updated its casualty figures for the conflict with Iran, reporting that 18 US service members have been killed and 624 wounded since the fighting began, according to newly released Defense Department data.

The Pentagon said it updated its Defense Casualty Analysis System (DCAS), adding more than 140 newly reported wounded personnel and restoring four service members recently killed in Iranian attacks to its casualty database.

According to US media reports, the Pentagon has also introduced a new “Overseas Operations” category in the DCAS to track service members killed or wounded in overseas missions since July 7.

When combined with the latest figures from Operation Epic Fury, the updated data show that 18 U.S. troops have been killed and 624 injured since the conflict with Iran began on Feb. 28, a significant increase from the previously reported total of 482 wounded, according to the reports.

The Pentagon said 11 of the 18 fatalities were members of the U.S. Army, six served in the U.S. Air Force, and one was a member of the U.S. Navy. Among the wounded, 461 were Army personnel, 86 served in the Navy, 58 in the Air Force and 19 in the Marine Corps.

The casualty reporting system came under criticism last week from lawmakers and media organizations after the DCAS database appeared to undercount U.S. casualties despite continued Iranian attacks. The Pentagon said the newly created “Overseas Operations” category includes casualties recorded after July 7, although it does not specify which conflict each casualty is associated with.

The updated database includes the names of troops killed in overseas operations, including three U.S. service members killed in an Iranian attack in Jordan and one soldier killed last week while helping neutralize an Iranian drone in northern Iraq, according to U.S. media reports.

Oil prices fall more than 5% after Trump pauses strikes on Iran

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Oil prices

LONDON: Global oil prices fell by more than 5% after US President Donald Trump announced a pause in military strikes against Iran, easing concerns over potential disruptions to global crude supplies.

According to Reuters, the announcement followed nearly two weeks of US military operations targeting Iran and prompted investors to scale back fears of a broader regional conflict affecting energy markets.

Brent crude dropped $5.58, or 5.77%, to $91.20 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell $4.91, or 5.50%, to $84.40 per barrel.

Market analysts said expectations of reduced tensions between the United States and Iran, along with hopes for a diplomatic resolution, helped ease concerns over oil supply disruptions, leading to the sharp decline in prices.

US media reported that Trump ordered a halt to military operations after 13 days of strikes. It remains unclear whether the pause is temporary or marks the beginning of a broader ceasefire.

Trump says China, Russia pledged not to arm Iran

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Trump says

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said on Friday that the leaders of China and Russia had separately assured him their countries would not sell weapons to Iran amid heightened tensions in the Middle East.

In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump said he had discussed the issue with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin during recent meetings. According to Trump, both leaders pledged that their governments would not provide arms to Iran.

Trump said he believes neither China nor Russia has an interest in becoming involved in the conflict, adding that such a move would be detrimental to both countries. He said he trusted Xi’s assurance, citing the relationship between Washington and Beijing.

Referring to Russia, Trump said Putin had offered a similar commitment despite Moscow’s ongoing involvement in the war in Ukraine. He also reiterated that the United States does not directly supply weapons to Ukraine, but sells arms to NATO member states, which then determine how the equipment is distributed.

There was no immediate official response from China, Russia, or Iran to Trump’s remarks. The comments come as tensions between the United States and Iran remain elevated, with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz disrupting global energy markets and international mediation efforts continuing to seek a ceasefire.

FIFA names team of tournament for 2026 World Cup

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FIFA

ZURICH: FIFA has announced its official Team of the Tournament following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with newly crowned champions Spain contributing the most players to the Best XI.

The 4-3-3 lineup features players from seven countries who delivered standout performances during the tournament, which was co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Spain leads the selections with defenders Marc Cucurella and Pedro Porro, along with midfielder Rodri, all of whom played key roles in the country’s World Cup triumph.

Runners-up Argentina are represented by captain Lionel Messi in the forward line and defender Lisandro Martínez. France has three players in the team Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, and Dayot Upamecano—while England’s Jude Bellingham earned a place in midfield.

The lineup is completed by Erling Haaland of Norway as the central striker and Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, whose impressive performances earned him a place in FIFA’s Team of the Tournament.

Pakistan plans seven-batter lineup for first Test against West Indies

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Pakistan plans

TRINIDAD: Pakistan’s team management has begun finalizing its playing XI for the opening Test against the West Indies, with plans to field seven specialist batters in the series opener, according to sources.

The likely lineup includes Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan, while Salman Ali Agha is also expected to feature and provide the team with a fifth bowling option.

Sources said Aamir Jamal and Mohammad Abbas are likely to retain their places in the XI, while left-arm spinner Ali Usman is in line to make his Test debut. One of Khurram Shahzad or Mohammad Ali is expected to complete the pace attack.

The team management has also advised the bowlers to improve their batting, with the final playing XI to be confirmed after assessing the players’ fitness ahead of the match.

The first Test between Pakistan and the West Indies begins on Saturday at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad, where curators have prepared a grass-covered pitch featuring brown grass instead of the traditional green surface.

Meanwhile, Pakistan and the West Indies  unveiled the trophy for their upcoming Test series ahead of the opening match at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.

Pakistan captain Babar Azam and West Indies captain Roston Chase took part in the trophy unveiling ceremony, posing with the silverware at the venue where the first Test will be played.

The opening Test of the series is scheduled to begin on July 25, with both teams aiming for a strong start in the two-match contest.