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World News / International

Egypt players recite Quran and offer prayer before World Cup match

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Egypt players

WASHINGTON: Members of the Egypt national football team recited verses from the Quran and offered a collective prayer before their FIFA World Cup match against New Zealand national football team, a moment that quickly gained attention on social media.

A widely shared video showed Egyptian players reciting Surah Al-Fatihah and Surah Al-Ikhlas before gathering in prayer as they prepared to take the field.

The footage, recorded ahead of the World Cup match, drew praise from many social media users, who described the gesture as a reflection of faith, unity and reliance on God before competition.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup features teams from several Muslim-majority countries, while many players representing other nations also practice Islam.

The video sparked positive reactions online, with supporters saying the players’ actions conveyed an inspiring message of humility and spiritual devotion on one of football’s biggest stages.

The moment comes days after Lamine Yamal attracted attention on social media for performing a prostration of gratitude after scoring during a World Cup match involving Spain.

Trump says US will control Iran’s frozen funds under proposed aid arrangement

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Trump says

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said the United States would retain control of Iran’s frozen assets under a proposed arrangement that would use the funds to purchase American agricultural products for shipment to Iran.

In a statement posted on his social media platform, Trump said Iran had not yet received any funds and that no frozen assets had been released.

He also dismissed reports that Iran was collecting fees from ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, warning that negotiations could be terminated immediately if false information was provided during the process.

Trump said the United States would oversee the management of Iran’s frozen funds and use the money to buy agricultural commodities from American farmers, including corn, wheat and soybeans, which would then be exported to Iran.

According to Trump, the proposal is aimed at addressing food shortages in Iran while supporting U.S. farmers.

He added that all goods purchased under the arrangement would be sourced from the United States.

The remarks come amid ongoing diplomatic efforts involving Washington and Tehran, although details of any final agreement regarding frozen Iranian assets have not yet been announced.

SpaceX loses $400 billion in market value in historic one-day decline

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SpaceX loses

NEW YORK: SpaceX suffered a historic market setback, losing an estimated $400 billion in value in a single day as a broad sell-off swept through technology stocks amid concerns over rising interest rates and heavy investment in artificial intelligence.

According to market reports, the decline was driven by rising U.S. Treasury yields, expectations of further interest rate increases and growing investor concerns about valuations in the technology sector.

Shares of SpaceX Official Website fell sharply during trading, ending the session down 16.4% at $154.60. The stock had earlier recorded a 3% decline before selling accelerated later in the day.

The company’s shares have now fallen 31.5% from record highs reached following its $86 billion initial public offering on June 11.

The sell-off reduced SpaceX’s market capitalization from a peak of nearly $3 trillion to approximately $2.03 trillion, marking one of the largest single-day losses in corporate market value on record.

Analysts said the decline ranks among the biggest one-day market capitalization losses ever recorded by a publicly traded company.

Despite the sharp drop, shares recovered modestly in later trading, gaining about 2.4% as some investors moved to buy the stock at lower levels.

Market experts said the volatility reflects growing concerns that the U.S. Federal Reserve may keep interest rates higher for longer or implement further increases if inflation remains elevated. Rising bond yields typically weigh on high-growth technology companies by increasing borrowing costs and reducing the attractiveness of future earnings.

Investors are also closely monitoring the substantial spending commitments being made across the artificial intelligence sector, which have fueled questions about profitability and long-term returns.

Global oil prices hit four-month low

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Global oil prices

ISLAMABAD: International crude oil prices have fallen to their lowest levels since late February, raising expectations of further cuts in petroleum prices in Pakistan.

Oil prices came under pressure following developments involving the United States and Iran, leading to a sharp decline in global benchmarks.

Brent crude dropped to $74 a barrel, its lowest level since Feb. 27. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude fell to $70 a barrel, while Murban crude declined to $67 a barrel.

The decline in international prices is already being felt in Pakistan, where the government recently announced significant reductions in gasoline and high-speed diesel prices.

Energy analysts said the continued slide in crude prices in recent days has shifted attention to the next fuel price review, with expectations growing that authorities could consider additional cuts if the downward trend persists.

Market observers said sustained weakness in global oil prices could provide further relief to consumers and ease inflationary pressures in the country.

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.