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France

Top four FIFA-ranked teams reach World Cup semifinals for first time

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Top four

MIAMI: Spain, Argentina, France and England have made history by becoming the first top four teams in the FIFA world rankings to reach the FIFA World Cup semifinals in the same tournament.

The unprecedented achievement was aided by FIFA’s revised tournament draw system, which placed the four highest-ranked teams in separate sections of the bracket, ensuring they could not face each other before the semifinals if they topped their respective groups.

The format worked as intended, with all four teams finishing first in their groups and advancing through their respective knockout paths.

Under the new bracket structure, Spain and Argentina can only meet in the World Cup final, while France and England were also placed on separate knockout routes. The semifinal fixtures will see Spain face France, while Argentina will take on England.

The revised draw system was introduced alongside the expanded 48-team World Cup format, which increased the likelihood of heavyweight clashes in the early knockout rounds. FIFA redesigned the bracket to preserve marquee matchups for the latter stages of the tournament and maintain competitive balance—a strategy that has proven successful in this edition.

FIFA faces criticism over all-Argentine officials for World Cup quarterfinal

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FIFA faces

BOSTON:  FIFA’s decision to appoint an all-Argentine officiating team for the 2026 World Cup quarterfinal between Morocco and France has prompted criticism and speculation among some football fans on social media.

FIFA announced the match officials for Thursday’s quarterfinal in Boston, naming an Argentine referee, two assistant referees, a reserve assistant referee and a fourth official.

The appointments drew reactions online from users who questioned why officials from a country still competing in the tournament had been assigned to the match. Some posts alleged favoritism, while others criticized FIFA’s referee selection process without providing evidence.

Among those commenting was former West Indies cricket captain Carlos Brathwaite, who questioned the appointments in posts on X.

FIFA has not publicly responded to the criticism.

Under FIFA regulations, referees are generally prohibited from officiating matches involving their own national team, but officials from other participating nations may be assigned to games provided no conflict of interest exists.

France reports more than 2,000 heat-related deaths in one week

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France reports

PARIS: More than 2,000 people have died in France during the past week as an intense heatwave swept across much of Europe, France’s health minister said.

According to the minister, the death toll in France has reached 2,025, with officials warning that the number could rise as authorities continue to assess the impact of the extreme temperatures.

The minister said people older than 12 years accounted for the highest number of deaths.

The heatwave has affected several European countries. According to reports, at least 3,700 people died across France, Belgium and the Netherlands over the past week.

Belgium reported about 1,200 heat-related deaths, while the Netherlands recorded 480 deaths linked to record-breaking temperatures and prolonged extreme heat.

Health authorities across Europe have urged residents to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged outdoor activity during peak daytime temperatures and check on elderly and vulnerable people as unusually high temperatures persist.

Earlier, Shoppers in France scrambled to buy fans and portable air conditioners during an intense heatwave, with scuffles breaking out at several supermarkets as demand for cooling equipment surged.

A major French supermarket chain announced that it would offer 200,000 fans and portable air conditioners for sale nationwide, prompting long lines outside stores before opening.

At a store in Nanterre, west of Paris, more than 100 customers rushed inside when the doors opened. Witnesses reported arguments and pushing as shoppers competed for the limited supply, with only about 10 people able to purchase a fan or portable air conditioner.

At another store, shelves were emptied within minutes, and disputes reportedly broke out over the last remaining units.

The rush comes as much of Europe continues to endure a prolonged heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in several countries.

In Spain, authorities reported 1,029 heat-related deaths during June, the highest number recorded for the month since 2015.

The extreme heat has prompted health officials across Europe to urge residents to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to high temperatures and take extra precautions to protect vulnerable populations.

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.

France withdraws from Miss Universe 2026 for first time in history

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France withdraws

PARIS: France has announced that it will not participate in the 2026 edition of the Miss Universe 2026 pageant, marking the country’s first withdrawal from the competition in more than 70 years.

According to international media reports, the dates for Miss Universe 2026 have yet to be announced. However, the organization behind Miss France confirmed that France will not send a representative to the upcoming edition.

France has participated in the Miss Universe competition continuously since 1952, making the decision a significant break from a tradition spanning seven decades.

In a statement shared on Instagram, the Miss France organization said the decision applies only to the next edition of the pageant. The organization added that it remains attentive to the future development of the competition and hopes to resume participation in the near future.

Meanwhile, organizers of Miss Universe have also confirmed that France will not be represented at the 2026 contest.

No detailed reason for the withdrawal has been publicly disclosed, and the Miss France organization has indicated that it will continue monitoring developments related to the international competition before making future decisions regarding participation.

India to purchase additional 31 Rafale fighter jets from France

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India to purchase

India is set to expand its fleet of Rafale fighter jets by acquiring 31 more carrier-based aircraft from France, according to a report by Militarni.

Under the existing MRFA program, India had already planned 114 Rafale jets.

With the new order, the total number of Rafale jets in India’s fleet will rise to 145.

Reliance Defence and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will manufacture the airframe domestically, while France will provide certain components and the production rights for advanced AASM weapons.

In 2016, India signed an intergovernmental deal with France for 36 Rafale jets worth €7.87 billion, which have already been fully delivered.

In 2025, India ordered 26 Rafale M jets specifically for the Indian Navy.

The latest expansion demonstrates India’s continued focus on modernizing its air power and strengthening its defense capabilities in the region.