Uzbekistan and Jordan secured historic World Cup berths for the first time on Thursday, while South Korea confirmed their place and Australia edged closer in Asia's qualification campaign for the 2026 tournament in North America.
Uzbekistan and Jordan made history by qualifying for their first-ever FIFA World Cup, while South Korea booked their spot and Australia took a big step toward qualification during Thursday’s Asian qualifiers for the 2026 tournament in North America.
Uzbekistan earned a goalless draw against the UAE in Abu Dhabi, securing a top-two finish in Group A alongside Iran. Goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov’s key saves ensured a result that marked a milestone in Uzbek football since the nation’s independence in 1991.
South Korea defeated 10-man Iraq 2-0 in Basra with second-half goals from Kim Jin-gyu and Oh Hyeon-gyu. The win also confirmed Jordan’s qualification from Group B, following their earlier 3-0 win over Oman, powered by Ali Olwan’s hat-trick.
Australia beat Japan 1-0 in Perth through Aziz Behich’s goal, staying ahead of Saudi Arabia in Group C. Although Saudi Arabia defeated Bahrain 2-0, Australia’s superior goal difference means they can lose their final match and still qualify.
Elsewhere, Qatar beat Iran 1-0, and Indonesia progressed to the next round with a 1-0 win over China. Palestine kept hopes alive with a 2-0 victory over Kuwait, while Kyrgyzstan were eliminated after drawing 2-2 with North Korea.
The top two teams in each group qualify directly for the World Cup, while third and fourth-place finishers advance to a fourth round in October to fight for two remaining spots.
Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry on Saturday voiced deep concern over the escalating tensions following the United States’ military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, calling on all sides to prioritize diplomacy over confrontation.
The Pentagon concluded a high-stakes press briefing Saturday afternoon following the U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, outlining the scale and success of the mission while stressing the door remains open to diplomacy.
Türkiye has voiced strong concern following the United States’ strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, warning that the action could dangerously escalate the conflict and trigger a global crisis.
Global investors are bracing for significant market turmoil when trading reopens, with analysts predicting a sharp spike in oil prices and a flight to safe-haven assets following the United States' announcement of military strikes against three Iranian nuclear facilities.
Iran’s top diplomat on Sunday issued a stark condemnation of the United States following overnight military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, declaring that Washington had crossed a "very big red line" and would be held "fully responsible" for the consequences.
Gulf states hosting major U.S. military bases were placed on high alert Sunday after American airstrikes destroyed Iran’s main nuclear sites, raising fears of regional retaliation and a broader conflict that could engulf key energy exporters and destabilise global security.
Senior Russian officials have condemned the United States’ recent military strikes on Iran, warning of a spiralling regional conflict and accusing U.S. President Donald Trump of igniting a "new war" that could backfire by strengthening Iran's leadership.
The United States has clarified that its recent military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities were not intended to overthrow the Iranian government, but to neutralise what it described as urgent threats to national security, amid rising tensions and fears of broader regional conflict.
Iran's top security body, the SNSC, will decide on closing the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil and gas chokepoint, after parliament's reported approval. A Revolutionary Guards commander stated the measure is "on the agenda," signaling escalating tensions.
Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry on Saturday voiced deep concern over the escalating tensions following the United States’ military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, calling on all sides to prioritize diplomacy over confrontation.
Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across Israel and neighbouring regions early Friday morning, including a Microsoft office complex, according to emergency responders and local media reports.
A high-speed tram derailment in central Gothenburg, Sweden, has left at least eight people injured late on Thursday (19 June), after the vehicle slammed into a snack bar on Avenyn Avenue.
China has unveiled a mosquito-sized bionic drone designed for covert military operations and battlefield reconnaissance, marking a major advance in micro-robotics and stealth technology as part of the country’s growing focus on next-generation warfare capabilities.
The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit was held June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, under Canada’s presidency. Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the meeting around priorities of protecting communities, energy and climate security, the digital transition, and future partnerships.
The USS Nimitz is heading to the Middle East amid tensions between Israel and Iran. The U.S. aircraft carrier has a decades-long history in the region, from the 1979 hostage crisis to modern deployments, often serving as a key asset during periods of rising friction with Iran.
Senior Russian officials have condemned the United States’ recent military strikes on Iran, warning of a spiralling regional conflict and accusing U.S. President Donald Trump of igniting a "new war" that could backfire by strengthening Iran's leadership.
The United States has clarified that its recent military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities were not intended to overthrow the Iranian government, but to neutralise what it described as urgent threats to national security, amid rising tensions and fears of broader regional conflict.
The Pentagon concluded a high-stakes press briefing Saturday afternoon following the U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, outlining the scale and success of the mission while stressing the door remains open to diplomacy.
Global investors are bracing for significant market turmoil when trading reopens, with analysts predicting a sharp spike in oil prices and a flight to safe-haven assets following the United States' announcement of military strikes against three Iranian nuclear facilities.
A chorus of condemnation emerged from Latin America on Sunday as leaders from Chile, Cuba, Venezuela, Colombia, and Bolivia denounced the United States for its recent airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities.
Gulf states hosting major U.S. military bases were placed on high alert Sunday after American airstrikes destroyed Iran’s main nuclear sites, raising fears of regional retaliation and a broader conflict that could engulf key energy exporters and destabilise global security.
Senior Russian officials have condemned the United States’ recent military strikes on Iran, warning of a spiralling regional conflict and accusing U.S. President Donald Trump of igniting a "new war" that could backfire by strengthening Iran's leadership.
The United States has clarified that its recent military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities were not intended to overthrow the Iranian government, but to neutralise what it described as urgent threats to national security, amid rising tensions and fears of broader regional conflict.
Iran's top security body, the SNSC, will decide on closing the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil and gas chokepoint, after parliament's reported approval. A Revolutionary Guards commander stated the measure is "on the agenda," signaling escalating tensions.
Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry on Saturday voiced deep concern over the escalating tensions following the United States’ military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, calling on all sides to prioritize diplomacy over confrontation.
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