- Jones says Japan making 'good progress' despite France defeat
- Messi, Yamal come full circle in World Cup showdown
Sports
France head coach Fabien Galthie praised the "energy and commitment" of his players at the end of a long season after cruising to an emphatic 42-15 Nations championship win over Japan on Saturday in humid Tokyo.
July 18, 2026
RECENT NEWS
There are rooftops draped in blue and white and murals of Lionel Messi everywhere -- but this is not Argentina, it is Bangladesh where football-crazy fans are again celebrating their unique bond with the South American giants.
July 18, 2026
RECENT NEWS
Statues of independence hero Aung San are quietly disappearing across Myanmar in a contest over his legacy as father of both the nation and of detained democracy figurehead Aung San Suu Kyi.
July 18, 2026
US President Donald Trump threatened on Friday a tariff increase on Canada to cover the cost of smoke pollution from wildfires that have choked large parts of the United States.
July 18, 2026
The United Nations looks set to list a Biblical site, Lebanese castles, an antelope migration path and the world's deepest lake as world treasures under threat, including from war or climate change.
July 18, 2026
Sports
The World Cup has "exceeded expectations" with an 80% increase in betting volume compared to the 2022 edition, even taking into account the higher number of matches for a 48-team tournament, a betting expert told AFP.
July 18, 2026
RECENT NEWS
Europe's great cormorant has recovered from near-extinction to overabundance in half a century, stoking a long-running debate over population control between fishers troubled by its voracious appetite and conservationists.
July 18, 2026
Boulevard
A convoy of World Food Programme (WFP) trucks trundles up a winding road along the Venezuelan coast, leaving the quake-leveled town of Catia La Mar far behind.
July 18, 2026
RECENT NEWS
Bombing intensified in the Middle East for the seventh consecutive night, with Iran reporting three deaths from US strikes and retaliating with attacks on several US military sites in Kuwait and Jordan.
July 18, 2026
- Aston Villa sign Swiss World Cup star Manzambi
- Argentina World Cup success moves me to tears, says goalkeeper Martinez
- Trump questions England's World Cup tactics
- Messi to get 'special attention' from Spain, says de la Fuente
- Iran's Guards say tankers exploded from Hormuz mines as US strikes continue
- Spain captain Rodri preparing for 'physical' Argentina battle
- Italy coach Quesada's ban reduced to one Test
- Leather jacket worn by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang auctions for nearly $1 mn