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FIFA confirms Saudi Arabia as host for 2034 World Cup matches

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States

GENEVA, December 11. /TASS/. The 2034 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by Saudi Arabia, the world’s governing body of football, FIFA, announced on Wednesday during its online format Congress Conference.

Saudi Arabia was the sole candidate submitting a bid to host matches of the most prestigious global football tournament in 2034.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The matches will be played in 16 cities across the three continents. For the first time, 48 teams will battle it out at the FIFA World Cup. At all previous World Cup's, only 32 teams competed.

The FIFA World Cup is held every four years. The inaugural event was hosted by Uruguay in 1930.

In 2022 Qatar hosted the most recent FIFA World Cup and it was held between November 20 and December 18 at eight stadiums in five cities across the Persian Gulf country, namely in Doha, Lusail, Al Wakrah, Al Khor and Al Rayyan.

Russia hosted its first and only FIFA World Cup in 2018. The championship took place at 12 stadiums in 11 cities across Russia, namely in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Sochi, Kazan, Saransk, Kaliningrad, Volgograd, Rostov-on-Don, Nizhny Novgorod, Yekaterinburg and Samara.

Russia’s Lifintsev wins gold in 100m backstroke at 2024 World Swimming Championship

The junior world record holder in the 100-meter backstroke clocked the distance in 48.76 seconds to win the gold

Syria’s interim cabinet to focus on preventing collapse of statehood — PM

"We are face with big challenges but our previous experience of governing the Idlib governorate and adjacent territories has furnished us with vast expertise," Mohammed al-Bashir noted

Moldova following Ukraine’s path, Russian diplomat warns

Maria Zakharova commented on reports of Chisinau signing a defense and security partnership agreement with London

West could make ‘crazy’ move to hand over nuclear weapons to Ukraine — National Interest

The transfer of American-made B-61 nuclear bombs appears to be the most likely scenario, the report said

Russia ready to talk Ukraine with US, no serious proposals yet — diplomat

According to Maria Zakharova, the terms Russian President Vladimir Putin laid out earlier for a Ukraine resolution should be the groundwork for any deal

Ukrainian authorities started preparing for elections, ex-minister says

It is indicated by Vladimir Zelensky’s presentation of the so-called "plan of resilience" in the Verkhovna Rada, by the establishment of the Ministry of Unity and a number of other measures, says Andrey Reva, ex-Minister of Social Policy of Ukraine

Israel openly acknowledges its role in recent events in Syria — diplomat

According to Maria Zakharova, the United States has also exacerbated the situation in Syria, deliberately imposing sanctions against the country and its people for many years

Special military op to end after all goals set by Putin achieved — Kremlin

"These goals can be achieved both as a result of the special military operation and as a result of the peace talks," Dmitry Peskov stressed

Oreshnik launch serves as warning to certain political figures overseas — Ryabkov

"It was also a signal to their European clients, who have completely lost it as well, that Russia means business," the Russian deputy foreign minister added

Houthis say they attacked targets in Israel with drones

The movement attacked military facilities in Jaffa and Ashkelon, military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said

Russian sleeper agents open up about secret trip to 2018 World Cup

The married couple, Artyom Dultsev and Anna Dultseva, returned home as a result of an exchange

Former Syrian President Assad personally decided to resign from his post — Kremlin

A Kremlin source said earlier that Bashar Assad and his family members had arrived in Moscow

Russian Su-35S fighters cover aircraft in air strikes on Ukrainian army in Kursk area

One of the fighter jets uncovered enemy air defense sites by its weapons suite, the statement added

Russian forces liberate Daryino, Plyokhovo: situation in Russia’s Kursk Region

Over the day, Ukraine lost more than 200 troops, a tank, three Bradley infantry fighting vehicles of US manufacture, seven motor vehicles and six mortars, with one Ukrainian serviceman surrendering as a prisoner of war

Medvedev arrives in China on two-day visit

The Russian deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council is to hold meetings with China’s top officials

Putin orders Russian forces pullout from Syria

Russia is ready to deal a new blow to terrorists if they again try to break peace in Syria, the president said

Russian diplomat says Ukraine doesn’t see peace as priority

According to Maria Zakharova, the regime in Kiev does not think in such categories at all

South Korea’s ex-defense minister attempts suicide — Yonhap

The former official’s current health condition is not life-threatening, the agency said

Press review: Israel controls Golan Heights as Kiev plans aid summit before Trump’s term

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, December 11th

Syrians to decide on US military presence in republic themselves — opposition

Mohammed Alloush expressed hope that "Syria will become a country of local and global peace, without the presence of foreign military bases of any party there"

Russian economy expected to grow by 3.9% in 2024 — Novak

This is much above the average growth rates globally, the Russian deputy prime minister noted

Russia urges West to end support for Zelensky following attack on IAEA personnel — MFA

Russia also called on the US, the United Kingdom, and their allies to take measures to bring those responsible for the act of provocation to justice

Kiev rejects peaceful solutions, Putin tells Orban

"Viktor Orban expressed his willingness to contribute to efforts aimed at jointly finding political and diplomatic solutions to the crisis, considering his contacts with several Western leaders," the statement reads

Rumors about Trump-Zelensky tete-a-tete prove false, says expert

According to Mikhail Pavliv, the leaders' meeting lasted about ten minutes or less

Functioning of Russian bases, Israeli army in the buffer zone: situation in Syria

The Syrian armed opposition currently controls the Latakia Governorate, where Russian military bases are located

Many US partners asking Russia `not to stop halfway’ on Ukraine — SVR chief

The global prestige of Washington is steadily declining, Sergey Naryshkin emphasized

Russian forces strike Ukrainian army, equipment in 141 areas over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted roughly 515 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed an enemy ammunition depot in its area of responsibility over the past day

Russian troops liberate Zhyoltoye community in Donbass region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted roughly 225 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed a US-made armored personnel carrier in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

US Department of State approves possible sale of F-16 equipment to Kiev

The US believes that the deal "will improve Ukraine’s capability to meet current and future threats"

Sentence to mercenary, Ukrainian losses: situation in Kursk Region

The Kursk Regional Court has sentenced Jordan O'Brien, a New Zealand citizen, to 14 years in prison in absentia for his involvement in the invasion of the Kursk Region

Russian defense chief commends growing defense ties with India

Andrey Belousov stressed that the relationship based on trust between the two countries’ leaders was crucial for strengthening bilateral ties between Russia and India

Sanctions fuel tech jump in Russia — Putin

The head of state underlined that Russia currently has everything for a technology breakthrough in the digital sphere

FACTBOX: What we know about Mohammed al-Bashir, head of Syria’s interim government

The interim government’s mandate is expected to last three months

Russia completed its mission in Syria some time ago — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov added that "now, we need to proceed based on the realities on the ground"

Russian troops gradually eliminate Ukrainian forces in Kharkov frontline area — official

Vitaly Ganchev added that Russian troops were conducting active operations across the entire Kharkov frontline

HAMAS hands over full list of hostages to Egypt — Al Arabiya

Neither HAMAS nor Egypt has confirmed the reports so far

Trump unlikely to keep US aid to Ukraine at current volumes — NYT

The report says that Kiev depends on foreign aid to keep its economy afloat

Russian FPV drone wipes out Ukrainian army shelter in Kursk area

"A reconnaissance unit of the Battlegroup North used an UAV in a border area of the Kursk Region to uncover a shelter for Ukrainian troops in a forest belt," the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Zelensky wrong to think that Biden corruption link gives him impunity to do what he wants

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova pointed out that the scale of corruption between the US and Ukraine is truly astonishing

Syria’s new government to prevent attempts to split country — opposition

"We want to rebuild Syria, which is in line with its people’s wishes," spokesperson for the Syrian opposition’s political department told

Rock-solid relations and Western machinations: What Medvedev said in China

Cross-party cooperation between the United Russia Party and the Communist Party of China is developing intensively, the Russian senior official pointed out

Hungarian PM lays out his vision for Ukraine resolution in call with Putin — top diplomat

Peter Szijjarto added that the Russian president also clarified his position on the matter, pointing to "obstacles hindering the process" of a peaceful settlement

Bashar Assad's son graduates with honors from Moscow State University — newspaper

Hafez Assad was handed his diploma by the rector of the university, Viktor Sadovnichy, along with other Syrian students who also graduated from MSU

Conversation with Putin took place in most dangerous period of conflict in Ukraine — Orban

The Hungarian prime minister did not specify what issues he had discussed with the Russian president

Syrian ex-president Assad now in safety in Russia — deputy foreign minister

The Russian diplomat added that it "would be very wrong for me to elaborate on what happened and how it was resolved."

Russia comes close to achieving special military operation's goals — intel chief

"Russia holds the initiative in all areas, while the Ukrainian armed forces are on the verge of collapse and the Zelensky regime has lost its legitimacy, along with the ability to make agreements," Sergey Naryshkin pointed out

Iran ready to sell missiles, drones to any countries, especially Arab — official

"When Iran was attacked (referring to the start of the Iranian-Iraqi war in 1980 - TASS), all foreign countries, with which we had contracts and were paying billions to, severed all ties in military production," the former IRGC commander emphasized

Russia, Arab countries stand for just world free from diktat — Putin

"We stand united in advocating for the establishment of a just and democratic world order founded on genuine equality and adherence to international law, free from all forms of discrimination, coercion, and sanctions pressure," the Russian leader emphasized

Medvedev to begin his two-day visit to China

Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council is expected to meet with senior Chinese government officials

EU envoys agree on 15th package of anti-Russia sanctions

The new package adds more persons and entities to the already existing sanctions list, as well as constrains the activity of additional vessels of third states operating to contribute or support actions or policies supporting Russia’s actions against Ukraine

FACTBOX: Syria under President Bashar Assad

Bashar Assad took over as the leader of the Syrian Arab Republic in the summer of 2000 after the death of his father Hafez Assad, who had been at the helm of power since 1971

Israel attacks two ports in Syria harboring 15 Syrian military ships

The press office noted that "dozens of ship-to-ship missiles with a range between 80 and 190 km, which posed a threat to civilian and military ships in this region, were destroyed" during the strikes

Trump says he considers resolving Ukraine conflict as priority

The US President-elect believes that even though the situation in the Middle East is also important

Drone attacks IAEA vehicle en route to ZNPP

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi strongly condemned the incident, describing it as "unacceptable."

Sanctions on Gazprombank to be lifted, says head of Turkey-Russia Business Council

"This is a completely personal choice of US President Joe Biden to slap sanctions on Gazprombank," Izzet Ekmekcibasi said

Russian troops advance towards Dachnoye, road leading out of Kurakhovo — official

According to Vladimir Rogov, as of early morning, Russian forces have reached the city council building, which is located in the western part of Kurakhovo

Australians disillusioned by Western values seek visas to move to Russia — Consul General

Zarina Gabiyeva emphasized that, while the number of visas issued to Australians relocating to Russia "may appear modest, for a nation as geographically distant from Russia as Australia, this represents a very encouraging outcome"

Israeli tanks spotted 20 kilometers from Damascus — TV

The Israel Defense Forces has yet to comment on the information

Just a few km of Lugansk People’s Republic territory remain to be liberated — lawmaker

"People from all regions of our huge country are taking part in battles to liberate the remaining tiny piece of the LPR territory," Yury Yurov said

Polish Defense Minister recognizes Kiev's critical situation in special military op zone

According to Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, the Ukrainian population feels "enormous war fatigue"

US commercial satellites surveyed Russia’s Engels airstrip ahead of Kiev’s strike attempt

Earlier, it was reported that, on Monday morning, Kiev attempted to strike the two airstrips with Soviet-made jet drones in order to disable Russian long-range aviation planes

IN BRIEF: Assad in Moscow, security of Russian bases: what Kremlin source said

According to the source in the Kremlin, Russia has granted asylum for Syria’s former President Bashar Assad and his family members

Kiev to last only six months if US cuts aid under Trump — finance minister

According to Sergey Marchenko, Kiev can "allocate sufficient budgetary resources to afford the necessary ammunition and military equipment in 2025"

Fight of major world players unfolding in Syria, says Belarusian president

Alexander Lukashenko also pointed to his long record of interaction with Syria's leaders

Suspension of Russian gas transit via Bulgaria last resort measure — source

The Bulgarian side expects that the problem with transit payment will be solved and sees "nothing critical" in the evolved situation

Euroclear warns of risks in confiscating seized Russian assets — Bloomberg

According to the head of Euroclear, the use of the sanctioned Russian assets to provide aide to Ukraine, as proposed by the EU, could undermine confidence in the existing international financial system and create a dangerous precedent

Texas, California decolonization reflects global shifts, says Russian intel chief

"We are currently witnessing the true decolonization of the Global South, which has come to see itself as a full-fledged political actor rather than a subordinate ‘backyard,’" Sergey Naryshkin noted

Oreshnik missiles to eliminate need for nuclear weapons, Putin says

This is why, in President Putin’s words, Russia behaves with caution and even restraint in all areas

Ukraine drone production drastically drops due to intrigues in Zelensky's office — Rada

"The Defense Ministry has barely purchased any drones throughout 2024," lawmaker Maryana Bezuglaya added

Russia to retaliate to Kiev’s ATACMS missile attack on Taganrog airfield — top brass

The ATACMS missile fragments that fell on the Taganrog military airfield caused injuries among the personnel and no destruction on the ground, the Russian Defense Ministry said

FPV drones take out Ukrainian convoy in Kursk Region — Defense Ministry

The first drone successfully intercepted a fleeing pickup on the move, while the second drone struck another vehicle parked near a wooded area, neutralizing additional personnel," the ministry reported

US losing ground in post-Soviet space, everywhere else, Russian intel chief says

According to Sergey Naryshkin, SVR intel says that the post-Soviet space remains the priority destination of attacks by US and UK intelligence

Erdogan says he and Putin are the only two leaders in world

Turkish President also said that he respects Germany’s former Chancellor Gerhard Schroder

Ukrainian troops attack DPR’s Yenakiyevo with long-range weapons — DPR head

According to Pushilin, Ukrainian forces staged six shelling attacks on the DPR, using long-range weapons, 155mm artillery systems and a combat drone

Syria’s Assad was no dictator, didn’t kill anyone, Lukashenko says

According to the Belarusian Foreign Ministry, the Belarusian embassy in Syria remains in Damascus and the diplomats will continue working

Bulgaria may stop gas transit from Russia if payment solution not found — minister

As Vladimir Malinov explained, at the moment, the Bulgarian state gas company Bulgargaz has received all payments

Trump may unravel fresh loan to Kiev by lifting sanctions on frozen Russian assets — NYT

The move would not affect the European portion of the loan

Zelensky rejects Hungary's proposal to establish Christmas ceasefire with Russia — Orban

The Hungarian prime minister did not specify how the peace proposal was sent to Vladimir Zelensky and, accordingly, how the response was received

Poland shouldn’t send troops to Ukraine, senior security official says

According to the security official, Ukraine will not be able to retake territories from Russia, even if Kiev calls up more soldiers

Russian troops seize Ukrainian stronghold south of Kurakhovo — official

According to Vladimir Rogov, Ukrainian units in this section of the frontline are currently in control of Annovka, a small area surrounding it, and Uspenovka, through which they are receiving supplies

New Syrian government to decide on fate of Russia’s military bases — opposition

"The issue of military bases is a sovereign decision of the Syrian state," Mohammed Alloush stated

Press review: Russia's role in Syria questioned and UN hints at a possible SC summit

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, December 10th

Zelensky demands security guarantees for Ukraine at meeting with Trump — agency

According to the sources, Zelensky’s meeting with Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris lasted 35 minutes

Russian lawmaker calls for looking at granting CSTO membership to Iran

Andrey Kartapolov, chairman of the defense committee of Russia’s State Duma, or lower parliament house, recalled that a delegation from Iran had already taken part in a meeting of the CSTO Parliamentary Assembly

Group of militants from Syria tries to cross into Leban — Lebanese military

According to the statement, "unidentified individuals with firearms crossed the border, and headed towards a roadblock of the Lebanese armed forces, firing into the air"

Kremlin has nothing to say on Assad's evacuation from Syria

Earlier, a Kremlin source said that Bashar Assad and his family members had arrived in Moscow

Syrian opposition controls city of Tartus hosting Russian base — source

The opposition's armed forces did not and have no plans to penetrate the Russian military bases, which continue to operate normally, the local source noted

US allocates $20 bln loan to Ukraine on account of revenues from Russian assets

The loan is provided within the framework of the initiative of the Group of Seven on provision of the $50 bln loan to Kiev, the Treasury said

Syrian airline restarts ticket flights to Moscow and back

Tickets are currently available for a flight from Damascus to Moscow on December 18 and back on December 19, 2024

Russia's Syria operation cost over $460 million — Putin

According to the president, additional costs are required after the operation in Syria but they are justified in order not to pay a higher price in future

Russian troops advance to better positions near Malaya Tokmachka in Zaporozhye Region

Russian servicemen struck Ukrainian artillery guns and their crews in the area of the town of Gulyaipole

Biden administration may remove HTS from list of terrorist organizations — NBC

Two sources expect this to happen soon, but one official said related discussions are still at early stages at this point

US could facilitate peace by ordering Ukraine out of Donbass, says Russian diplomat

"Those who expect Russia to make concessions are either poorly informed or have a short memory," Maria Zakharova noted

Nuclear disarmament cooperation with unfriendly nations unacceptable — diplomat

These countries pursue anti-Russian policies, act aggressively, and supply our enemies with weapons, Sergey Ryabkov said

Kremlin declines to reveal number of Russian troops stationed in Syria

"Only our military can provide you with this information," Dmitry Peskov told reporters

Lukashenko confirms Belarus has nuclear weapons

Commenting on plans to deploy the non-nuclear Russian Oreshnik missile system to Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko noted that using these types of high-powered weapons carries a great responsibility

Italian expert says Europe biggest loser in Syrian uprising

Tiberio Graziani recalled that Italy had sent its ambassador to Damascus to resume diplomatic relations with the Bashar Assad government shortly before power in that country was seized by the armed opposition

Hungary plans to hold new events on Ukrainian settlement on December 11-12 — Szijjarto

Hungarian Foreign Minister did not specify which events exactly the Hungarian government plans to carry out on Wednesday and Thursday

Russia maintains contact with all political forces in Syria, diplomat says

A related statement has already been issued recently by Russian Foreign Ministry

US may toughen sanctions on Russian oil exports — Bloomberg

Besides, the US administration is also looking into the possibility of imposing sanctions on "tanker fleet" allegedly transporting Russian oil, Bloomberg wrote

Russia open to reviewing Trump’s proposals on Ukraine — senior diplomat

According to Sergey Ryabkov, Russia sees no alternative to the core principles for resolution that have been repeatedly articulated by Russian President Vladimir Putin