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FIFA World Cup 2026

FIFA World Cup 2026: 19 teams secure spots in knockout stage

Four knockout matches have been already officially slated

WASHINGTON, June 26. /TASS/. As group stage matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup near completion, 19 national teams have already secured berths in the knockout stage of the quadrennial world football championship.

Making it to the Round of 32 so far are Mexico, South Africa, Switzerland, Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Morocco, the United States, Australia, Germany, Cote d'Ivoire, Ecuador, the Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, France, Norway, Argentina and Colombia.

Four knockout matches have been already officially slated - Canada vs South Africa; the Netherlands vs Morocco; the United States vs Bosnia and Herzegovina; Brazil vs Japan.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States between June 11 and July 19. The matches are staged in 16 cities across the three countries. This is be the first FIFA World Cup featuring 48 teams instead of the previous 32-team format.

FIFA World Cup 2026

FIFA World Cup 2026 surpasses attendance record set in 1994

At the time of the group stage match between the national teams of Germany and Ecuador on June 25, 3,605.357 fans had attended the World Cup matches in the United States, Canada and Mexico

Moscow to hear case against UK's Wallace over public promotion of terrorism

The court did not specify the date of the preliminary hearings

IN BRIEF: 'Discrimination against Russians', 'apple of shame' in VK removal from App Store

All VK apps previously installed on Apple smartphones and other devices will continue to function, according to the company

Russian ministry calls removal of VK from App Store politically motivated decision

The removal of Russian apps from the App Store is an act of unfair competition aimed at protecting the interests of foreign platforms that are being displaced by Russian applications, the ministry noted

Kremlin briefing covers removal of Russian apps from App Store, US mediation on Ukraine

Russia highly appreciates and is grateful for US mediation efforts aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine, Dmitry Peskov said

Belarus to stand by Russia in any situation — president

As Alexander Lukashenko emphasized, there is no other way

Authorities seize Dagestan teen’s correspondence with accomplices from Russia, US, Europe

During interrogation, the minor confirmed his involvement in promoting the "Columbine" movement and preparing an attack on a Domodedovo school

EDB’s geographical reach to be expanded to 11 states including Persian Gulf countries

It is important to develop economic ties with neighboring countries of Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia, EDB Board Chairman Nikolay Podguzov said

IN BRIEF: SVR on difference between unfriendly and hostile, West underestimating Russia

Western countries have assessed the sanctions they imposed on Russia as "unable to achieve their intended goals"

Arab nations do not support tolling for Hormuz — Rubio

According to US Secretary of State, Oman also opposed the idea

Russian marathon runner Klimov sets new world record in Backyard Ultra men’s event

Dmitry Klimov managed to run 124 laps covering a total distance of 831.5 kilometers kilometers in more than five days

Criminal Code amendments, over 10,000 criminal cases against Ukraine, mercenaries

As a result of Ukrainian punitive operations, almost 5,000 people were killed

Netherlands, Japan, Sweden make it to knockout rounds at World Cup

The Dutch team defeated Tunisia 3-1 in the final Group F match

Medvedev calls for lawfully curbing Western military bases in other countries

The Russian politician noted that these deployments had become a significant factor undermining the collective security system and eroding the sovereignty of states

IDF helicopter carrying Israeli president makes emergency landing after bird strike

The affected helicopter was transferred to Israeli Air Force technical personnel for maintenance in order to return it to operational service as soon as possible

US builds naval presence in Asia-Pacific region to deter China — State Department

According to Assistant Secretary of the United States for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Michael DeSombre, two US Coast Guard patrol ships were sent to the Subic Bay military base in the Philippines

Commercial vessel attacked off Oman’s coast — UKMTO

Master has reported no casualties and no environmental impact

Investigation launched into von der Leyen over secret chat with Zelensky — newspaper

European Ombudsman Teresa Anjinho is examining whether the EC violated transparency rules by refusing to grant the Dutch organization Follow the Money access to the correspondence

Overnight drone attacks on Russia cause casualties in Crimea, spark fire at oil depot

Ukrainian drone strikes on Crimea killed two people, including a child

EU Commission suggests restricting temporary protection for combat-fit Ukrainians

Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner said the proposal provides that temporary protection should not be granted to newly arriving persons who are not allowed to leave Ukraine

Rubio believes no final agreements reached in Anchorage

According to the US state secretary, there was "a proposal" in Alaska

Russia advises West to apply term 'annexation' to Romania trying to absorb Moldova

Maria Zakharova said that Bucharest has long been hatching plans related to the absorption of Moldova, even as there is no unanimity on this issue in the Romanian government

EU leaders destroyed European security system with their own hands — diplomat

Dmitry Polyansky urged to move towards creating a common continental security architecture, open for all Eurasian countries and reflecting the current multipolarity

Russia to expand energy technologies export to BRICS countries

Russia views the BRICS energy platform as a priority mechanism of cooperation and supports toe hydrogen value chain research initiated by India, Sergey Tsivilyov noted

Europe 'getting a taste' for producing UAVs for Ukrainian strikes against Russia — expert

Dmitry Kuzyakin highlighted that Ukraine itself no longer hosts significant large-scale UAV manufacturing facilities

FACTBOX: What we know about arrest of terrorist network administrator in Dagestan

The FSB noted that the detainee’s involvement in organizing at least 15 terrorist crimes across ten Russian regions has been confirmed

Russians’ trust in Putin approaches 77% — poll

The activities of the Russian government are approved by 45.9% of respondents

US Southern Command directs transport aircraft, warships to Venezuela relief effort

These forces will provide mobility services and "support to US government personnel, search and rescue teams, the US Southern Command said

Ecuador advances to knockout rounds at World Cup, beating Germany 2-1

Team Ecuador will now stay in the top eight of third-place teams at the FIFA World Cup

US, Gulf countries reject possibility of tariffs in Strait of Hormuz

The Ministers also emphasized the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz

Russian authorities to contact Apple before responding to removal of apps — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov stated that clarifications will be required from the corporation

Russian specialists develop Duplet double net launcher against drones

The new net launcher has been created based on requirements from combat personnel

Romanian ambassador summoned to Russian Foreign Ministry

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that Cristian Istrate will be informed of retaliatory measures for the closure of the Consulate General in Constanta

Ukrainian POW demands 'just punishment' for Ukraine army commanders, Zelensky

According to Sergey Rykov, the policy course being pursued by the Ukrainian leadership is pushing the country’s population to the brink of extinction

No one knows how many billions of aid end up in Zelensky’s luxurious lifestyle — German MP

The German government is pursuing a policy that has done nothing to bring peace in Ukraine closer, Stefan Keuter said

Ukrainians resent assault regiments over torture, heavy losses — captive soldier

According to the POW, only a small number of troops return from combat missions

US may relocate military bases from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia — newspaper

The US military command is also working to develop options for broader deployment of military facilities across the Middle East

Iran does not guarantee safety to ships in Strait of Hormuz outside established routes

Tehran added that the ship’s owners, captains and operators will bear responsibility for possible consequences

Russia hopes US shares biolabs findings with public — diplomat

Russia also hopes that these statements will be followed by concrete steps, and, in particular, that a conclusion will be drawn that such situations are unacceptable, Maria Zakharova said

Russia currently has sufficient fuel reserves — Novak

The authorities are currently restructuring logistics within the fuel market to meet demand, the Russian deputy prime minister said

At least 69% of surveyed Russians trust Putin — poll

The survey was carried out from June 19 to 21

Over $7.4 bln of unpaid taxes return to Russia’s income within 15 years

Advisor to the Head of the Russian Investigative Committee Alexander Fedorov said that 31,000 cases of tax crimes have been completed

At least 250 buildings damaged by earthquake in Venezuela

The death toll from the earthquake is approaching 200 people and more than 1,000 people were injured

IN BRIEF: Civilian injured, damage reported as air defenses down 660 drones over Russia

The overnight drone attack was the largest since the beginning of the year, according to TASS estimates based on data from the Defense Ministry

Russian authorities considering ban on diesel exports by producers for several months

Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said that a few months are sufficient to supply the domestic market in greater volume and replenish stocks

Russian military to raise US drone from seabed if required for security reasons — Kremlin

It is noted that the drone went into an uncontrolled flight as a result of an abrupt maneuver, lost its altitude and crashed into the water

Press review: NATO drills rehearse Ukraine logistics and quake strengthens Venezuela power

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, June 26th

Rosatom to hold international forum for nuclear youth in Obninsk

The forum will bring together more than 500 male and female youths from 70 countries as well as high-ranking delegations from 10 countries

Kaliningrad can defend itself amid NATO military buildup near its borders — lawmaker

Russian lawmaker Andrey Kolesnik emphasized that several squadrons of fighter aircraft and strategic bombers have already been deployed near Russia’s borders

France captures alleged Russian shadow tanker off Sicily as UK plans to sell seized oil

The French Navy is now escorting the tanker to an anchorage for additional inspections

Massive Ukrainian drone attack on Russia’s Tula Region leaves woman injured — governor

Damage to a power transmission line and an industrial plant in Novomoskovsk was registered

Meeting with Zelensky's representatives, call to talk: Lukashenko's statements

Ukraine needs to negotiate, not just "posture," the Belarusian president said

Former Polish PM acknowledges Kiev's extermination of Donbass residents after 2014 coup

Leszek Miller noted that it is difficult to say today how many people actually died on the Ukrainian and Russian sides

London seeks dubious political points by giving uranium to Kiev — Russian Foreign Ministry

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova noted that Moscow is not aware of Ukraine's industrial capacity for independent production of nuclear fuel

Lebanon-Israel talks in Washington extended by another day — report

The source underscored that the US is helping facilitate efforts to achieve progress in resolving the conflict in southern Lebanon

Putin discusses domestic security, relations with neighbors with Security Council

The speakers at the meeting were FSB Director Alexander Bortnikov and Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev

Iraq considering withdrawing from OPEC — agency

According to the report, he idea of withdrawing from OPEC is part of Iraq’s broader plan to boost oil exports and offset losses incurred due to the conflict between the US and Iran

Ten Ukrainian attacks on localities in DPR registered over past day

Two house buildings and two civilian infrastructure facilities were damaged

Russian forces expand zone of control near Lyubitskoye in Zaporozhye Region — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, the troops have secured positions in its eastern part

Russia says ready to approve final US-Iran agreement in UN Security Council

Reaching a final agreement between the United States and Iran is stipulated in paragraph 3 of the memorandum of understanding, Maria Zakharova said

Russia calls Brussels' complaints ridiculous

Europe does not allow its media to relay Moscow's position, and then it blames Russia for everything, Maria Zakharova said

Streams and Telegram channels replace radio in ideological war — Justice Ministry

Deputy Justice Minister Oleg Sviridenko noted that a large-scale information campaign is being waged against Russian society

Key US Fifth Fleet facilities in Bahrain damaged by Iran in spring — WSJ

According to the report, the US Navy has not officially confirmed reports of extensive damage at the base

Dagestan teenager arrested with regard to case of preparing murders of schoolchildren

The minor's involvement in organizing at least 15 terrorist crimes in 10 Russian regions has been confirmed

FIFA World Cup goalscoring record set

A total of 177 goals have been scored at the current World Cup

VK removal from App Store, aid to Venezuela, EU speculation: MFA statements

The Europeans are trying to get into or "stick their face" into the negotiation process on Ukraine and dictate their terms

Russia’s Battlegroup South thwarts Ukraine’s attempt to rotate troops in Konstantinovka

FPV drone operators destroyed enemy vehicles along with the personnel

Private screening of documentary about Starobelsk college attack held in Moroccan capital

The documentary made by Olga Kiryi, Alexey Balakirev, and Ilya Andilevko, tells about the deadly attack on the night into May 22, when the college building was attacked

German authorities want to legislatively ban Nord Stream 2 pipeline sale

According to the report, an option of the sale of the Swiss-based operator of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline is on the table now

International Maritime Organization suspends evacuation of sailors from Strait of Hormuz

The organization’s Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said he had been informed about Thursday’s attack on a vessel in the Gulf of Oman that passed through the Strait of Hormuz

European Fencing Federation reinstates Russia, Belarus — sports minister

"The corresponding decision was made by the EFC Executive Committee on June 24," Mikhail Degtyarev said

Russian forces notice Polish mercenaries, females in Ukrainian assault squads — officer

While the deputy commander of the 1st Battalion of the 1194th Regiment of the Southern Group of Forces, known by the call sign Yusa, has not personally engaged with the female assault troops, he remarked that their level of professionalism is evident

Medvedev outlines options for regime change in Kiev

The Russian Security Council deputy chairman emphasized that legitimate government institutions were crucial

Press review: Rutte visits Washington to ease NATO tensions and Trump blocked on Iran war

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, June 25th

Russian troops strike Ukrainian long-range UAV launch sites over past day — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted more than 210 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed two enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Russia initiates 10,000 cases against 2,500 Ukrainian leaders, mercenaries

The investigation of war crimes, genocide and the rehabilitation of Nazism is of particular historical and moral importance, adviser to the head of Russia’s Investigative Committee Alexander Fyodorov said

Russian aircraft surpass foreign peers — Putin

According to the Russian leader, the new airplanes, MC-21, SSJ-100 and Il-114 "have a very good level"

IAEA hopes to begin inspections of Iran's nuclear facilities soon — Grossi

Speaking about the territorial location of Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium, the IAEA chief noted that, most likely, "it is where it was back in June 2025"

Lavrov would like to see Russia out of 'half-dead' OSCE, but it's up to Putin to decide

The Russian foreign minister explained that Moscow would not feel "any discomfort" leaving the organization on its own

No use talking to ‘vassal’ Ukraine, racism, Western piracy: Medvedev comments

According to the Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, Western elites retain the ideas of racial and national superiority

Arab countries seek compensation for Iran strikes — Rubio

Washington is going to discuss it with Tehran during further negotiations, US Secretary of State told

Slovak PM Fico sees 'no interest' in ending Ukraine war at Gdansk conference

It’s a shame that quite a large number of prime ministers and countries in the European Union support the war, Robert Fico said

Rostec begins assembly of first serial-production PD-8 engines for SJ-100

Their delivery to the UAC aircraft plant and installation on the Superjet are scheduled for the near future

Parameters of potential agreement with Ukraine outlined by Moscow — Ukraine’s ex-PM

Nikolay Azarov added that now the ball is in the West’s court

Lebanon, Israel may sign memorandum of intent in security — TV

According to the TV channel, as a gesture of good will, Israel will withdraw its troops from an area in southern Lebanon that has been under occupation

Ukrainian army loses first BRAWLR anti-aircraft missile system in special op zone

Russian servicemen of the Battlegroup North destroyed the system

Russia warns US of risks posed by arms transfers to Ukraine — MFA

Moscow has repeatedly emphasized that supplying military equipment to the Kiev regime could have unforeseen consequences for stability both regionally and globally, Maria Zakharova stated

West left Russia no option but special military operation — Italian expert

Sandro Teti expressed regret that the security proposals that Russia put forward in 2021 were disregarded by the West

Australia reach World Cup knockout stage, as US close out group play with loss to Turkey

The US goals were scored by Auston Trusty in the 3rd minute and Sebastian Berhalter in the 49th minute

Zelensky's ultimatums for Minsk highlight his terrorist nature — Russian Foreign Ministry

On June 19, Vladimir Zelensky said he was ready to give the order to attack "the retransmission stations on towers"

Perpetrators of attack on bus carrying kids identified, wanted — Investigative Committee

The perpetrators will be arrested in absentia soon

At least 18 drones flying toward Moscow destroyed on Thursday night — mayor

First responders are working at the site where the debris fell

Putin says friendship with his real German friends endures

The President noted that even before the events of 2022, when foreign automakers left the Russian market, the Russian auto industry’s main partners were well-known German companies

Russian forces penetrate 15 km into Ukraine’s defenses in Sumy Region — expert

Andrey Marochko explained that this became possible after taking control of the settlement of Ivolzhanskoye

Russia insists on prompt return of its property seized in US — MFA

The State Department has not responded to the issue so far, Maria Zakharova said

Macron bears personal responsibility for stalemate in French-Russian ties — diplomat

The French president and his political team have literally lost their grasp of reality if they allow themselves to make public remarks about 'preparing for a military confrontation' with Russia, Maria Zakharova said

Russia’s Medvedev warns Europe could face 'catastrophic damage' from Oreshnik missile

The Russian Security Council deputy chairman also commented on Vladimir Zelensky’s "resilience plan"

Russia now in state of legal war with West — Foreign Ministry

According to Gennady Kuzmin, this also concerns legal initiatives within international organizations "aimed at isolating countries of the multipolar world, including Russia"

US, Arab states did not discuss creation of investment fund for Iran — Rubio

US Secretary of State also denied that any assets frozen in Qatar have already been transferred to Iran

Russia’s modernized Yak-130M combat trainer aircraft makes debut flight at 600 km/h speed

Rostec reported that flight plan was implemented in full and there are no issues with the aircraft

Cote d’Ivoire survives World Cup group stage for first time

The Ivorians finished second in their group