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The 28 teams that have advanced to World Cup knockout stage determined

Mexico, South Africa, Switzerland, Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Morocco, the US, Australia, Paraguay, Germany, Ivory Coast, Ecuador, the Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Belgium, Egypt, Spain, Cape Verde, France, Norway, Senegal, Argentina, Colombia, Portugal, England, and Ghana secured spots in the playoffs

WASHINGTON, June 27. /TASS/. The 28 teams that have guaranteed their participation in the Round of 32 of the World Cup have been determined.

The national teams of Mexico, South Africa, Switzerland, Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Morocco, the US, Australia, Paraguay, Germany, Ivory Coast, Ecuador, the Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Belgium, Egypt, Spain, Cape Verde, France, Norway, Senegal, Argentina, Colombia, Portugal, England, and Ghana secured spots in the playoffs.

As of now, 9 of the 16 matchups for the first round of the playoffs have been determined. The Round of 32 will feature the following matches: Germany vs. Paraguay, France vs. Sweden, South Africa vs. Canada, the Netherlands vs. Morocco, the US vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil vs. Japan, Ivory Coast vs. Norway, Argentina vs. Cape Verde, and Australia vs. Egypt.

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 the first FIFA World Cup featuring 48 teams instead of the previous 32-team format.

National teams of Egypt, Iran play to draw in World Cup group stage match

In the Group G standings, the Egyptian national team finished second with five points

Kremlin lauds Russian gymnasts’ decision to withdraw from int’l tourney in Romania

Dmitry Peskov said that the organizers' ban on Russian athletes’ performance under national flag is unacceptable

Russian soldiers who returned from captivity first of all want to meet with families

Serviceman Alexander said that the first thing he did was to call his mother

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

Four knockout matches have been already officially slated

French-detained Deliver tanker arrives at parking place near Marseille

According to the Maritime Prefect of the Mediterranean, the ship was sailing under the flag of Cameroon from Primorsk

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

The court did not specify the date of the preliminary hearings

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

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

Plane with Russian soldiers released from Ukrainian captivity lands in Moscow Region

The Russian defense ministry said earlier that on June 26, Russia had brought back 160 Russian servicemen from Ukrainian captivity, handing over 160 Ukrainian servicemen in exchange

Russia, Ukraine conduct prisoner exchange on '160 for 160' basis

According to Russia's Defense Ministry, the returned Russian servicemen are currently on the territory of the Republic of Belarus

Rodriguez thanks US for its help in dealing with earthquake aftermath in Venezuela

The Venezuelan leader noted that Donald Trump and Marco Rubio expressed their readiness to support efforts to address the earthquake aftermath, send rescue workers and specialized equipment

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

No guarantees that Kiev’s EU accession talks to be successful — top Polish diplomat

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski emphasized that some areas of the negotiations will be very difficult

Kremlin aide says he knows nothing about 'Spirit of Anchorage'

Yury Ushakov emphasized that the spirit of cooperation between Russia and China "really does exist"

Russian Energy Ministry drafts decree to ban crypto mining in Moscow from July 1

The mining ban is proposed to remain in effect from July 1, 2026 through December 31, 2032

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

Western child recruitment, lowering age of criminal responsibility: Bastrykin's statements

The number of teenagers who committed crimes of a terrorist nature increased almost 3 times in 2025, Chairman of the Russian Investigative Committee Alexander Bastrykin noted

Netanyahu praises agreement on Lebanon as 'blow to Iran,' vows not to withdraw troops

According to the Israeli Prime Minister, the most important thing is that Israel remains in the security zone in southern Lebanon

Medvedev outlines options for regime change in Kiev

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

Russian MFA summons Moldovan envoy after diplomatic couriers detained in Chisinau

A strong protest was lodged with the envoy and a verbal note was handed over

Western attempts strangle Russia financially, economically fail — diplomat

Russian Foreign Ministry’s Ambassador-at-Large Alexander Trofimov stressed that Russia has withstood the sanctions-driven economic blitzkrieg thanks to the consistent efforts of the government, society, and the business community

Putin extends ban on Russian oil exports under price cap through end-2027

The presidential decree prohibits supplies of Russian oil and petroleum products to foreign legal entities and individuals if contracts for such supplies directly or indirectly provide for the use of a price cap mechanism

Cape Verde advances to knockout stage in its first-ever FIFA World Cup

Cape Verde, making its FIFA World Cup debut, earned three points in Group H and advanced to the knockout stage in second place

Iran refutes reports of direct line of communication with US on Strait of Hormuz

According to the IRGC, the Strait of Hormuz belongs to Iran and "the United States has no connection to it"

Putin, Lukashenko discuss regional security in Valdai — Kremlin

According to Dmitry Peskov, the two heads of state are discussing the agenda of the Union State, various issues of trade and economic cooperation

Two people injured in earthquake near Tokyo

The victims were two women - aged 80 and 90 in the Yamanashi and Kanagawa prefectures

Rubio’s 'disingenuous' statements, seeking clarity from US: Lavrov’s statements

According to the Russian top diplomat, it is necessary to "clarify" the situation regarding the US role in settling the Ukraine conflict

BRICS countries agree to strengthen cooperation on energy security

The meeting concluded with the adoption of a joint communique

Russia hits Ukrainian warehouse, gas station, temporary duty station

Russia's Defense Ministry also added that in the village of Korosten, Zhitomir Region, a successful strike was carried out on a railway train using the Geran-2 Seeker drone

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 may begin exploration and development of Moon resources after 2036

Among the main projects through 2036, Roscosmos also proposes including the exploration of the Moon using automated spacecraft

Paraguay, Egypt, Portugal, England, Ghana advance to FIFA World Cup playoffs

Each of the listed teams has already earned four points

Black Sea shipping safety priority for Russia — ambassador to Turkey

Turning to Ukraine’s actions, the Russian diplomat condemned Kiev’s tactics, describing them as terrorist methods aimed at attacking civilian infrastructure within Russia

Moscow not raising issue of lifting sanctions but does not accept them as norm — MFA

The practice of unilateral coercive measures violates the UN Charter, which is why Russia, together with like-minded nations from the global majority, raises this issue in multilateral forums, Ambassador-at-Large Alexander Trofimov said

Novak orders additional fuel market support measures to be developed

Participants in the meeting reviewed the current situation regarding supplies of petroleum products to Russian regions and analyzed pricing trends across the federal districts

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

Lebanese president hails framework agreement with Israel

Joseph Aoun thanked the US administration led by President Donald Trump for arranging and hosting the talks with Israel and "support for Lebanon’s stance"

Drones that attacked Moscow assembled through cooperation of NATO countries — expert

The origins of the components and systems powering the examined drones have been identified, the unmanned aircraft expert and general designer at Russia’s Center for Integrated Unmanned Solutions Dmitry Kuzyakin said

Spain defeats Uruguay, advances to FIFA World Cup knockout stage as group winner

Spain will face the second-place team from Group J - either Austria or Algeria - in the Round of 16

US servicemen confirm strikes on Iran

US aircraft struck Iranian missile and drone depots, as well as coastal radar facilities

Russia to consider security relations with EU following success of special op — MFA

Ambassador-at-Large Alexander Trofimov drew attention to an article by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov titled "Ukraine, Europe, and Global Security"

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

Russian forces thwart Kiev’s counterattack near Krasny Liman — military expert

Military expert Andrey Marochko stated that the situation remains stable, and no breach of the defensive line has occurred

Russian specialists develop Duplet double net launcher against drones

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

Ukrainian forces attack civilians in Konstantinovka with drones on evacuation route

The assault unit’s commander reported that the Russian forces continue to clear Konstantinovka in small groups, using FPV drones and fiber-optic UAVs to engage targets in hard-to-reach areas

Three tankers turned back by Iranian military while trying to pass through Hormuz

The tankers tried to traverse the strait via the southern corridor

All children depart from summer camp in Crimea after camp season halted

The children were sent home and to children's recreation camps in the Krasnodar Region, the Russian Education Ministry said

Damage to Zaporozhye plant not critical, no casualties from Ukrainian attack — station

The experts are assessing the consequences and will carry out the necessary restoration work

Kremlin slams as 'outrageous' Polish move to ban Russian symbols at sports tourney

Dmitry Peskov said that this is an absolutely arbitrary decision made by the municipal authorities of this city

Over 50,000 people missing after quake in Venezuela — UN

The agency recalled that such powerful earthquakes in the past resulted in high death tolls

Russia seeks to nullify effect of Western sanctions — diplomat

Alexander Trofimov noted that it is important to create alternative mechanisms for interacting with partners under sanctions that are immune to and not controlled by Western countries

Rubio believes no final agreements reached in Anchorage

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

Explosions rock Iran's southern coast near Strait of Hormuz — news agency

The explosion was caused by a shell striking one of the piers in the Iranian city of Sirik

IN BRIEF: What we know about 160-for-160 prisoner exchange between Russia, Ukraine

After receiving psychological assistance, the released Russian soldiers will be taken to Russia for further treatment and rehabilitation

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

Oman looking at charging fees for passage through Strait of Hormuz — media

According to the agency, the Omani authorities warned European officials that navigation in the strait would never be as it was before the war

Kiev forecasts $120 billion increase in public debt, bringing total to $330 billion

The bulk of the new debt will come from borrowing from Kiev’s Western allies

Former Russian defense minister Sergey Ivanov dies at age 73

Sergey Ivanov served as honorary president of the VTB United League

Kursk Region residents remaining in Ukraine may return to Russia soon — ombudsman

Russia’s Commissioner for Human Rights Yana Lantratova did not specify the number of people

Trilateral agreement on settling between Israel, Lebanon signed in Washington

The ceremony was held at the US Department of State

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

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

Senegal crushes Iraq 5-0 at FIFA World Cup

After the group stage ended, Senegal earned three points and finished third in Group I

US misguided approach to Taiwan issue risks triggering conflict with China — embassy

China hopes that the US side will take concrete actions to safeguard the stable development of the China-US relations as well as peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, Liu Chang said

Russian troops liberate Ivolzhanskoye community in Sumy Region over week — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted more than 1,575 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed five enemy armored combat vehicles in its areas of responsibility over the week, the Defense Ministry reported

Lufthansa denies Spiegel report on flight cuts due to fuel shortage — Reuters

The airline said that the report appeared to have been based on an old recording from one of its events

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

4.9-magnitude earthquake rocks Venezuela

There were no reports of casualties or damage

Trump threatens Europe with new tariffs in case of new digital services tax on US firms

This tariff will supersede trade deals made with the country, whether implemented, signed, or not, US President said

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

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

Agreement on Lebanon provides for gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces

The agreement noted that Tel Aviv and Beirut intend "to conclusively end the conflict and address its underlying causes"

Arab countries seek compensation for Iran strikes — Rubio

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

Iranian army announces strikes against US forces in Middle East

According to the news agency, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps carried out strikes against the deployment sites of the US military in the region

Trump again accuses Iran of violating ceasefire, declines to say whether US would respond

The US leader noted that Iranian forces allegedly attacked a ship sailing through the Strait of Hormuz with drones on Thursday

UK guarantees $1 billion World Bank loan to Ukraine

Of the sum, $500 million will be allocated to support the World Bank's $3.35 billion project to raise private financing and investment, as well as to create jobs for qualified specialists

Putin, Lukashenko speaking one-on-one for over four hours — media

No photo or video allowed

Russian partners sometimes compelled to comply with sanctions detriment of development

They are frequently compelled to adhere to existing rules and standards, Russian Foreign Ministry’s Ambassador-at-Large Alexander Trofimov said

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

Russia to participate in G20 Sherpa meeting in US — Russian Foreign Ministry

The meeting will be held in Washington on June 29-30

Trump accuses Iran of violating ceasefire with US

The US leader did not threaten Iran

Cape Verde becomes 1st team in 21st century to advance to FIFA playoffs without single win

The last time this happened at the World Cup was in 1998

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

Russian servicemen of the Battlegroup North destroyed the system

New Western leaders obsessed with Russia’s strategic defeat — Defense Ministry

Viktor Goremykin said that racist ideas and a model of thinking that proclaimed Europeans to be the pinnacle of human civilization, and other peoples to be an "inferior race," had been formed over the centuries

Ebola death toll in DR Congo exceeds 320 — authorities

Confirmed Ebola cases currently stand at 1,203, with 48 cases added to the tally during the past day

European NATO members prolong armed conflict in Ukraine — Russian Defense Ministry

The West is no longer hiding the preparations for a new big European war, Army General Viktor Goremykin stressed

INTERVIEW: Eurasian security architecture open to all European countries — Russian MFA

Any European country can become such a participant, Ambassador-at-Large Alexander Trofimov said

France defeats Norway, advances to FIFA World Cup knockout stage as group winners

France’s opponent in the round of 32 will be determined later

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

Fuel stocks in Russia, potential ban on diesel exports: Novak’s statements

The frenzy in the Russian fuel market has led to an artificial surge in demand of around 20-30%, the official noted

Press review: EU seen as preparing for war with Russia while Zelensky threatens Belarus

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, June 22nd

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

US neutrality, mediation in Ukrainian settlement: statements by Kremlin Spokesman

According to Dmitry Peskov, Russia remains open to providing mediation services for the settlement of the Ukraine conflict, including to the United States

European security concept "has gone bankrupt, collapsed spectacularly" — Russian MFA

European security has been discredited by the European countries themselves, Russian Foreign Ministry’s Ambassador-at-Large Alexander Trofimov 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

SBU agent Makarenko called for terrorist attack in US on Independence Day — FSB

According to the FSB, Makarenko resides in Kiev, maintains contacts with Ukrainian intelligence agencies and coordinates the planting of caches of explosives and weapons in Russia

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"

US ready to discuss disagreements with Iran, but to respond to violence — JD Vance

Earlier, the US Central Command reported strikes on Iranian territory in response to an attack on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz

The 28 teams that have advanced to World Cup knockout stage determined

Mexico, South Africa, Switzerland, Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Morocco, the US, Australia, Paraguay, Germany, Ivory Coast, Ecuador, the Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Belgium, Egypt, Spain, Cape Verde, France, Norway, Senegal, Argentina, Colombia, Portugal, England, and Ghana secured spots in the playoffs

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

Kiev regime destroys upwards of 200 Orthodox churches in 12 years — expert

According to Andrey Manoilo, the best example of a provocation against the Russian Orthodox Church was when Patriot rocket fragments hit the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra Cathedral

Russian Olympic Committee slams IOC decision as counterproductive, politicized

"Being a member of the international sports movement, the ROC reserves the right to protect its interests, as well as the interests of athletes and organizations of the sovereign country we represent," the statement said

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"