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FIFA World Cup 2026

Messi updates his record, scoring 19th World Cup goal

Also, Lionel Messi became the first in the World Cup history to score in seven consecutive games

WASHINGTON, June 28. /TASS/. Argentina’s Lionel Messi netted another ball in his team’s match against Jordan, updating his own record of the all-time leading goalscorer in men's World Cup history with 19 World Cup goals.

He is trailed by Kylian Mbappe, whose team has already played all of its group stage games, and Germany’s Miroslav Klose, who has already ended his career. Both have 16 goals.

Also, Messi became the first footballer in the World Cup history who managed to score in seven consecutive World Cup games.

In all, Messi has already scored six goals during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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.

FIFA World Cup 2026

All Round of 32 pairings finalized at FIFA World Cup

The World Cup is being held in the United States, Canada and Mexico

Russia succeeds in creating strike UAV industry comparable to nuclear industry — expert

Dmitry Kuzyakin underscored that the integration of drones into modern warfare marks a fundamental shift from previous conflicts

IRGC delivers retaliatory strike on key US infrastructure in Kuwait, Bahrain

The IRGC also warned that Tehran’s future response to potential US aggression will be even more decisive

Building security architecture in Eurasia will be long process — Russian MFA

Some time ago we recognized the need to adapt the system of interaction to the new realities of a multipolar world, Russian Foreign Ministry’s Ambassador-at-Large Alexander Trofimov said

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

Kiev troops shell DPR 11 times in past day, two killed

Eight people were wounded, including a teenager

Ukraine’s 124 UAVs shot down over Russian regions, Black Sea in one day — Defense Ministry

During the day, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Moscow time

Ten regiments of Russia’s Strategic Missile Force placed on highest alert

Seven regiments armed with Topol, Topol-M and Yars mobile missile systems will advance for combat patrols in Russia’s regions

Russian citizens brought home as part of humanitarian efforts involving Ukrainian side

We will continue to do everything possible to ensure our citizens return home, Russian human rights ombudsperson Yana Lantratova’s office announced

Russian Aerospace Forces struck Ukraine militants attempting to flee to recreation center

The enemy lost up to 40 fighters in Krasny Liman in 24 hours

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

Liberation of Novoskelevatoye enables Russia to secure foothold on western bank of Gaichur

The captured line creates conditions for the further advance of Battlegroup East’s troops in the Dnepropetrovsk region

Trump’s policies against BRICS to affect supplies of semiconductors — Malaysian minister

Malaysia as a BRICS partner country is aware of Trump’s threats to impose tariffs for participants of the alliance should they abandon the dollar in mutual trade settlements, Malaysian Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz said

Messi updates his record, scoring 19th World Cup goal

Also, Lionel Messi became the first in the World Cup history to score in seven consecutive games

Russian premier: Russia regains status of leading player on world’s food market

The premier says spending on agriculture in the new draft budget will remain at a high level

Ukrainian drone downed while approaching Moscow — mayor

Sergey Sobyanin says first responders are working at the crash site

Series of explosions heard near Iran’s Sirik, Qeshm

Several projectiles hit a telecom tower on Sirik and landed in the village of Masen on Qeshm

Number of people injured in Ukrainian strike on memorial complex near Taganrog up to 12

Ten of whom were hospitalized, governor Yury Slyusar said

Gazprom’s gas processing facility in Ust-Luga 80% complete — chief executive

It will have a capacity of 45 bln cubic meters of gas per year, Alexey Miller said

Portugal advances to World Cup knockout stage after goalless draw with Colombia

With seven points, Colombia leads Group K. Portugal is the runner-up with five

Wangfujing Group to open its first duty free store on Hainan in January 2023

More than 800 Chinese and foreign brands can sell their products there

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

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

At least one killed by falling drone fragments in south Russia

Several houses were damaged in Slavyansk-on-Kuban

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

Russian stock market closes with mixed dynamics

The Russian stock market sank to a three-year low near 2,200 points on the MOEX index this week

Washington secretly rejects Zelensky's victory plan — newspaper

The publication notes that Ukraine is in a difficult situation, losing both Kiev-held territories in Donbass and financial support from Western countries

11-year old rescued in Venezuela after 70 hours under rubble

The child was pulled from the rubble by Colombian rescuers

Five more residents of Kursk Region taken prisoner by Ukraine in 2024 returning home

At the Belarusian border, they were met by Russian human rights ombudsperson Yana Lantratova

Ukrainian strikes on Donetsk People's Republic kill two civilians over past 24 hours

Seven others, including a minor, were injured

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

US violates two provisions of US-Iran memorandum — Khamenei’s adviser

Tehran will respond to each violation, Mohsen Rezaei said

Trump threatens to destroy Iran if it decides to resume military actions

The president says that the US may become unable "to be reasonable" if the Iranian side does not learn lessons

Poseidon underwater vehicle’s capacity exceeds that of Sarmat missile — Putin

The head of state stressed that military personnel needed to know everything about the advanced weapons the country was developing

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

Russian, Chinese warplanes conducted joint six-hour patrol

Fighter air cover was provided along the entire joint patrol route by Su-30SM and Su-35S aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces and Jian-16 aircraft of the Chinese Air Force

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

Tu-22M3 long-range bombers carry out bombing raid on simulated enemy

The long-range aviation pilots staged an air strike against a conditional enemy "with the aim of disrupting the control system and destroying critical facilities", the Defense Ministry reported

Former Russian defense minister Sergey Ivanov dies at age 73

Sergey Ivanov served as honorary president of the VTB United League

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

Bus with five civilians held by Ukraine arrives in Kursk

The captives were greeted by their relatives, doctors and officials and taken to a local shelter

Ukraine hopes to get at least $154 billion from its Western allies by 2030

The Finance Ministry estimates that the country will need $46.4 billion in 2026 to maintain the functioning of its governmental bodies

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

Fico condemns West's transfer of advanced military technology to Ukraine

Slovak Prime Minister cautioned about the potential consequences of these supplies, emphasizing the threat they pose if used against Russia

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

Houthis attack Tel Aviv with ‘hypersonic ballistic missile’ — spokesman

"The operation successfully achieved its goals," the Houthi-owned Al Masirah TV channel quoted the spokesman as saying

Serbia will not give up friendship with Russia but will honor EU commitments — president

Aleksandar Vucic added that Serbia values "these friendly ties"

Putin, Lukashenko continued their conversation at Valdai today — Kremlin

Belarusian leader arrived in Russia on a working visit the day before

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

Slovakia will not support funding for conflict in Ukraine at NATO summit — Fico

Fico also noted that while a decision might be made at the summit to provide additional military support to Ukraine? Fico also noted that while a decision might be made at the summit to provide additional military support to Ukraine

FIFA World Cup goalscoring record set

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

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

Venezuelan journalist projects earthquake death toll to count in tens of thousands

Juan Barreto says rescue efforts continue in La Guaira state, and an enormous number of destroyed buildings can be seen

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

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

CENTCOM confirms new strikes on military sites in Iran

According to the statement, the strikes came in response to Iran’s attack on a commercial vessel

Air defenses shoot down two more drones heading toward Moscow — Sobyanin

According to the mayor, emergency services are working at the site

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

Five residents of Kursk Region, two from other regions have returned home from Ukraine

Along with the residents of the Kursk Region, two other residents from other regions returned home, Russian human rights ombudsperson Yana Lantratova said

Venezuela earthquake death toll exceeds 1,400

Previously, 589 people were reported dead as a result of the earthquakes

Russian troops liberate settlement of Novoskelevatoye in Dnepropetrovsk region — top brass

Troops from Battlegroup West in Krasny Liman seized five strongpoints and captured 57 buildings over the past 24 hours, according to the reported

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

Second attempt to launch Angara rocket may be made July 9 - daily

The first test launch of the light class rocket Angara-1.2PP was originally expected to take place on June 27

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

Russia destroys two Ukrainian MiG-29 aircraft at Voznesensk airfield in Nikolayev region

Russian Armed Forces used Geran-4 Seeker UAVs

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

Earthquake in Venezuela could affect more than 6.7 million people — UN

In Caracas alone, the capital city, an estimated 2 million residents may be impacted

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

Eurasia’s new security architecture to serve as ‘safety net’ against conflicts

This architecture would cement, and is already cementing, a "shared understanding and entails resolving existing contradictions by eliminating their root causes based on the principle of regional responsibility", Russian Foreign Ministry’s Ambassador-at-Large Alexander Trofimov said

DR Congo advances to World Cup playoffs for first time

The team beat Uzbekistan 3:1

Gazprom and CNPC discuss Soyuz Vostok pipeline, agree on repair of Power of Siberia

The meeting participants also reviewed the results of their joint activities for 2022 and discussed the plans regarding key areas of cooperation for 2023

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

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

Falling drone fragments start fire on territory of oil refinery in south Russia

No casualties were reported

Ban on displaying Russian flag, anthem at competitions in Romania outrageous — MFA

Neither the event organizers nor the authorities dared to contradict this provincial figure, who apparently decided to boost his 'authority' in this way", Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova emphasized

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

West stoking conflicts across Eurasia turning it into geopolitical arena — Russian MFA

European Union and NATO countries are stoking conflicts across the Eurasian continent in their own interests, Russian Foreign Ministry’s Ambassador-at-Large Alexander Trofimov said

All Round of 32 pairings finalized at FIFA World Cup

The World Cup is being held in the United States, Canada and Mexico

Russia ready to participate in trilateral gas talks — minister

The Russian Energy Ministry is ready to consider an opportunity for holding trilateral gas talks among Russia, Ukraine, and the European Union

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

US servicemen confirm strikes on Iran

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

Russia, its partners drawing closer under Western pressure — Russian MFA

Russian Foreign Ministry’s Ambassador-at-Large Alexander Trofimov expressed confidence that the emergence of new centers of influence in a multipolar world is an objective process

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

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

New Sukhoi jet fighter to feature maximum standardization with Su-57

The development of a new light single-engine plane was first disclosed by an aviation industry source in May

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

Moscow will not ignore ban on use of Russian symbols at competitions — Foreign Ministry

The only possible and logical response from the Russian side was to refuse to participate in the competition, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has said in a commentary

CENTCOM says it struck ten military targets in Iran

The US Central Command also published a video of the strikes

Swedish Scania jointly with Russia’s GAZ Group to supply 120 buses to Moscow

Messi’s goal helps Argentina defeat Jordan in World Cup match

The match ended with a score of 3:1

Croatia advances to World Cup playoff after defeating Ghana

The match ended with a score of 2:1

NATO militarizing Arctic seeking to enter there with all its instruments — Russian MFA

European Union countries are deliberately destabilizing the situation in Central, Southern, Northeastern, and Southeastern Eurasia, Alexander Trofimov noted

England advances to World Cup playoffs

The team defeated Panama 2:0

Russian specialists develop Duplet double net launcher against drones

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

South Korean leader pushes for 'peaceful coexistence' with DPRK, China, Russia

Lee Jae-myung said that because of its geographical position, his country risks finding itself on the frontier of any conflict between the camps

US attacks targets in Iran in response to attack on a tanker — Axios journalist

According to Barak Ravid, the strikes are being carried out in the area of the Strait of Hormuz

Russia destroys up to platoon of Ukrainian troops in Novoskelevatoye

Assault units of the 36th separate motorized rifle brigade of the 29th army of Battlegroup East have liberated Novoskelevatoye

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

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

No photo or video allowed

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 destroys up to platoon of Ukrainian troops in Novoskelevatoye

Assault units of the 36th separate motorized rifle brigade of the 29th army of Battlegroup East have liberated Novoskelevatoye

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