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FIFA World Cup 2026

Portugal advances to next round of FIFA World Cup playoff

Portugal defeated Croatia 2:1

© Justin Setterfield/ Getty Images

WASHINGTON, July 3. /TASS/. Portugal defeated Croatia 2:1 in the Round of 32 game of the FIFA World Cup in Toronto, Canada.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored on penalty 68 minutes into the game, and Goncalo Ramos sealed his team’s victory (90+4). Ivan Persic netted the ball for Croatia (53’).

Ronaldo is the runner-off in terms of World Cup matches - 26, second only to Argentina’s Lionel Messi (29). He also became the oldest player taking part in a World Cup knockout, at the age of 41 years and 147 days.

In the Round of 16 Portugal will face Spain, which defeated Austria earlier in the day (3:0). The match will take place in Arlington, Texas, on July 6.

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

Spain defeats Austria in its first World Cup playoff victory in 16 years

The match ended with a score of 3:0

US offers Iran access to frozen funds for free Hormuz Strait passage

Iran rejected the proposal, insisting on its right to control the Strait of Hormuz, while its military also threatened tough measures against vessels that do not use routes approved by Tehran, The Wall Street Journal noted

Diplomats from Russia, China, Mongolia discuss schedule for potential trilateral contacts

The parties discussed in detail the schedule of potential trilateral political contacts for 2026, including at the highest and high levels

Sberbank revises forecast for key rate — CFO

Taras Skvortsov added that the bank will adjust its macroeconomic forecast at the end of July

China, US reach consensus on resolution of key economic problems — Xi

According to Chinese President Xi Jinping, China and the United States can help each other to achieve success and mutual prosperity

Russian troops in Krasny Liman come across Colombian mercenaries fighting for Ukraine

The commander of a motorized rifle battalion reported that Ukrainian forces in Krasny Liman are not attempting any counterattacks but are putting up sporadic resistance while hiding in basements

EU countries see Hormuz Strait fees as inevitable

According to the media outlet, Europe has not yet formalized its position as the United States continues to press for free passage through the strait, while European countries are "also pushing for an international maritime coalition to help with clearing mines in Hormuz"

Ukraine loses over 38,000 servicemen, mercenaries in June — military expert

According to Andrey Marochko, this is 7,180 more than in May

Putin grants Russian citizenship to Italian opera icon Giancarlo del Monaco

Over the course of his career, del Monaco has directed more than 100 operas in major theaters around the world

Russia’s corvette Stoikiy taking part in naval rescue drills off South Africa coast

The fleet's press service added that the main goal of the exercise is to develop and strengthen naval cooperation between the participating countries

Russia’s latest Lebedev modular pistol passes state trials

The National Guard’s command highly appreciated the new pistol

German prosecutors confirm charges against Nord Stream saboteur

According to Federal Public Prosecutor General, a Ukrainian national and his accomplices developed a sabotage plan on behalf of Ukrainian government agencies

Monaco blast probably perpetrated by Ukrainian woman residing in Germany — newspaper

According to the Le Figaro article, the woman fled towards the commune of Beausoleil in southern France and later crossed into a neighboring country

No privatization of Russian Railways this year — minister

Russian Railways will not be privatized this year, Minister of Economic Development says

Bank of Russia to assess feasibility of key rate cut at July meeting

Kirill Tremasov everything voiced in June remains relevant

Dutch government advisory council urges long-term funding for Ukraine

According to the report by the Advisory Council on International Affairs, the prospects for a ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict depend directly on maintaining large-scale military assistance to Kiev

NATO chief admits to sleepless nights over Russia

According to Mark Rutte, Russia is the main threat for the alliance at present and in the longer term

Ukrainian attack on city bus in Lugansk People’s Republic leaves 12 injured

Leonid Pasechnik added that Russian investigators continued to document the consequences of such attacks

Von der Leyen "excellent liar" saying Russia cut off gas supplies to Europe — Zakharova

The Foreign Ministry spokeswoman added that any EU citizen can sue the European Commission president for this statement and win the case

Russia reports downing 72 Ukrainian drones over its regions, Sea of Azov during 12 hours

Alert air defense capabilities intercepted and destroyed drones over the Belgorod, Bryansk, Kaluga, Krasnodar, Kursk, Moscow, Oryol, Smolensk, and Tver Regions as well as the Republic of Crimea

Russian artillery destroys two Ukrainian army deployment sites near Konstantinovka

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, artillery crews of the 6th Motor Rifle Division are conducting combat operations in the Konstantinovka direction round-the-clock

German defense minister says Ukraine conflict enters 'decisive phase'

Boris Pistorius stressed that Ukraine "needs funding"

Pilgrims arrive in Tehran for farewell ceremony for Ali Khamenei

According to the Iranian authorities, several million pilgrims are expected in Tehran

EU to grant Armenia €38 mln and open market for 80% of its goods — von der Leyen

EC President Ursula von der Leyen said that Armenia will soon receive an additional €18 million to help strengthen and diversify its trade

Kiev deliberately targeted bus carrying Belarusians in Bryansk Region — Russian envoy

Boris Gryzlov noted that it was the second consecutive deliberate strike by Kiev against Belarusian citizens on Russian territory

Russia reaches Soviet-era level of arms trade with Africa — chief arms exporter

According to Alexander Mikheyev, the scope of interaction with the African countinent has significantly grown to include partnerships with as many as 43 countries

Russia, Indonesia plan to expand space cooperation

According to Russia's Roscosmos CEO, in a period when space services are increasingly used worldwide, every country needs to have sovereign access to outer space

Merz sends more money to Kiev despite its role in Nord Stream sabotage — politician

Sahra Wagenknecht urged the German government to resume imports of Russian gas

Russian government permits sales of Euro-3 fuel in Russia until year-end

Several oil processing plants were allowed to produce gasoline with higher maximum permitted sulfur content

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Central Bank chief Elvira Nabiullina said there is no "overcooling" of the economy in Russia

Death toll in Damascus explosion rises to nine — Health Ministry

Spokesman Wael Daghmash says that over 20 people were wounded

US attained practically all its goals during negotiations with Iran — Trump

The US president said he was not going to wage a war against Iran for years

Russian children rights commissioner, ICRC chief discuss Russia-Ukraine kins reunification

The meeting focused on reuniting children with their families in Russia, Ukraine and third countries

EU Court of Justice allows criminal prosecution for reposting RT videos — judgement

The court ruled that the EU sanctions ban on RT broadcasts "applies also to a website accessible to the public free of charge"

Ukrainian 'national pantheon' to be installed in Kiev-Pechersk Lavra — Culture Ministry

The decision on reburial will require approval through a vote of the Verkhovna Rada, the Center for Strategic Communications under the Culture Ministry said

Russian forces strike facilities used by Kiev for killing civilians — MFA

Maria Zakharova noted that, according to Mayor Vitaly Klitschko, it was a terrible night for the city

FACTBOX: What we know about Ukrainian drone attack on Minsk-Anapa bus in Bryansk Region

Two bus drivers from Belarus' Gomel Region and one passenger were injured as a result of the drone attack

Amid Russian advance Ukraine is trying to draw Belarus into conflict — senior diplomat

Mikhail Galuzin emphasized that Moscow and Minsk remain prepared to utilize the full scope of their bilateral security agreement to safeguard their shared interests should Kiev's provocations escalate further

Russian military chief reports to Putin results of massive strike on Ukraine — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov highlighted that the strikes had targeted only military or military-related facilities

Transnistria extends yellow terrorist danger code for another two months

The yellow level has been in effect for fourth years after a series of terrorist attacks in 2022

Russia begins testing new Svarog pro AI-assisted interceptor drone in combat

The drone that is designed to engage fixed-wing UAVs is hand-launched and is used jointly with a ground-based control station, enabling an operator to strike targets at a distance of up to 17 km

Closure of railway border crossings with EU not affecting national economy — lawmaker

Leonid Liminchuk, Chairman of the Committee on Economic and Industrial Policy, Energy, Housing and Utilities of the Legislative Assembly of the Republic of Karelia, called this a technical issue

Russia to have decent representation at upcoming G20 summit in US — sherpa

Denis Agafonov confirmed that Moscow is aware of public statements from US officials regarding plans to invite Russian President Vladimir Putin to the G20 meeting

Ukraine attacked Belarusian bus to provoke Minsk — Russian Senator

Kiev is also trying to intimidate residents of the Union State, threatening reprisals for trying to enter the territory of Russia, Russian Senator from the Kherson Region Igor Kastyukevich said

Finland on list of targets for Russian nuclear weapons — Medvedev

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Newly formed Russian mobile units assume combat duty to protect energy sites from drones

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Russian embassy in Sweden comes under drone attack again

The embassy condemned the attack as a blatant attempt to intimidate the Russian mission

Kremlin briefing covers Russia's massive strike on Ukraine, EU's confrontation with Moscow

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Russia develops augmented reality system for mobile fire team training

Designed for on-site training at actual combat positions, the system eliminates the need for ammunition expenditure and reduces barrel wear

Three in serious condition after drone strike on bus in Lugansk People’s Republic

Nine people suffered injuries, Assistant Health Minister Alexey Kuznetsov said

Spain defeats Austria in its first World Cup playoff victory in 16 years

The match ended with a score of 3:0

Finland takes side in Ukrainian conflict, to which has no relation — politician

Armando Mema, a member of the conservative Freedom Alliance party, says that in recent years, Finland has pursued a terrible policy towards Russia

Russia to create risk management tool for first industrial use of domestic technologies

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Russia has formed a special working group to consider this initiative

Russian-Ukrainian negotiations were conducted in Russian — source

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Zelensky becoming 'lame duck' even for Kiev hardliners — governor

Kherson Region Governor Vladimir Saldo noted that Vladimir Zelensky’s presidential term has ended and that the head of the Kiev regime is clinging to power through a ban on normal political competition

Ukrainian Security Service cooperates with US, UK intelligence services — newspaper

The Washington Post pointed out that since 2015, "the CIA has spent provided Ukraine with advanced surveillance systems, trained recruits at sites in Ukraine"

Ukraine’s ex-president Yanukovich charged with takeover of power in 2010

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All tickets for upcoming direct flights between Russia and Tanzania sold out — minister

Russian Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov said that flights would be operated three times a week by Air Tanzania

Turkey boosts NATO role as Europe’s reliance on US weakens — agency

According to Bloomberg, Ankara is becoming an increasingly important member of the alliance as it strengthens its defense industry and arms exports

Slovenian lawmaker questions idea of upping defense spending to please Trump

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Russia’s Iskander teams practice massive missile strikes in Baltic drills

"The combat training exercise involved about 50 personnel and around 10 pieces of military and special hardware," the statement reads

Czech PM hits back at US criticism of Prague’s implementation of NATO commitments

Andrej Babis said that the Czech Republic is not a colony, but a partner

Learning personally from Putin about Russia’s foreign policy important for Turkey — Fidan

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Tanzania become 34th country with direct flights from Russia in summer season

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Russia to feature new aircraft carrier concept at Army-2019 arms show

The new aircraft carrier may have a gas turbine power unit, according to designers

Shipbuilders complete dock repairs of Russian Black Sea Fleet flagship

Now the ship is going to be floated out, according to the Shipyard's representative

Attacker who caused explosion in Monaco stays in Europe — TV

According to the channel, it is not Monaco or France

Explosion hits Damascus, causing casualties — TV

According to the report, the incident occurred on Al-Nasr Street near the Palace of Justice, leaving several people injured

Putin supported request for extra fuel supplies to Kaliningrad Region — Kremlin

The head of state also backed a request "to allocate funds for subsidized air tickets for residents of the Kaliningrad Region," Dmitry Peskov said

EAEU, China, India, Turkey lead in importing Russian non-resource goods — Cabinet

According to Roman Chekushov, State Secretary and Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, Russia's non-commodity, non-energy exports increased by nearly 10% year-on-year between January and April 2026, totaling approximately $54 billion

Ukrainian drone attack on Nizhny Novgorod Region kills one as Russia downs 327 UAVs

More than 25 drones were destroyed over six districts in southern Russia’s Rostov Region, Governor Yury Slyusar reported

Saudi Arabia sent largest oil shipment in four months through Hormuz

This indicates an increase in Saudi Arabia's oil exports after the United States and Iran agreed in June to resume maritime transit through the Strait of Hormuz, Bloomberg said

Zelensky says Kiev in contact with US negotiators

As the situation in the Middle East somewhat stabilized, the possibility of Whitkoff and Kushner returning to mediation in the Ukrainian settlement has been reported several times recently, but no dates have been announced yet

Russia successfully tests new fixed-wing FPV training drone

The trials took place at the Moscow Military District's counter-UAV center

Identity of EU negotiator irrelevant as long as EU demands Russia's capitulation — MFA

Mikhail Galuzin reiterated that the Russian side has consistently maintained that the EU’s representative should be someone who "has not said or done anything offensive towards Russia"

Army officer in Ukraine faces charges for failed recruitment of Russian pilots

It is reported that the plan for the special operation had not been approved by the SBU or the Main Department of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense

Turkey calls Israel ‘problem for whole world’

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the Israeli authorities "have become a burden that humanity can no longer bear"

Investigation sees woman behind Monaco explosion — Le Figaro

Several newspaper sources claim that the woman conducted reconnaissance several days and several hours before the explosion

Kiev tries to draw Minsk into conflict through strikes on Belarusian buses — Russian MFA

Ambassador-at-Large Rodion Miroshnik stressed that Ukraine attempts to further destabilize the situation

Wine exports from Georgia to Russia fall almost twice in January

According to the agency, Georgia supplied 2,561.38 tons to Russia in January for $6.9 mln

Russia says EU court ruling criminalizing RT content distribution step toward censorship

This is the destruction of democracy, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said

Security Council urges Belarusians to refrain from traveling to Russian border regions

No one will be able to guarantee the safety of citizens on such trips until the special military operation stops, Alexander Volfovich said

Russian troops liberate Piskunovka community in Donetsk region over past day — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted roughly 155 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Kremlin: no private military companies exist in Russia

"Everyone is talking about some private military company, something called Wagner, but the point is that there is no provision in our legislation," the Kremlin spokesman thus explained

Ukrainian scam call center defrauds US citizens of $500,000 — police

According to the report, the scammers posed as financial advisors and convinced victims to invest in cryptocurrency, securities, and stocks through fake investment platforms

Erdogan regularly holds consultations with Putin on regional issues — Fidan

Because look at our region, at the ongoing conflict in the Black Sea basin, which is important to us. The Caucasus is important to us, Central Asia and the Middle East, said Turkish Foreign Minister

Dutch Advisory Council on International Affairs recommends sending military to Ukraine

The body that advises the Dutch government and parliament on foreign policy says the Netherlands should take part in a potential international military mission to Ukraine when a ceasefire agreement is reached

EU’s 2025 military spending exceeds Brussels' forecasts

The European Defense Agency data shows that in 2025, defense expenditure by EU member states reached 418 billion euros, a 20% increase from the previous year

Somali pirates demand $10 mln for release of tanker — portal

According to the news outlet, the vessel, which sails under the Togolese flag, was seized on May 2 in the Gulf of Aden while transporting diesel fuel from the UAE

Epstein case reveals real face of Western elites seeking to rule world — Lavrov

"It is unnecessary to explain to any normal person that this is pure Satanism and is beyond human comprehension," the Russian Foreign Minister added

Russian stocks close in the red on Tuesday

Freedom Finance Global projects the MOEX Index at 2,750-2,850 points on Wednesday, while the yuan at the 13.4-13.9 rubles range

Russia says EAEU shares its concern about Armenia's rapprochement with EU

Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin added that these two integration associations are fundamentally incompatible

Russian air defenses shoot down Ukrainian drone near Moscow, no casualties — ministry

The failed attack caused no damage or casualties on the ground

Investigators establish Monaco bomber identity — AFP

An arrest warrant has been issued

Rostec to take part in Venezuela’s energy security projects

Rostec and Venezuela’s Corpoelec plan to implement joint products in digital technologies, technical support, supplies of required equipment, training and professional certification of Venezuelan specialists

Generalissimus Suvorov Borey-A-class submarine to reinforce Russia’s Pacific Fleet

Navy commander Nikolay Yevmenov underscored that Russia has not commissioned this many submarine cruisers since 1991

Kremlin has no information whether ‘Power of Siberia 2’ deal will be finalized at EEF

Dmitry Peskov recalled that the topic was raised during President Putin's recent visit to China

Lebanon and Syria establish High Committee for Cooperation and Security

"The committee's work will be aimed at developing trade and economic ties and establishing mutual understanding in the field of security," Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam

Russian forces strike Ukrainian army positions by FAB bombs in Zaporozhye, Sumy areas

The ministry uploaded video footage of Su-34 bombers destroying the designated targets

Ombudsman readies materials for human rights defenders on Ukrainian strike on college

Additional documentation on the weapons used, the chronology of strikes and the results of the investigation will be provided in the near future