FIFA’s plan to bring private investment into the commercial operations of its major competitions has triggered sharp opposition across football. Published on July 29, 2026, the report says several European football federations could move toward boycotting future World Cups if the proposal is implemented. The dispute has created a major impasse around FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s new initiative.

FIFA recently announced it would create a new company, FIFA Forward Enterprises, to manage commercial activities for the World Cup, Club World Cup and other leading tournaments. It plans to sell up to 21 percent of the company to private investors and raise about $4.2 billion. FIFA says the money would be spent on development projects in its 211 member countries.

UEFA has opposed the plan, while several federations within its membership are preparing for an emergency meeting. They may discuss tougher measures, including a future World Cup boycott, if FIFA does not withdraw the proposal. CONCACAF, the English Football Association, the Asian Football Confederation, and authorities in Germany, Denmark and France have also voiced concern. La Liga president Javier Tebas called the proposal election campaigning, and former FIFA president Sepp Blatter criticized it.

Premier League champions Arsenal are assessing the possibility of signing Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior, according to a report published on July 29, 2026. Any formal move would depend on progress in his contract talks with the Spanish club. Arsenal could act if Vinicius does not renew his deal with Real Madrid.

The Athletic journalists David Ornstein and James McNicholas reported that Arsenal have considered several players to strengthen their attack, with Vinicius among the biggest names on the list. The interest remains at an early stage, and there is no certainty that a transfer will materialise. No formal talks have taken place between Arsenal and Real Madrid, although the idea has received positive support across Arsenal.

Vinicius has one year remaining on his current contract, with no progress reported in renewal discussions despite eight consecutive seasons at Real Madrid. The club would not want to lose him without a transfer fee and would also owe him a significant loyalty bonus if his contract expires next season. He scored 22 goals in all competitions in 2025-26, and has recorded 128 goals and 100 assists in 375 Real Madrid appearances since joining from Flamengo in 2018.

Global oil prices resumed their decline on Tuesday as tensions in the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran eased. Both countries have refrained from launching new attacks, according to the report. Benchmark Brent crude fell 2.2 percent to $84.03 a barrel in international trading.

US crude, West Texas Intermediate, also declined, falling 1.7 percent to trade at $81.20 a barrel. Before the war involving Iran, the United States and Israel began in late February, Brent crude had been priced at about $72 a barrel.

Currency markets also showed movement on Tuesday. The Japanese yen weakened against the US dollar at the start of the day, with the dollar rising to 163.82 yen, while the euro also weakened somewhat. Regional Middle East officials said on Monday that mediators had made major progress and were seeking to bring the United States and Iran back to the negotiating table after attacks had been suspended for several days.

Ukraine struck an Iranian vessel in the Caspian Sea that was supplying drones and military equipment to Russia, according to the report published on July 28. William Courtney, a former US ambassador and senior fellow at RAND Corporation, told Al Jazeera that Washington would likely view the action positively. He said the move served Ukraine’s own interests while also advancing those of the United States.

Courtney said Ukraine appeared to be aligning itself with the US strategy on Iran. The United States has long been deeply concerned about Iran’s supply of Shahed drones to Russia, he said, adding that more advanced versions are now being produced at a Russian factory. An attack on Iranian supplies could therefore provide relief to the US administration, in his view.

Courtney said Ukraine has no desire to become directly involved in the ongoing war involving Iran, the United States and Israel. He warned that the war against Iran in the Middle East is unpopular among Western countries, meaning Ukraine would not want to become overly associated with it. The report also said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had arrived in Washington, DC, with possible talks with President Trump expected during their visits.

US President Donald Trump recalled his personal friendship with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan immediately before meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to a report published on July 28, 2026. Trump raised the relationship when asked about the possible sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey.

Netanyahu has strongly opposed a decision to sell the advanced US aircraft to Turkey. Trump’s reference to his good relations with Erdoğan just before the Netanyahu meeting placed renewed attention on the issue, the report said. The source did not provide details of the meeting’s outcome or any decision on the aircraft sale.

Political analysts cited in the report said Trump’s emphasis on ties with Erdoğan, despite Netanyahu’s objection, returned the proposed fighter-jet sale to the center of discussion. No timetable, final US decision, or further steps regarding F-35 sales to Turkey were stated in the source.

The World Health Organization said addressing smoking, air pollution, physical inactivity and other modifiable risk factors could prevent or delay dementia by up to 45 percent. In a notice published on July 18, the agency also released updated guidance on dementia prevention for health workers and policymakers.

WHO described dementia as the seventh leading cause of death globally and a major cause of disability and dependence among older people. More than 57 million people worldwide currently live with dementia, while nearly 10 million new cases occur each year. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form, accounting for about 60 to 70 percent of cases.

The agency said there is no permanent cure for dementia, but risks can often be reduced by tackling smoking, excessive alcohol use, social isolation, high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. Cognitive stimulation activities and specialized training may help adults with mild mental and cognitive problems. WHO estimated dementia costs the global economy about $1.3 trillion annually, with nearly half linked to unpaid care provided by patients’ families and relatives.

Global crude oil prices fell by more than 10 percent in a day on Monday as prospects for a diplomatic solution between the United States and Iran strengthened. By 12:45 a.m. Bangladesh time, Brent crude was trading at about $88.6 per barrel, down 10.4 percent from $91.68 a day earlier. US benchmark West Texas Intermediate crude also fell 8 percent to $82.35 per barrel.

Investor concerns over the Middle East eased amid hopes that talks between Washington and Tehran were progressing positively. Last week, fears of disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab raised concern over reduced oil exports from the region, briefly pushing Brent to $100 per barrel. Prices began falling after US President Donald Trump suspended military strikes against Iran last Friday following nearly two weeks of conflict.

Trump said Monday that “good talks” were under way and that an agreement was possible, while warning that attacks could resume if negotiations failed. Iran said it had also suspended retaliatory military operations and was discussing normal maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz with Oman. Crude shipments from the Caspian Pipeline Consortium terminal on Russia’s Black Sea coast also resumed, improving global supply conditions, though markets remained cautious after Houthi claims of attacks on Saudi Aramco-linked facilities.

US diplomats left the chamber when France’s delegation began speaking at a UN Security Council meeting on Russia’s war in Ukraine on Monday. The walkout came two days after a virtual dispute between US and French officials over a vote to renew UN human rights chief Volker Türk’s four-year term.

On Saturday, France’s UN mission in Geneva said the United States was no longer a beacon of human rights and had isolated itself alongside North Korea, Nicaragua, Mali and Russia. US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz responded on X that France had backed a human rights chief who lectures free, sovereign democracies including the United States, Britain and Israel while building ties with oppressors.

After the walkout, US alternate representative Dan Negrea told the Security Council that the US delegation would continue leaving while France did not withdraw what he called insulting and disrespectful remarks. French Ambassador Jérôme Bonnafont did not address the walkout, saying France was working to protect the UN’s independence and ability to function. Türk was reappointed by a 144-10 General Assembly vote, with 13 abstentions.

Oil prices fell more than 5% on Monday after the United States and Iran suspended attacks following two weeks of reciprocal strikes, according to a report published on July 27, 2026. The pause raised hopes for a diplomatic solution that could ease the conflict and allow shipping to resume through the Strait of Hormuz. At 08:04 GMT, Brent crude futures were down about 5.9% at $91.08 a barrel.

US West Texas Intermediate crude was down 5.4% at $84.51 a barrel. Both markets were trading at their lowest levels after three weeks of gains. Supply reductions through Hormuz had pushed Brent to $100 a barrel, while the conflict later spread to the Red Sea, disrupting Saudi oil exports to Asia through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said President Donald Trump paused US attacks to allow more time for diplomatic talks. Analysts cautioned that shipping through Hormuz may normalize slowly and only partially. Kpler data showed fewer than 10 cargo vessels a day crossed the strait over the weekend. Continued Red Sea disruption and Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian ships and refineries could keep supply risks and global inflation concerns elevated.

Hydrogen-powered trains are drawing growing global interest as countries seek cleaner rail transport amid climate change, air pollution and rising fossil-fuel use. The trains use hydrogen fuel cells rather than diesel or coal-based fuel to generate electricity for electric motors. The process produces mainly water and water vapour, with virtually no carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides or black smoke emissions, according to the source.

Hydrogen is stored in specialised high-pressure tanks and reacts with oxygen in fuel cells to generate power. Surplus energy is stored in batteries, while energy produced during braking can also be recovered, reducing waste. Germany tested the world’s first hydrogen passenger train in 2018 and commercially introduced the technology in 2022. France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Austria, the Netherlands, Sweden, China, Japan and South Korea have also begun development and trial operations.

India inaugurated its first domestically built hydrogen-powered train on July 17. The technology can operate on existing non-electrified tracks without overhead electric lines, but green hydrogen costs, dedicated storage and supply infrastructure, safety systems, investment and skilled personnel remain challenges. For Bangladesh, it could become a long-term option on routes where electrification is costly.

Global crude oil prices fell sharply on Monday after a two-week conflict between the United States and Iran was temporarily halted, raising hopes for a diplomatic solution and more normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude dropped $4.89, or 5.05%, to $91.89 a barrel, briefly falling below $90 early in trading. US benchmark West Texas Intermediate declined $4.67, or 5.23%, to $84.64 a barrel.

Both benchmarks reached their lowest levels in about a week after rising for three consecutive weeks. Earlier, the spread of conflict in the Middle East and disruption to oil transport through the Strait of Hormuz had pushed Brent to $100 a barrel. The conflict also affected the Red Sea, disrupting supplies from Saudi Arabia to Asia through the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said President Donald Trump had decided to pause attacks to allow diplomatic efforts a chance. Shipping has not fully normalized: Kpler data showed fewer than 10 cargo vessels a day transited Hormuz over the weekend. Analyst Saul Kavonic said any recovery in shipping would be gradual and partial because many companies remain cautious about security risks.

Argentina lost the 2026 FIFA World Cup final 1-0 to Spain on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, according to the report. The article says criticism in international media focused more on Argentina’s conduct than its performance after the defending champions lost the title. Citing an analysis by the Los Angeles Times, it says Argentina lost not only the trophy but also professional standing built in international football.

Midfielder Enzo Fernandez was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for an aggressive foul in stoppage time. After the final whistle, Argentina players reportedly became involved in a confrontation with Spanish players. Leandro Paredes was accused of grabbing Spain defender Eric Garcia by the throat. The report also alleges that Argentina players stood with their backs turned toward Spain during the trophy presentation.

Argentina, led by captain Lionel Messi, reportedly left through a rear stadium exit rather than appearing in FIFA’s required mixed zone for media. Spain’s composed conduct and performance were praised in contrast. The report says Spain conceded only one goal in eight tournament matches. Coach Luis de la Fuente stressed human values and empathy, while Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni acknowledged the team must learn to accept defeat with courage.

Scientists analyzing NASA’s latest Juno spacecraft observations estimate that Europa, Jupiter’s enigmatic moon, may contain a salty ocean beneath its ice shell holding more than twice the combined water of all Earth’s oceans. The average thickness of Europa’s subsurface ice layer in the observed area was estimated at about 29 kilometers.

On September 29, 2022, Juno flew just 360 kilometers above Europa. Its Microwave Radiometer examined microwave radiation at different wavelengths to determine the ice layer’s thermal properties. Europa has a diameter of 3,120 kilometers, smaller than Earth’s Moon, but scientists estimate its buried ocean could be 60 to 150 kilometers deep. Ice thickness may vary across different regions.

The findings do not settle whether Europa can support life, because water alone is insufficient. Chemical energy, biologically necessary materials, and exchange between the seafloor and ice-covered surface are also needed. NASA’s Europa Clipper, launched on October 14, 2024, is expected to reach Jupiter’s orbit in April 2030 and conduct about 50 missions around Europa using radar, cameras, spectrometers and magnetic measurements.

Elon Musk’s paper wealth fell by roughly $650 billion to $700 billion in five weeks, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. At the close of trading on July 23, the index estimated his wealth at about $738 billion. Six weeks earlier, after SpaceX completed its initial public offering on June 12, the company’s valuation reached $2.64 trillion and Musk’s paper wealth rose to around $1.45 trillion.

Much of the loss was tied to SpaceX shares, which fell 41.41 percent from their June 16 peak through the July 23 close, dropping from $201.80 to $118.24. The company’s market capitalization stood at $895.24 billion, more than $1 trillion below its peak valuation. The report cited news of a Starship launch delay, fading IPO enthusiasm and broader market reconsideration of high valuations for AI-related companies.

Tesla provided a second setback despite reporting $28.24 billion in second-quarter revenue and record deliveries of 480,126 vehicles. Its non-GAAP earnings per share of $0.33 missed the $0.5367 analyst forecast, while operating income declined 56.88 percent year on year. Tesla shares closed July 23 at $319.69, down 14.52 percent for the day. Musk nevertheless remained the world’s richest person, with about $650 billion more wealth than the second-ranked individual.

Uganda’s Olara Otunnu joined the race to become the next United Nations secretary-general as the seventh candidate on Saturday. The UN said Otunnu, 75, was presented to member states following his nomination by Uganda. He is seeking to succeed Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who will leave office on December 31. The new secretary-general is due to take office on January 1, 2027.

Otunnu served from 1997 to 2005 under then Secretary-General Kofi Annan as an under-secretary-general and special representative for children and armed conflict. He has also been Uganda’s ambassador to the UN and briefly served as the country’s foreign minister. In Uganda’s 2011 election, he ran for president for the opposition Uganda People’s Congress but lost to longtime leader Yoweri Museveni.

Other candidates include Chile’s Michelle Bachelet, Ecuador’s Maria Fernanda Espinosa, Argentina’s Rafael Grossi, Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan, Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett and Senegal’s Macky Sall. The Security Council’s 15 members will hold their first secret, anonymous straw poll on July 30. A candidate needs nine required votes and must avoid a veto by the five permanent members before the name is sent to the General Assembly for formal approval.