A prominent figure in German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's centre-right party resigned his leadership post Saturday, party sources told AFP, amid controversy over his use of a surrogate mother in the US despite a ban on the practice in Germany.
Coach Eddie Jones said Japan were "making good progress" after losing 42-15 to France in the Nations Championship in Tokyo on Saturday.
When Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal line-up against each other in the World Cup final on Sunday it will mark the closing of an incredible full circle moment that has been two decades in the making.
- Galthie hails France 'energy and commitment' after Japan rout
- Australia beat Italy 57-10 to end Schmidt era with win
Politics
Iran on Saturday struck infrastructure in the Gulf and threatened a "full-scale offensive" in retaliation for the seventh consecutive night of US strikes on the Islamic republic.
July 18, 2026
RECENT NEWS
US President Donald Trump threatened on Friday a tariff increase on Canada to cover the cost of smoke pollution from wildfires that have choked large parts of the United States.
July 18, 2026
RECENT NEWS
The United Nations looks set to list a Biblical site, Lebanese castles, an antelope migration path and the world's deepest lake as world treasures under threat, including from war or climate change.
July 18, 2026
The World Cup has "exceeded expectations" with an 80% increase in betting volume compared to the 2022 edition, even taking into account the higher number of matches for a 48-team tournament, a betting expert told AFP.
July 18, 2026
In the labyrinthine alleyways of Cairo's Garbage City, recycling specialist Peter Romany finds himself fielding calls from factories scrambling for plastic to plug supply shortfalls caused by the Iran war.
July 18, 2026
Economy
Russian couple Yelena and Dmitry passed four petrol stations before finally finding one that actually had fuel as they returned to the city of Vologda, some 300 miles (480 kilometres) north of Moscow, from their country allotment plot.
July 18, 2026
RECENT NEWS
Spain and Argentina prepared to do battle in the World Cup final in New Jersey on Sunday as organisers said they were keeping a close eye on smoke from wildfires in Canada.
Europe's great cormorant has recovered from near-extinction to overabundance in half a century, stoking a long-running debate over population control between fishers troubled by its voracious appetite and conservationists.
A convoy of World Food Programme (WFP) trucks trundles up a winding road along the Venezuelan coast, leaving the quake-leveled town of Catia La Mar far behind.
Thomas Tuchel said Friday that England's players carry the "scars" of a painful World Cup exit, admitting there was still a gap to close to the top nations.
July 18, 2026
Sports
While Latin Americans have traditionally rallied behind football teams from the region who advance deep into the World Cup tournament, a flood of memes, jokes and criticism has made it clear there is one exception: Argentina.
July 18, 2026
RECENT NEWS
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni urged fans to make the most of seeing Lionel Messi lead his team out in another World Cup final at the age of 39 as the holders aim to retain the trophy when they take on Spain this weekend.
Bombing intensified in the Middle East for the seventh consecutive night, with Iran reporting three deaths from US strikes and retaliating with attacks on several US military sites in Kuwait and Jordan.
Aston Villa announced the signing of Switzerland World Cup star Johan Manzambi from German side Freiburg on Friday for a reported club record fee of just over £50 million ($67 million).
Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez said Friday that thinking about his team's success in recent years sometimes brings him to tears as they attempt to retain the World Cup trophy in the final against Spain.
July 18, 2026
- Trump questions England's World Cup tactics
- Messi to get 'special attention' from Spain, says de la Fuente
- Iran's Guards say tankers exploded from Hormuz mines as US strikes continue
- Spain captain Rodri preparing for 'physical' Argentina battle
- Italy coach Quesada's ban reduced to one Test
- Leather jacket worn by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang auctions for nearly $1 mn
- Sobers 'stood out' among the greats: West Indies legend Holding
- Leader Herbert, Burns equal record 62 at British Open, DeChambeau docked two shots