WATCH: Dana White drops 2028 hints while raving about his favorite Trump cabinet secretary
Political heavyweight Dana White, whose endorsement of President Donald Trump was instrumental in his 2024 victory, is now hinting that he may jump back into presidential politics in 2028 because he has “become really close” with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This comes as White’s UFC announced a rare “sports diplomacy” partnership with the State Department this week. White and Rubio signed a memorandum of understanding establishing the partnership last month, according to a UFC statement. The league said that as part of the agreement, UFC athletes and coaches will serve as “sports ambassadors” for young athletes around the world through the State Department’s Sports Envoy Program. White was explicitly asked by OutKick’s Tomi Lahren, whether there are any leaders he is looking at for 2028, to which he responded, “It’s funny, As I was, leading up to the White House fight, doing all this media, you know, a lot of the left media was saying to me, ‘So, you’re out of politics after this, right?’ And I can’t remember who it was that I said it to but … I said, ‘I’ve become really close to Rubio.’ We’ve become really close.” “People are asking me if I’m going to get out of politics when the president leaves and I just said, ‘I’ve become very close to Rubio.’ He and I have become friends,” he emphasized. RUBIO ANNOUNCES FRAMEWORK DEAL BETWEEN ISRAEL AND LEBANON AS EXPERTS WARN IRAN WILL FIGHT TO SABOTAGE IT White said that Rubio “is a great guy, I like him,” adding, “He’s smart, I like the way he handles himself.” He also said, “I’ve met his sons, and I like his kids and, you know, so, never say never.” Pressed on whether Rubio is his official pick to succeed Trump as president, White clarified, “I’m not saying I’m picking.” He noted that he also likes Vice President JD Vance, who, alongside Rubio, is a rumored 2028 presidential frontrunner. “JD is a great guy too,” said White, adding, “It’s a tricky situation, and I don’t know enough about politics to even comment on that, but, yeah, I don’t know, but it’s not a bad thing to have two strong candidates.” Rubio and Vance are the two Republicans most discussed as possible successors to Trump. While Rubio ran for president in 2016, he has expressed support for Vance, calling him a “close friend” and saying the vice president “would be a great nominee if he decides he wants to do that.” VIRAL MARCO RUBIO CLIP ON HIS VISION FOR AMERICA SPARKS MORE 2028 SPECULATION Though White stopped short of issuing a full-throated endorsement of Rubio, his partnership with the State Department through UFC underscores the high regard he appears to have for the secretary. This is the first time the UFC has entered into such a partnership with the State Department. The NFL, which entered into a similar agreement in January, is the only other major sports organization to have signed such a formal agreement with the department. SIGN UP TO GET THE POLITICS NEWSLETTER UFC Chief Operating Officer Lawrence Epstein said the league is “thrilled” about the partnership. He said it would allow the State Department and UFC to “work together to build bridges through community engagement.” “We’re excited to join this program, led by Secretary Rubio, as UFC is a truly global organization with athletes representing 75 countries. We can’t wait to get started later this year,” said Epstein. VANCE TAKES LEAD SELLING TRUMP’S IRAN GAMBLE AS RUBIO, HEGSETH AND RATCLIFFE CEDE SPOTLIGHT ON FRAGILE DEAL In turn, Rubio spoke very highly of the UFC, saying it “has become a global phenomenon by embracing values that resonate far beyond the Octagon: excellence, discipline, opportunity, and meritocracy.” The secretary said the State Department is “proud” to launch the sports diplomacy partnership with UFC and to “continue growing the sport of MMA.”
Potential 2028 Dem contender unloads on Netanyahu, admits US-Israel ties at ‘crossroads’
Amid many Americans’ plummeting support for Israel, potential Democratic presidential candidate Rahm Emanuel on Wednesday took aim at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Emanuel, who is Jewish and a longtime defender of Israel, appears to have changed his tune and is now cautioning that the alliance between the U.S. and Israel “cannot stand or survive as it’s been.” The former White House chief of staff to President Barack Obama and one-time Chicago mayor who later served as U.S. ambassador to Japan in the Biden administration, issued the tough-love message for America’s increasingly isolated ally amid its ongoing military operations in Gaza against Hamas. His message was blunt: Unconditional U.S. support for Israel needs to end, and Israel needs to make major changes if it wants to keep America as its top ally. HEAD HERE FOR THE LATEST FOX NEWS REPORTING ON ISRAEL “The hard truth is that America’s silence for years has engendered the worst of your domestic politics. We’ve done you no favors by averting our eyes,” Emanuel argued during his more than 30-minute address at the University of Tel Aviv, the centerpiece of his trip to Israel this week. And pointing to Netanyahu, Emanuel argued that America’s “unconditional support has produced a prime minister who has presumed that his strategic interests would incur no cost if he ignored America’s concerns. “I came here from Chicago to tell you directly where things need to head if we are to maintain the historic alliance between two democracies. Without question, the alliance is at a crossroads,” he added. NETANYAHU REJECTS REPORTS OF A RIFT WITH PRESIDENT TRUMP, SAYS THE TWO REMAIN ALIGNED ON IRAN A horrific Hamas sneak attack on Oct. 7, 2023, killed roughly 1,200 people in Israel. The continued Israeli response over the past two and a half years has resulted in more than 73,000 people being killed, according to health officials in the Palestinian territory. Israel’s response has led to condemnation of the country from across the globe, including from longtime advocates for the Jewish state. “Support for Israel is plummeting around the world. You’ve lost Europe, your biggest economic partner,” Emanuel emphasized. “Israel has never been more strategically isolated.” Democrats have become increasingly divided over the war in Gaza, with a growing number of politicians on the left charging that Israel’s actions against the Palestinians are “genocide” and calling for a halt to longstanding U.S. military aid to the Middle East nation. Roughly half of Democrats questioned in a new Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll said Israel had committed genocide in its war with Hamas. Meanwhile, 58% said the U.S. is “too supportive” of Israel, which is up 13 points since January. Most Republicans remain strong supporters of Israel, although there’s increasing unease among some in MAGA/America First camp. The poll indicated a slight deterioration in support for Israel among those in the GOP, but overall only a sliver of Republicans questioned felt that Israel had committed genocide. Emanuel called for a “new and fundamentally new approach to this alliance. … To maintain the strength of our ties, we need significant changes and a new direction.” 21 DEMOCRATS WHO MAY RUN FOR THE WHITE HOUSE IN 2028 And he sketched out early ideas for a new peace process. “The now-discredited path to a ‘two-state solution’ should be replaced by a 23-state solution: The 21 Arab nations that have exploited Palestinian rights as a slogan for decades now need to roll up their sleeves and stand up a governing authority capable of accepting the historic Jewish connection to this land,” Emanuel proposed. “If Israel made peace with 21 … Arab nations, that would be your greatest day and Iran’s worst nightmare.” EMANUEL PUSHES BACK ON ‘STRAIGHT WHILE MAN’ – SAYS THIS IS WHAT MATTERS MOST IN 2028 Emanuel’s proposals include sanctioning Israelis who attack Palestinian civilians and property, along with companies and banks that support Israeli settlements in the West Bank that most of the international community consider illegal. He also called for ending U.S. subsidies to Israel’s defense budget, arguing the country “should be able to buy American arms under the same financial terms, the same restrictions and the same requirements as every other trusted ally that abides by our laws.” For Emanuel, long known as a moderate who has clashed with the left-wing faction of his party, the speech appeared to be an attempt to find what he’s described as a realistic middle ground. His message: “Those chanting ‘from the river to the sea’ need to hear this: You will never have your way. “Those calling for a greater Israel, you need to hear this: You will never have your way, either. Both of them are fantasies chanted by fanatics that lead to perpetual endless conflict.” Netanyahu, who years ago famously slammed Emanuel as a “self-hating Jew,” had yet to respond to the speech at the time this report posted. Emanuel, who has been crisscrossing the country this year as he considers a presidential bid, has made two stops in New Hampshire, which has traditionally held the first primary in the White House race. He has also made trips to two other crucial early primary election states — Nevada and South Carolina.
Far-left candidate’s past anti-meat activism clashes with campaign pivot in cattle country
Manny Rutinel, a state legislator and Democratic candidate for Congress in Colorado’s 8th Congressional District, has a long track record of activism against ranching and other animal-related businesses — even as the district he’s running to represent depends heavily on the sector. His past positions cast doubt on his current posture towards the meat business as he looks to unseat Rep. Gabe Evans, R-Colo., in one of the most competitive districts in the country. Rutinel said he had recently rethought his position towards ranching during an interview with the Colorado Sun late last year. MAMDANI COMPARISONS FOLLOW COLORADO DEMOCRAT INTO PIVOTAL HOUSE RACE AFTER PRIMARY WIN “Like all industry, there are bad apples, and I’ve spoken out against those bad apples that cause extreme and unnecessary animal cruelty in parts of the food industry and against the environmental cost of unsustainable food practices,” he said. “They’re good stewards of the land, they care for their animals and they are the backbone of our economy and our communities. Colorado ranchers are my friends and neighbors, and I’ve gotten to know them,” he added. Notably, Colorado’s 8th district is Colorado’s leading producer of beef cattle and dairy, accounting for 26% of the state’s output, according to Upstate Colorado Economic Development. Of its 2.5 million acres, 75% are devoted to farming and raising livestock. “Meatless Manny makes PETA look reasonable and he wants to force Coloradans to scrounge for berries and nuts off the ground like cave men,” Republican National Committee spokesperson Zach Kraft told Fox News Digital. “The lack of protein in Rutinel’s diet must be messing with his brain because there is a zero percent chance the ranching capital of Colorado votes for a vegan. DSA’S THIRD MAJOR PRIMARY WIN DEEPENS DEMOCRATS’ FIGHT OVER THE PARTY’S FUTURE Despite his reframing on ranching, Rutinel has suggested his ideal world might exclude them. “In order to go green, you have to eat green,” Rutinel said when, as a 21-year-old, he prompted veganism by stripping and wearing a pro-vegan sign at an Earth Day celebration. He reflected that thinking in testimony before the Connecticut legislature during his time at Yale Law School. STEVE FORBES: CHUCK SCHUMER HAS A BEEF WITH BEEF, BUT DOESN’T EVEN KNOW HOW TO GRILL IT “The report concludes that the globe must dramatically shift away from animal products and towards fruit, vegetables, legumes, whole grains and nuts. This environmental shift will also have tremendous health benefits for consumers,” Rutinel said, referring to the Planetary Health Diet, a collaborative report on food production ideals to address climate change. Years later, as a state legislator, he would call a proposed ban on fur “really awesome,” even as the Denver Democrats opposed the idea. Additionally, Rutinel began a petition to get Popeyes to implement a plant-based menu as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, arguing that doing so would lessen the risk of employees at slaughterhouses contracting the disease. Rutinel would also go on to found Climate Refarm, a group that helped readers make the transition towards more plant-based food sources. “At Climate Refarm, we exist to turn everyday choices into powerful tools for climate action. Our mission is to help institutions transition to plant-based food systems while reducing greenhouse gas emissions through science-backed carbon credit solutions,” the group’s website reads. Rutinel’s campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether he continues to believe that climate reform must, on some level, mean change for farming industries. Having cleared the Democratic primary, Rutinel will face off against Evans in the state’s Nov. 3, 2026, general election.
Trump envoy warns China’s power move at sea is threat ‘we cannot afford to ignore’
China is using control over global seas as a tool of “political coercion,” the U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom warned, and President Donald Trump is restating his interest in Greenland for that very same reason. China is seeking to turn ports, ships and supply chains into instruments of geopolitical leverage, U.S. Ambassador to the U.K. Warren Stephens warned in a statement to the International Maritime Organization Council (IMO). “I spoke about a challenge that we cannot afford to ignore: China’s systematic effort to use maritime power as an instrument of political coercion,” Stephens wrote in a Truth Social post after the speech. SEN TODD YOUNG: THE HIDDEN DANGER CHINA’S SHIPS COULD BRING TO OUR SHORES “Beijing has pursued an aggressive strategy of acquiring port concessions and infrastructure around the world — not simply for commercial gain, but to extend its strategic reach and weaponize that access against sovereign nations.” The U.S. is “not a passive observer of maritime affairs,” Stephens told the IMO, calling America a “cornerstone of the global maritime economy.” He said the U.S. Maritime Transportation System supports $5.4 trillion in economic activity each year and nearly 30 million jobs. The warning comes as Trump continued peacemaking efforts in the Strait of Hormuz and pressing Demark and NATO for U.S. control over Greenland due to Chinese and Russian threats to free navigation in the Arctic. “Denmark doesn’t spend money to really help Greenland, but it’s an important part for the United States. And it’s surrounded by China ships and Russian ships,” Trump said at the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey. For global security, Greenland “should be controlled by the United States, not by Denmark,” Trump added. “They wouldn’t go along with it,” Trump said of Denmark. “And with all the money we spend to help them with Russia. And we don’t have to spend any money. We could remove all of our soldiers out of Europe because, as you probably noticed, Europe is a very different place than it was 20 years ago. A lot different.” DENMARK VOWS TO DEFEND GREENLAND AFTER TRUMP REITERATES US SHOULD CONTROL TERRITORY Greenland’s position between the Arctic and North Atlantic has made it a key piece of U.S. security planning. “President Trump has made restoring American maritime leadership a national priority,” Stephens said in his IMO remarks warning on China’s broader maritime footprint. “The evidence is clear and growing,” Stephens said. “China currently builds more than half of the world’s ships. It dominates the production of ship-to-shore cranes and shipping containers.” Stephens cited Panama as a recent example, pointing to a ruling by Panama’s Supreme Court that found CK Hutchison’s port concessions at the Balboa and Cristóbal terminals unconstitutional. The terminals sit at opposite ends of the Panama Canal, one of the world’s most strategically important trade corridors. TRUMP MAKES FRESH GREENLAND PLAY AFTER XI TALKS AS CHINA’S ARCTIC AMBITIONS LOOM Stephens said China’s response to the Panama ruling was “swift and punishing,” accusing Beijing of taking action against Panama-flagged vessels in a move the U.S. characterized as an attempt to undermine Panama’s sovereignty and disrupt global supply chains. “What happened to Panama is a warning to every nation in this room,” Stephens said. “When a country allows a foreign power or its proxies to control its ports, it does not simply accept a commercial arrangement,” he added. “It accepts a vulnerability.” Stephens urged IMO member states to closely scrutinize deals allowing foreign entities, especially state-linked enterprises, to operate critical port infrastructure. “Transparency, the rule of law and genuine sovereignty are not obstacles to commerce,” Stephens said. “They are its foundation.” The ambassador also said the U.S. would press for maritime security, sanctions enforcement, protection of flag state rights, freedom of navigation and updated standards on polar operations, autonomous vessels and cyber risk management. “The pattern is consistent: China uses its maritime and economic power to coerce, to intimidate and to punish those who assert their sovereign rights,” Stephens said. The Chinese government has routinely rejected U.S. accusations that its overseas infrastructure investments are coercive, portraying its port, shipping and Belt and Road projects as commercial partnerships that support global trade and development. Stephens said the U.S. will continue contributing expertise, resources and leadership at the IMO but warned that the rules-based maritime order cannot be taken for granted. “A free and open ocean is not guaranteed,” he said. “It must be defended.”
Socialists set sights on Taylor Swift after ‘tacky’ NYC wedding sparks left-wing backlash
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s Madison Square Garden wedding is drawing backlash from socialist commentators who say the celebrity spectacle showcased billionaire excess and disrupted New York City during a crowded holiday weekend. “Controversial opinion: I think this is a dramatic misuse of public resources,” socialist Twitch host Hasan Piker in a livestream Friday. “I think it’s insane. I think it’s a bad look. I think it’s, it’s, it’s heightening the contradictions. It’s showcasing one again that like, no matter how beloved a public figure you might be, you’re still, if you’re a billionaire, you’re still a billionaire and you are going to do billionaire s–t.” The pop star has historically been embraced by the left, including when she endorsed then-President Joe Biden and then-Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 race, when she criticized President Donald Trump over the George Floyd protests in 2020 and for her pro-abortion stance. Her massive Madison Square Garden wedding has reopened criticism of her billionaire status, with socialist voices blasting the spectacle as Manhattan dealt with holiday-weekend crowds, street closures and added pressure from the ongoing World Cup games. DEMOCRATIC INFIGHTING GROWS AS CONGRESSWOMAN EXPOSES ‘DISRESPECTFUL’ WELCOME OF SOCIALISTS INTO ‘BIG TENT’ “This is a glaringly obvious example of that. This is straightforwardly a flex I think. It is straightforwardly a flex to be like, ‘Yeah, I can do this, f it.’ And I kind of think it is a little tacky, at best,” Piker added. Swift and Kelce tied the knot on Friday at Maddison Square Garden (MSG) in front of 1,000 guests, keeping much of their garden-themed wedding under wraps to the public. Fox News Digital previously reported Swift wore a Christian Dior wedding dress, comedian Adam Sandler officiated the ceremony, and guests played a raffle game to win lavish prizes. TAYLOR SWIFT AND TRAVIS KELCE’S WEDDING: LEAKED DETAILS REVEAL INSIDE LOOK AS PHOTOS CAPTURE A-LIST DEPARTURES Like other large events at MSG, the Swift-Kelce wedding led to street closures in the area, complicating access to transportation such as nearby Penn Station. “She’s just another psychotic billionaire. On a holiday weekend. Amidst all this worldwide suffering, the ultra-wealthy still have no compunction. Unreal,” Democratic Socialists of America member and political talk show “Majority Report” host Emma Vigeland posted on X. “I’m sorry but he’s right. I’m sorry, swifties,” wrote pro-socialist account on X. The backlash comes as socialist-aligned voices are gaining more influence in New York Democratic politics, with several candidates backed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani defeating incumbents in recent primaries. MET GALA BACKLASH GROWS AS CELEBRITIES AND POLITICIANS TARGET JEFF AND LAUREN BEZOS’ SPONSORSHIP Democrats also took shots at the wedding, including former NYC Mayor Eric Adams’ spokesman Fabien Levy. “Unpopular opinion but this takes Groomzilla and Bridezilla energy to a new level,” wrote Levy on X. “This wedding is inconveniencing thousands of local residents, impacting the nation’s largest transit hub, and taking cops away from patrolling streets when we’re in a heightened threat environment,” Levy continued. The White House also weighed in, using the moment to poke fun at the fanfare surrounding the couple’s nuptials by sharing a meme of Madison Square Garden’s pink sign altered to read, “Trump is your president.”
A look at what’s inside the America 250th time capsule buried in Philadelphia
Something big went down 250 years ago at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. The Founders finalized the Declaration of Independence there. But something big also went down at Independence Hall just a few days ago — literally. As in the ground. Congress adopted a resolution mandating burial of a time capsule just a few feet away from Independence Hall to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary. And the instructions are clear — do not open until the year 2276, 250 years from now. FLASHBACK: AS AMERICA TURNS 250, HERE’S HOW THE NATION CELEBRATED ITS BIGGEST BIRTHDAYS “Our responsibility is not simply to remember what happened here on these grounds. But to preserve those same ideals of whose generation came before and that will come after us,” said Rep. Robert Aderholt, R-Ala., who traveled with a coterie of bipartisan lawmakers to Philadelphia for the occasion. Congress met in Philadelphia from 1790 to 1800 before decamping to what is now Washington, DC. In fact, the District of Columbia exists because of the Pennsylvania Mutiny of 1783. That’s when a mob of Continental Army soldiers threatened the security of Independence Hall after the fledgling American government failed to pay them. Alexander Hamilton advocated for what the Constitution describes as a federal “District” to serve as the “seat of government.” The primary purpose of the unique federal enclave was to protect the Congress. “The Congressional time capsule is a reflection of our faith in the future of this grand experiment in self-governance,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La. “When this capsule is finally opened, those Americans will be as distant from us as we are today from the men who signed their names on our declaration.” Each U.S. state and all six of its territories furnished artifacts to bury in the stainless steel time capsule. There were letters from Congressional leaders. Also, ones from NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred. Fox asked MLB what Manfred wrote in the letter. But he wouldn’t say. That’s because the missive is intended for those in the future. Manfred’s words will remain a mystery. Much like how the New York Mets can have the second-highest payroll in baseball and remain mired in last place. At least the Mets still won’t be paying Bobby Bonilla in 2276. Three temporal lines intersected for the burial of the time capsule in Philadelphia. Each item represented something from America’s past. The burial was about present day — America’s 250th birthday. But, the ceremony was simultaneously about the future. So imagine for a moment the likes of Thomas Jefferson crossing that green by Independence Hall 250 years ago. Then consider those who journeyed to Philadelphia to tour the National Constitution Center and spy the Liberty Bell for the holiday this year. Finally, propel yourself into the future and envision what that green would look like and who you might encounter in 250 years. The time capsule included some items from one of the most harrowing days in American history: 9/11. THE REVOLUTIONARY LANDMARKS WHERE WASHINGTON, ADAMS AND JEFFERSON CHANGED AMERICA “We have a piece of metal from the Freedom Tower that obviously represents both the struggle initially and what happened on September 11th. But then ultimately, the resilience of rising from the ashes, as America has always done,” said House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y. But everyone longed to include something else important to them. “Well, a New York Knicks championship ring would be incredible,” said Jeffries. Rep. Brendan Boyle, D-Penn., represents Independence Mall and the location of the time capsule. He pushed his colleagues to adopt a resolution for lawmakers to meet in Philadelphia for a Joint Session of Congress. But that didn’t happen. However, lawmakers did convene in Philadelphia in 1987 to mark the 200th anniversary of the Constitution. They also traveled to New York for a Joint Session in 2002, one year after the 9/11 attacks. But like Jeffries, Boyle hoped to include whimsical items as well. “Part of me as a Philadelphian wants to say a Philly cheesesteak. But that would not age well over 250 years,” said Boyle. “If there could be a piece of Independence Hall as part of the time capsule, I think that that would be wonderful.” Here are some of the other contents: Georgia donated a medallion from the Masters Golf Tournament. And, being the home of Coca-Cola, the state also sent along a vintage glass Coke bottle. One of the biggest items in the time capsule was a piece of bone from a North Atlantic Right Whale. It’s listed as one of the most-endangered of the large whale species. It would be a testament to aquatic preservation if the North Atlantic Right Whale is still swimming in 2276. One of the most intriguing items in the collection came from California. The Golden State included an AI prompt from the chatbot Claude. People asked Claude what the country would be like in 250 years. Like Manfred’s letter, what Claude spat back out is lost to the future, sealed in the time capsule. THE LESSON WE CAN LEARN FROM BICENTENNIAL HISTORY IS TO PARTY LIKE IT’S 1976 In 1776, the colonists wore tri-cornered hats and powdered wigs. Those aren’t around anymore. New Mexico’s contributions included bolo ties, culturally important apparel in the American Southwest. One wonders if anyone will still be wearing those in 250 years. To say nothing of any sort of necktie. Lawmakers who traveled to Philadelphia noted that the Founding Fathers were bold. Courageous. And willing to take risks – not knowing we’d still celebrate their actions today. “The 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence were signing their death forms. After all, they knew what they faced had they not succeeded,” said Boyle. The artifacts in the time capsule represent where America stands. But also suggests where it might go. There’s an Olympic Gold medal, won by an American athlete at the Winter Games in Milan and Cortina earlier this year. And, there’s an
FIFA World Cup: Quarterfinal brackets, match schedule and game previews
Forty teams are already at home, or on their way, leaving just eight in the United States to contend for the ultimate prize in football at the FIFA World Cup 2026. The top four seeds have all made it through – just – but who will remain standing after 100 of this tournament’s 104 matches are complete? Morocco defender Jawad El Yamiq (#18) reacts after losing a semifinal match against France during the 2022 World Cup at Al Bayt Stadium, Doha, Qatar [Yukihito Taguchi/USA TODAY Sports] Atlas Lions seek revenge against France Quarterfinal 1: France v Morocco – Thursday, 20:00 GMT – Boston Recommended Stories list of 4 itemsend of list This will be a hotly-anticipated rematch of the semifinal in Qatar in 2022 when Morocco’s fairytale run was ended by the then defending champions. After topping a group featuring Croatia and Belgium, stunning Spain on penalties in the round of 16 and then overcoming Portugal 1-0 in the quarterfinal, Morocco came into the game full of momentum and confidence but also fatigued and nursing key injuries. It felt like a bonus match at the time, but their uphill task became a mountain to climb when they fell behind after just five minutes. To their credit the Atlas Lions found their feet, enjoying 60% of the possession in the game, winning more corners than the French, having 10 shots at goal and hitting the woodwork, but only one of those efforts was on target and France made the game safe with a crucial second 11 minutes from time. Four years on and things are very different. Only nine of the 2022 squad made this one, just four of the starting eleven which faced France last time started against Canada and Mohamed Ouahbi was installed as head coach in March after the departure of Walid Regragui, who led Morocco in Qatar and to the ill-fated AFCON Final against Senegal earlier this year. Advertisement After edging past the Netherlands on penalties in the round of 32 having grabbed a stoppage-time equaliser in normal time, Morocco made hard work of their last-16 tie against Canada, weathering plenty of first-half pressure and losing star forward Ismael Saibari to injury. However, they showcased their clinical edge in the second half with a well-worked set-piece to break the deadlock before two devastating counterattack goals to seal a 3-0 win. France did struggle against the counter in the first half of their opening match against Senegal, but were not punished, and it has been pretty plain sailing since, sealing a 3-1 win which they followed with victories against Iraq, a much-changed Norway, Sweden in the last 32 and then grinding out a difficult win over Paraguay in the last-16 courtesy of a late penalty. While Soufiane Rahimi deputised ably for Saibari after coming on after 21 minutes against Canada, the Bayern Munich-bound forward scored in each of Morocco’s group games, though he and his side might have had more goals and topped the group. The quartet of Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele and either Desire Doue or Bradley Barcola are undoubtedly the best in the world and Morocco’s hopes will lie squarely on their defence and keeper Yassine Bounou standing strong while their forwards take advantage of any opportunities they can create on the break. Spain’s Unai Simon has kept five straight clean sheets to begin the tournament [Kirby Lee/Reuters] Belgium can’t rely on Spanish generosity Quarterfinal 2: Spain v Belgium – Friday, 19:00 GMT – Los Angeles It’s fair to say not many would have expected Belgium to be lining up in the quarterfinals after their opening two group games. The Red Devils came from behind to draw against Egypt before playing out a stalemate with Iran with 10-men and only qualified by thrashing New Zealand, the lowest ranked team in the competition. Belgium were then staring elimination in the face against Senegal, trailing 2-0 with four minutes remaining, only for Romelu Lukaku to take advantage of some slack defending to pull one back and then Youri Tielemans to head an equaliser three minutes later after goalkeeper Mory Diaw missed a cross. Belgium completed the turnaround five minutes from the end of extra time with Tielemans converting from the penalty spot after a contentious VAR decision. They then benefitted from facing an out-of-sorts USA team in the last-16, running-out 4-1 winners amid the distraction of Folarin Balogun’s suspension being overturned by FIFA, and took advantage of more poor defending to make it 12 goals in three games. Advertisement Their luck might be up, however, as they are unlikely to receive the same generosity from FIFA World No 3-ranked Spain, who have yet to concede at this tournament and have six straight World Cup clean-sheets overall – the longest run in history. La Roja have allowed just two shots on target before half-time across their five matches, both coming from Cristian Ronaldo in the cagey 1-0 win over Portugal in the last 16, which Mikel Merino settled with a stoppage-time winner. Red Devils coach Rudi Garcia shuffled his pack against the USA, leaving Jeremy Doku out and Kevin De Bruyne on the bench for the first time in 38 Belgium games, but they will need an awful lot to go right if they are to emulate their fabled 1986 side and oust the European Champions again at this stage. Norway’s forward #09 Erling Braut Haaland celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammate midfielder #21 Andreas Schjelderup during the 2026 World Cup round of 16 match against Brazil [AFP] Golden boys face-off in Golden Boot race Quarterfinal 3: Norway v England – Saturday, 21:00 GMT – Miami For the first time in this tournament two of the leading contenders for the Golden Boot race go head-to-head on the same pitch. Norway coach Stale Solbakken denied us that opportunity in the group stage when despite scoring two goals in each of the opening wins over Iraq and Senegal, he left Erling Haaland on the bench against
Zelenskyy seeks NATO support as Russia continues attacks
NewsFeed Overnight Russian strikes on Ukraine’s capital caused major damage at several locations, leaving one person dead. At the NATO summit just hours earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had urged European allies to build a strong anti-ballistic missile defence system. Published On 8 Jul 20268 Jul 2026 Click here to share on social media share-nodes Share googleAdd Al Jazeera on Googleinfo Adblock test (Why?)
Man sets wheelchair user in flames with Molotov cocktail
NewsFeed US police have released video showing the moment a man set a wheelchair user on fire with a Molotov cocktail outside Oklahoma’s police headquarters, causing minor injuries to the victim. The suspect was arrested and faces multiple felony charges. Published On 8 Jul 20268 Jul 2026 Click here to share on social media share-nodes Share googleAdd Al Jazeera on Googleinfo Adblock test (Why?)
KDMC Hospital Violence Explained: Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre’s assault on women doctor, nurses; what happened next
The assault against women doctors and nurses at a KDMC hospital in Maharashtra has triggered outrage among the medical fraternity and political circles. Know full details here.