US leads concern after China fired a long-range missile into Pacific ocean
Countries raise concerns after Chinese military test-launches ballistic missile from submarine in the Pacific Ocean.
![Screenshot from a video showing FIFA President Gianni Infantino addressing Iran's World Cup team following a 2-2 draw with New Zealand on June 15, 2026 in Los Angeles, California, US. [@ffirimedia/Telegram]](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/image-1781635543.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
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Ranking the World Cup 2026 groups: Which teams are favourites to progress?
The first stage of the 2026 World Cup 2026 features 12 groups. We’ve ranked them and picked the favourites to advance.
China bans four New Zealand lawmakers over visit to Taiwan
China says the MPs’ visit sends the ‘wrong signals’ to Taiwan’s ruling party.
‘Don’t believe in paying athletes’: IOC’s Coventry stirs social media storm
Olympians slam the IOC chief and Zimbabwe’s former medallist for saying athletes should not be paid at the Games.
Western nations warn Israel to end illegal settlement expansion, violence
Nine countries including UK, Germany and France warn settlements in occupied West Bank a ‘breach of international law’.
New Zealand court denies bid by mosque mass shooter to appeal conviction
Brenton Tarrant shot dead 51 Muslim worshippers, including children, at two Christchurch mosques in 2019.
New Zealand spy plane reports possible North Korea sanctions breach at sea
New Zealand’s Defence Force says a North Korean ship was observed engaging in a possible transfer of illicit goods at sea.
Canada T20 World Cup game in India under ICC scrutiny amid corruption claim
Canada’s match against New Zealand at T20 World Cup among allegations of corruption against country’s cricket set up.
World welcomes US-Iran ceasefire, urges lasting peace in the Middle East
Countries urge full commitment to two-week ceasefire, praise Pakistan for role in facilitating truce.
France calls IOC sex testing a ‘step backwards’ while Trump praises move
Transgender women athletes now excluded from female events at the Olympics after IOC agrees new eligibility policy.
New Zealand footballers willing to play Iran World Cup match outside US
The teams are set to play on June 15 in Los Angeles, but Iran has threatened to boycott its matches due to the war.
![New Zealand midfielder Ryan Thomas says Iran deserve their spot at ‌World Cup 2026 [File: Sebastian Frej/Getty Images]](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/GettyImages-2239583198-1774412714.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
