Author: Gulf News Week
media’s breakdown of the qualified teams, playoffs and shock omissions from the FIFA World Cup in North America.Emotions ran high on a night of historic wins and last-gasp goals as the last eight of the 43 automatic qualification spots for the FIFA World Cup 2026 were sealed across Europe (UEFA), Central America and the Caribbean (CONCACAF).With less than seven months to go until the expanded 48-team tournament co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, European heavyweights Spain and the tiny Caribbean nation Curacao were among those to book a spot amid tears of joy and wild celebrations late on…
As US envoy prepares new talks with Lukashenko, the wife of missing activist Anatol Kotau pleads for his inclusion in any prisoner release deal. LONDON – Three months after a prominent Belarusian dissident vanished during a trip to Turkey, his wife is making a desperate appeal to Washington, believing US diplomacy may be her last hope to find him alive. Anatol Kotau, a former senior official in President Alexander Lukashenko’s government who became a vocal critic, disappeared on August 21 after landing in Istanbul. His wife, Anastasia, who spoke with him via messaging app after his arrival, says the communication then…
The record-breaking sale of the legendary Rolex Reference 4113, one of only nine in existence, highlights the powerful convergence of horological artistry and high-stakes collecting. DUBAI – The gavel fell on a new chapter in watchmaking history in Dubai, as a legendary Rolex chronograph sold for an astonishing $4.7 million. The sale of the Rolex Reference 4113 by auction house FutureGrail not only set a new world record for the model but also propelled it into the elite ranks of the top ten most expensive Rolexes of all time. This landmark price, which exceeded the model’s previous record by more than $1.2 million, was…
MMA promotion unveils 24-event slate for 2026, bringing blockbuster fights to new international markets and returning to key US cities. NEW YORK – The Professional Fighters League (PFL) is taking its show on the road in a big way for 2026. The organization announced a packed calendar of 24 events, headlined by major international expansions into Spain and a strategic return to a major US sports market. The 2026 lineup promises non-stop action with 16 global events and an additional eight regional showcases in Africa and the MENA region, all available to US audiences on ESPN. The global tour launches in February…
Israel continues to attack Lebanon on a near-daily basis in violation of a yearlong ceasefire with Hezbollah.At least 13 people have been killed in an Israeli air strike on a Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health.The drone strike hit a car on Tuesday in the car park of a mosque in the Ein el-Hilweh refugee camp on the outskirts of the coastal city of Sidon, the Lebanese state-run National News Agency reported.At least four people were wounded in the attack, the ministry said, adding that “ambulances are still transporting more wounded to…
The looming deal is shaped in part by how the Trump administration views coverage by Warner Bros Discovery’s news outlets.Paramount Skydance is reportedly preparing a bid to acquire Warner Bros Discovery.Variety, an entertainment industry trade magazine in the United States, first reported the looming proposal on Tuesday, quoting sources familiar with the talks.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Canadian PM Mark Carney clears budget vote, averting snap electionslist 2 of 4Bitcoin ticks up after erasing all of 2025 gainslist 3 of 4Conservationists want to protect brazilwood. So why are musicians alarmed?list 4 of 4Microsoft, Nvidia invest in Anthropic…
Spain finish unbeaten at the top of Group E despite being given genuine scare by Turkiye, who will compete in playoffs.Spain have booked their ticket to the 2026 World Cup with a 2-2 draw against Turkiye in their final qualifier to top Group E.Turkiye finished second on Tuesday and will compete in the playoffs after they became the first team to force Luis de la Fuente’s Euro 2024 champions to drop points.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4World Cup 2026: Germany and Netherlands book their spots on last daylist 2 of 450,000 fans cheer for Palestine at friendly…
US president heaps praise on Saudi Arabia’s crown prince as Washington and Riyadh deepen ties with massive investments.Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has received a warm welcome to the White House from United States President Donald Trump in a visit that has emphasised the deepening ties between Riyadh and Washington.The White House rolled the literal red carpet out for Prince Mohammed, known as MBS, on Tuesday. Trump greeted him with a ceremony that featured marching bands, flag-carrying horsemen and a military flyover.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3What is the international stabilisation force for Gaza?list 2 of…
The judge urged the jury to do away with personal feelings about the war on Gaza or the legality of the proscription.Six British members of the proscribed Palestine Action group have been put on trial by UK authorities, who said the group intended to damage property belonging to Israeli weaponsmaker Elbit Systems.Prosecutors said at the trial on Tuesday that the defendants meticulously planned the assault on the arms manufacturer’s facility in southwestern England’s Bristol in early August 2024, allegedly resulting in property damage and injury to a police officer.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Meta prevails in existential…
As Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visits the US, we take a look at the fighter jet his country wants to buy.Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is visiting the United States, where he has met President Donald Trump at the White House.The trip – the crown prince’s first since 2018 – is a sign of the strong relationship between Saudi Arabia and the Trump administration.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Hamas, Gaza factions say UN resolution undermines ‘national will’list 2 of 3‘Not going to happen’: Sheinbaum dismisses Trump threat of Mexico strikeslist 3 of 3Bitcoin…