FIFA World Cup Semi‑Finals – The 2026 tournament entered its decisive phase as four teams secured semi‑final berths. Argentina’s comeback against Egypt, turning a 2‑0 lead into a 3‑2 victory in the last 11 minutes, stole the headlines. Brazil, Portugal, Mexico, the United States, Egypt and Colombia were already out, while Norway, Belgium, Morocco and Switzerland fell in the quarter‑finals. Egypt’s federation lodged a formal complaint over refereeing decisions that saw six yellow cards issued to Egypt but none to Argentina, sparking debate over fairness in the knockout stage.

Wayanad Mudslide Claims Eight Lives

On July 7, a massive heap of excavated earth collapsed at the entrance of the under‑construction Anakkampoyil‑Kalladi‑Meppadi tunnel in Kerala’s Wayanad district, killing eight people. Heavy monsoon rains destabilised the piled soil, causing it to give way with a deafening roar. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan and Agriculture Minister T. Siddique labelled the tragedy a product of “human error, neglect of safety protocols and outright recklessness,” noting that prior government warnings had been ignored. Security footage captured a torrent of mud sweeping away workers, equipment and a multi‑axle container truck, while locals reported a sudden, thunderous crash followed by a fast‑moving wave of debris.

US‑Iran Strikes Resume

Early on July 8, the United States launched dozens of air strikes against Iran, citing retaliation for Tehran’s attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump formally notified Congress on July 10 that the strikes were resuming after peace talks collapsed. The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) responded by targeting U.S. assets in neighboring Bahrain and Kuwait, reporting the death of one of its members by “enemy drones.” These attacks mark the most significant escalation since April, when a tentative cease‑fire had been negotiated.

IOC Lifts Russia Suspension

The International Olympic Committee provisionally lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee on July 7, a step toward Russia’s reintegration ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Games. The suspension, imposed in October 2023 after Russia’s recognition of Olympic councils in occupied Ukrainian territories, remains under review for flag, colours and anthem usage. The IOC emphasized continued support for Ukraine, though no immediate reaction was recorded from Kyiv.

Marine Le Pen Cleared to Run for President

French far‑right leader Marine Le Pen announced on July 7 that she will run in the 2027 presidential election, following a Paris appeals court decision that reduced her electoral ban related to misusing EU funds. The ruling restores her eligibility while upholding her conviction, reigniting debates over the resurgence of far‑right politics in France and its implications for European cohesion.