Trending Middle East

World Cup round-up: Qatar crushed 6-0 by Canada, Mexico through to knockouts and Morocco return to action

Qatar's World Cup campaign suffered a heavy blow overnight, losing 6-0 to Canada in Vancouver after two red cards left them chasing the match.

The result was overshadowed by a serious injury to Canada's Ismael Kone, who left on a stretcher in the 51st minute after a challenge from Assim Madibo. Kone gave the crowd a thumbs up before leaving the pitch. Jonathan David scored a hat-trick and Qatar now face Bosnia and Herzegovina needing a big response to stay in the tournament.

Mexico became the first team to reach the knockout stage, beating South Korea 1-0 in Guadalajara to win Group A with two wins and two clean sheets. Switzerland defeated Bosnia 4-1 after being frustrated for more than an hour, while Czech Republic and South Africa drew 1-1.

Lionel Messi's family confirmed his father Jorge is receiving medical treatment for an unspecified health issue. Messi had been emotional after his hat-trick against Algeria, saying he had faced difficulties unrelated to football.

Morocco face Scotland at 2am tomorrow in Boston in what could be the Arab world's most significant match of the weekend. A win would put Morocco in a strong position to reach the knockouts. The US face Australia at 11pm tonight and Brazil face Haiti at 4.30am tomorrow after an opening draw with Morocco.

Mina Rzouki presents Trending Middle East's World Cup round-up, a daily bonus series from The National for the duration of the tournament.

US-Iran talks delayed, Israel seizes land and UAE tightens social media rules

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, negotiations to turn this week’s US-Iran agreement into a lasting peace deal are delayed after Swiss officials announce talks at the Burgenstock resort will not take place as scheduled. The initial agreement remains in force as negotiators work towards resolving the remaining issues.

We also look at growing tensions in Palestine after Israel announces new measures affecting planning authority in Hebron, while church leaders accuse Israeli authorities of seizing land in East Jerusalem.

The US imposes new sanctions on senior Hezbollah figures and financial networks across Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Oman, saying the group must be cut off from its funding sources to support Lebanon’s long-term stability.

In the UAE, the Cabinet announces a nationwide ban on social media use for children under the age of 15, with age verification requirements and stronger online safety measures to take effect after a one-year transition period.

And the UAE introduces a 30-day visa grace period for people unable to leave because of the Iran conflict, allowing eligible visitors and residents to confirm their status or depart without facing overstay fines.

Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

US-Iran pact signed, Lebanon unresolved and Khamenei's funeral

In today's episode of Trending Middle East, the US and Iran formally sign an interim agreement aimed at ending the war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The deal includes sanctions relief, a $300 billion reconstruction fund and a commitment by Tehran not to pursue nuclear weapons, while negotiations on a broader settlement continue.

We also look at Lebanon as US President Donald Trump says the conflict still needs to be addressed, and French President Emmanuel Macron calls for an immediate ceasefire, while Israel continues to reject calls to withdraw as fighting carries on.

Iran has also announced plans for the funeral of former supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with nationwide ceremonies beginning in early July and a final burial in Mashhad after a planned stop in Iraq.

In the UAE, business leaders tell The National they remain confident the country will emerge stronger from the economic disruption caused by the Iran war, drawing comparisons with previous recoveries from major global crises.

And Abu Dhabi marks a medical milestone as Burjeel Cancer Institute becomes the first centre in the world to administer Camizestrant, a new precision treatment for advanced breast cancer.

Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

World Cup round-up: England thrill, Ronaldo struggles and Qatar face Canada tonight

England beat Croatia 4-2 in Dallas in a match that had everything. Harry Kane scored twice, drawing level with Gary Lineker as England's top World Cup scorer with 10 goals, but Croatia equalised twice in a wild first half. Jude Bellingham gave England the lead two minutes after the break, and Marcus Rashford finished it. England were exciting and vulnerable in equal measure, and they now face Ghana, who beat Panama 1-0 with a 95th-minute winner.

Portugal were held 1-1 by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, who earned their first ever World Cup point. Joao Neves gave Portugal an early lead but they never controlled the match, and DRC equalised before half time. Ronaldo played the full game but was peripheral, missing two chances late on. Questions are already being asked about Portugal's attacking structure.

Colombia beat Uzbekistan 3-1 in a disciplined if unspectacular performance, with Luis Diaz scoring on the counter attack to make the difference.

Tonight, Qatar take on co-hosts Canada at 2am UAE time in Vancouver. Group B is completely level after the opening round, and a win for either side would transform the picture. Mexico and South Korea, both winners in round one, meet at 5am in what could already be a decisive Group A fixture.

Mina Rzouki presents Trending Middle East's World Cup round-up, a daily bonus series from The National for the duration of the tournament.

World Cup round-up: Messi hat-trick, Iraq's return and Jordan's debut before England kick off tonight

Lionel Messi marked his 200th international appearance and sixth World Cup with a hat-trick, as Argentina beat Algeria 3-0 in Kansas City. He is now level with Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals and became the first man to play in six of the tournaments. Algeria, back at the World Cup after 12 years, were punished by poor finishing and Messi's ruthlessness. They face Jordan next.

Iraq's first World Cup match in 40 years ended in a 4-1 defeat to Norway, although they were competitive in the first half and Aymen Hussein scored their second ever World Cup goal and their first since 1986. Norway's Erling Haaland scored twice in his World Cup debut. Jordan also lost their first ever World Cup match, going down 3-1 to Austria, with Ali Olwan scoring a memorable debut goal before Austria pulled away.

France beat Senegal 3-1, with Kylian Mbappe scoring twice to become France's all-time top scorer with 58 goals.

All eight Arab nations have now played once, scoring four draws and four defeats. Tunisia have appointed Hervé Renard as head coach until the end of the tournament following Sabri Lamouchi's sacking.

Tonight, Portugal face DR Congo at 9pm UAE time, with Ronaldo one goal away from becoming the first player to score at six World Cups. England play Croatia at midnight.

Mina Rzouki presents Trending Middle East's World Cup round-up, a daily bonus series from The National for the duration of the tournament.

US-Iran deal incentives revealed and Lebanon's future remain uncertain

In today's episode of Trending Middle East, we look at the details of the proposed US-Iran agreement, with reports suggesting Tehran could receive sweeping economic incentives, including access to oil markets, sanctions relief and a $300 billion development fund in exchange for commitments on its nuclear programme.

We also look at one of the biggest unresolved issues in the deal: the future of southern Lebanon. Hezbollah sources say Iran has indicated that Israeli forces are expected to withdraw over a phased 60-day period, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists troops will remain where they are for as long as necessary.

At the G7 summit in France, Arab and western leaders continue discussions on turning the US-Iran agreement into a broader regional settlement, including plans to secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and future negotiations over Tehran's nuclear activities.

Meanwhile, liquefied natural gas shipments are beginning to leave the Gulf again as traders prepare for the reopening of Hormuz, although analysts say a full recovery in shipping traffic is likely to take time.

And in the UAE, an Abu Dhabi court ordered a divorced couple to stop posting content involving their children on social media, due to concerns over privacy and the children's best interests.

Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

First ships cross Strait of Hormuz blockade line and Israel strikes south Lebanon

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, the first Iranian vessels pass the US blockade line without incident, providing an early test of an agreement aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

As shipping resumes, France and the UK are pushing for an international naval mission to secure the waterway. French President Emmanuel Macron says participating countries are ready to send frigates and mine-clearing vessels once conditions allow.

We also look at continuing tensions in Lebanon, where Israel says it intercepted Hezbollah rockets and carried out more strikes on the south of the country. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Iran will never obtain a nuclear weapon and insists his country's forces will remain in territory it occupies in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza.

In Kuwait, authorities revoke the citizenship of more than 2,100 people as part of a review of nationality files that has affected thousands over the past two years.

And Dubai says the expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport remains on track, with Dh55 billion ($14.9 billion) in contracts expected to be awarded as work continues on what is to become the world’s largest aviation hub.

Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

World Cup round-up: Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Iran all draw, with Iraq, Algeria and Jordan to kick off next

The first major shock of the 2026 World Cup arrived last night. Cape Verde, playing in their first World Cup, held Spain to a goalless draw. Goalkeeper Vozinha, 40, made seven saves and was named player of the match, breaking down in tears afterwards as he revealed his mother could not attend because of the cost of getting a US visa.

Saudi Arabia drew 1-1 with Uruguay, with Mohammed Al Owais outstanding in goal. Egypt drew 1-1 with Belgium in a result that left the Arab world frustrated, with coach Hossam Hassan furious about a late penalty appeal that was waved away without a VAR review. Iran drew 2-2 with New Zealand in what many are calling the best match of the tournament so far.

Tunisia have already sacked their coach, with Sabri Lamouchi dismissed the morning after their 5-1 defeat to Sweden.

Iraq play their first World Cup match in 40 years against Norway, with the game kicking off tomorrow at 2am UAE time. Argentina then face Algeria at 5am and Jordan make their World Cup debut against Austria at 8am.

Mina Rzouki presents Trending Middle East's World Cup round-up, a daily bonus series from The National for the duration of the tournament.

World leaders support US-Iran deal, Israel strikes Beirut and UAE launches AI authority

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, attention turns to implementation after the US and Iran announced a peace agreement and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

World leaders have welcomed the breakthrough, while mediators prepare for a formal signing ceremony and the next phase of negotiations. We also look at the Israel's reaction to the agreement.

In Iraq, Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi cancels a $764 million Baghdad International Airport expansion project over corruption allegations, marking another step in his anti-graft campaign.

The UAE launches a new Artificial Intelligence and Data Authority to oversee national AI strategy, government data management and digital transformation efforts as the country pushes towards delivering half of government services through agentic AI within two years.

And Dubai Customs helps prevent 1.3 tonnes of Tapentadol tablets from reaching illegal markets in Africa, in an international operation involving Interpol and global law enforcement partners.

Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

World Cup round-up: Tunisia thrashed, Iran reach Los Angeles and Egypt & Saudi Arabia kick-off tonight

Tunisia suffered one of the heaviest defeats of the opening round, losing 5-1 to Sweden in Monterrey, in a damaging start to their World Cup campaign.

Yasin Ayari was the story of the night. The Brighton midfielder, born in Sweden to a Tunisian father and Moroccan mother, scored twice. He chose Sweden after Tunisia had tried to convince him to switch allegiance. Ayari did not celebrate his first goal, but celebrated the second. Sweden were emphatic and Tunisia, who did not concede a single goal in qualification, now face a must-win match against Japan.

The Samurai Blue themselves took a point from the Netherlands, in what many are calling the best game of the tournament so far. The teams drew 2-2 in Dallas after Daichi Kamada equalised in the 89th minute. Germany made the biggest statement of the opening round, beating Curacao 7-1, while Ivory Coast's Amad Diallo scored in the 90th minute to see off Ecuador.

Off the pitch, Iran's arrival in Los Angeles has dominated the conversation. Eleven members of the Iranian party, including the team manager, were denied entry to the US, on the same day President Trump announced a peace deal with Iran and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Captain Mehdi Taremi said the tension had undermined Fifa's message of football bringing people together.

For the Arab world, tonight is when the tournament truly begins. Egypt face Belgium at 11pm UAE time, with Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush offering genuine threat on the counter. Saudi Arabia face Uruguay at 2am, with local media evoking the spirit of that famous win over Argentina in Qatar. Meanwhile Qatar have already earned a point, drawing 1-1 with Switzerland, and Morocco were arguably the better side in their 1-1 draw with Brazil, with 18-year-old Ayyoub Bouaddi impressing in midfield.

Spain also begin their campaign tonight against debutants Cape Verde at 8pm UAE time.

Mina Rzouki presents Trending Middle East's World Cup round-up, a daily bonus series from The National for the duration of the tournament.