saw World Cup 2026 knockout-round drama dominate headlines, with Germany, Argentina, Austria, Algeria, and Cape Verde advancing. A major heatwave continued across Europe, breaking temperature records in Germany, Switzerland, and Denmark. Meanwhile, Pakistan-Afghanistan border strikes escalated, Russia-Ukraine drone warfare intensified amid fuel shortages, and Brazil-China economic ties deepened with new panda bond plans.
- Afghanistan: Pakistan carried out airstrikes on June 28-29 in Paktia, Paktika, and Kunar provinces, saying it killed 29 militants and destroyed weapons depots. The Taliban said 38 civilians were killed, including 28 in a single home in Paktia, and warned the attack “will certainly be avenged.” A magnitude 6.1 earthquake also hit the Hindu Kush region on June 27, injuring 20 people.
- Algeria: Algeria drew 3-3 with Austria on June 28 in a World Cup thriller, with Riyad Mahrez scoring in stoppage time before Austria equalized in the 96th minute. The result sent both teams to the Round of 32 and eliminated Iran. Algeria will face Switzerland next.
- Argentina: Argentina beat Jordan 3-1 on June 28 to top Group J, with Lionel Messi scoring his seventh straight World Cup match to extend a record. Argentina now faces World Cup debutants Cape Verde in the Round of 32 on July 3. Economic activity grew 1.6% in April, below forecasts, as mining and agriculture gains were offset by manufacturing weakness.
- Austria: Austria’s 3-3 draw with Algeria on June 28 sent both to the World Cup knockout stage. Marko Arnautovic opened the scoring and Sasa Kalajdzic netted a 96th-minute equalizer. Austria finished 2nd in Group J and will play Spain next.
- Brazil: Brazil defeated Japan 2-1 on June 29 after Gabriel Martinelli’s stoppage-time goal, advancing to the World Cup knockout round. On the economic front, Brazil plans its first-ever panda bond issuance of up to 5 billion yuan ($735M) during a China visit, as Finance Minister Dario Durigan finalizes terms with Beijing.
- Canada: Canada beat South Africa 1-0 on June 29 in the World Cup, with Stephen Eustaquio scoring in the 90th minute. Canada advances to face Netherlands or Morocco on July 4.
- China: China’s June factory activity likely returned to growth with PMI forecast at 50.1, driven by AI-related export demand despite weak domestic consumption. Beijing also declared 2026 the ‘China-Brazil Year of Culture’ and is pushing for a partial Mercosur trade deal as Brazil signals new openness.
- France: A record-breaking heatwave pushed Paris to 40.9°C on June 25, with authorities canceling events and reporting at least 48 drowning deaths since the heat began. French prosecutors also blocked a suspected Russian ‘shadow fleet’ oil tanker off Marseille on Monday.
- Germany: George Russell won the Austrian Grand Prix on June 29, trimming Kimi Antonelli’s F1 championship lead to 40 points. Germany set a new all-time national temperature record of 41.5°C on June 28 as a deadly heatwave moved east, buckling motorways. In the World Cup, German fans eye a potential clash with France after beating Paraguay.
- India: Indian shares slipped 0.46% on June 29 as a 43% monsoon rainfall deficit raised concerns for autos and consumer demand. Germany also lifted airport transit visa requirements for Indian nationals effective June 3, following a January commitment by Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
- Pakistan: Pakistan’s military said it killed 29 militants in border operations on June 28-29, including airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Paktia, Paktika, and Kunar. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the strikes destroyed weapons, while Kabul reported 38 civilian deaths. The escalation follows February’s worst clashes in years.
- Russia: The Kremlin said June 29 its peace conditions remain unchanged since 2024: Ukraine must withdraw from Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia and drop NATO plans. President Putin rejected a Ukrainian proposal to halt long-range strikes, saying Russia’s campaign will continue. Ukrainian drones hit two Russian refineries overnight, worsening fuel shortages that have now reached Moscow.
- Spain: Spain prepares for World Cup Round of 32 after Austria finished 2nd in Group J and was drawn to face them. Cape Verde held Spain 0-0 in the group stage.
- Switzerland: Switzerland recorded its first-ever June temperature above 37°C, hitting 38°C in Basel on June 26 as the European heatwave spread. Switzerland will face Algeria in the World Cup Round of 32.
- Ukraine: President Volodymyr Zelenskiy mocked Russia’s 15 missed deadlines to capture Donbas and said Ukraine hit two Russian oil refineries overnight June 28-29. Fuel shortages are spreading across Russia as Kyiv ramps up drone strikes. Zelenskiy also said the U.S. wants a peace deal by June but Russia rejects all proposals.
- United Kingdom: Britain broke its June temperature record for the third straight day, hitting 36.9°C as a red heat alert covered southern England. Hundreds of schools closed and a teenage boy died after entering a lake.
- United States: The U.S. is pushing Ukraine and Russia to reach a peace deal by June, President Zelenskiy said, with Washington proposing new Miami talks this week. No breakthrough has been reached on territory or security guarantees.
