Trending Middle East

Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score at six different World Cups, netting twice as Portugal beat Uzbekistan 5-0 in Houston. He had gone 10 major tournament matches without a goal before scoring twice in one night. Portugal now have four points in Group K, with Colombia top on six after beating DR Congo 1-0 to seal their place in the last 32. England were held to a goalless draw by Gh...

Lionel Messi is now the greatest scorer in World Cup history. His two goals against Austria in a 2-0 win increase his tally to 18, moving him clear of Miroslav Klose. Messi has five at this tournament, helping Argentina to progress to the knockout stage as Group J winners. Algeria kept their World Cup hopes alive with a 2-1 win over Jordan, coming from behind to score twice from set pieces in the...

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio begins a tour of the Gulf to discuss Washington’s interim agreement with Iran. His meetings in the UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain are expected to focus on the next phase of negotiations, security in the Strait of Hormuz and unresolved issues including the conflict in Lebanon and Iran’s ballistic missile programme. We also have...

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, US and Iranian negotiators agree on a roadmap towards a final peace agreement after their first round of talks in Switzerland. Mediators from Qatar and Pakistan announce new mechanisms to oversee negotiations, monitor the ceasefire in Lebanon and help prevent incidents in the Strait of Hormuz. We also have the latest from Qatar, where an explosion at the...

Egypt made history in Vancouver, beating New Zealand 3-1 to record their first World Cup win, 92 years after becoming the first African and Arab nation to appear at the tournament. A half-time tactical shift transformed the match after Egypt fell behind, with Mohamed Salah scoring his first World Cup goal before Trezeguet headed in a third from Salah's corner. Egypt now top Group G on four points,...

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 no...

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 ne...

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 c...

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 Ghan...

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 Wo...

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 sou...

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 mi...

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 outst...

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...

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 g...

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, President Donald Trump says the US has reached a “great settlement” with Iran and that a formal agreement could be signed within days, potentially leading to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Despite that optimism, tension remains high after US forces intercept two Iranian attack drones that officials say appeared to be targeting commercial shipping...

The 2026 Fifa World Cup opened with a result, record and refereeing performance nobody will forget quickly. Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, with Julian Quinones opening the scoring after just nine minutes before Raul Jimenez headed home a second in the 67th minute. The match will be remembered as much for what happened off the ball as on it. Brazilian referee Wil...

The Fifa World Cup 2026 is here, and Trending Middle East is covering every match day. Join sports journalist Mina Rzouki for your daily morning roundup of results, highlights, and the moments that matter, with a special focus on the Arab teams. New episode drops every weekday for the full tournament.

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, the US has carried out a second consecutive night of strikes on Iran, while President Donald Trump warns Tehran to accept a deal or face further military action. Iran responded with attacks on US military targets in the region, prompting security alerts in Bahrain and the temporary closure of Kuwaiti airspace. At the UN, Iran says no sustainable agreemen...

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, Iran says it launched attacks on US military targets across the region in response to American strikes near the Strait of Hormuz. US officials say most incoming missiles and drones were intercepted. Israel orders residents to leave parts of the southern Lebanese city of Tyre, including its Christian quarter, as military operations intensify and air strik...

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, Iran and Israel halt attacks against each other after the heaviest exchange of strikes in weeks, but fighting continues in Lebanon. We also look at signs of a new phase in the regional conflict, as Yemen’s Houthi rebels resume operations against Israel. An Iran-backed Iraqi militia warns it could attack US interests if Washington "intervenes in the war"....

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, a fragile regional ceasefire comes under renewed pressure after Israel launches strikes across Iran in response to overnight Iranian missile and drone attacks. Several neighbouring countries respond by tightening security measures, with Iraq closing its airspace, Syria suspending flights in parts of the country and Jordan activating air-raid sirens. US P...

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, the latest ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel faces an early test as Iran and Hezbollah insist any lasting agreement must include a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory. We also look at mounting pressure on Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport, where US military aircraft are occupying large parts of the country’s main aviation hub, disrupting operati...

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, Kuwait releases CCTV footage it says shows a missile striking Kuwait International Airport, as authorities expel Iranian diplomats and step up their response to the attack. Lebanon and Israel said they agreed to implement a ceasefire after negotiations in Washington aimed at ending months of fighting, although violence continues on the ground and Iran in...

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, Iran launches missile and drone attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait and civilian shipping in the Gulf, while US forces intercept projectiles and carry out strikes on an Iranian military site on Qeshm Island. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says any peace agreement will require Iran to accept long-term limits on its nuclear programme, with further negotiations e...