DALLAS, Texas — Two of European football’s traditional powerhouses will collide on Tuesday when France and Spain meet in the semifinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 3:00 p.m. local time.

The highly anticipated encounter will feature two teams in outstanding form, each seeking a place in the World Cup final after impressive runs through the knockout stages.

France enters the semifinal riding a five-match winning streak. Didier Deschamps’ side advanced to the last four with a convincing 2-0 victory over Morocco in the quarterfinals after defeating Paraguay 1-0 in the Round of 16. Les Bleus also enjoyed a dominant group stage, beating Sweden 3-0, Norway 4-1, and Iraq 3-0 to emerge as one of the tournament’s most consistent teams.

Spain also arrives in Dallas with confidence, having displayed its trademark possession-based football throughout the tournament. The Spaniards will be aiming to continue their recent success against France in major international competitions.

Recent history favors Spain. La Roja defeated France 5-4 in the semifinals of the 2025 UEFA Nations League before eliminating Les Bleus again with a 2-1 victory in the semifinals of UEFA Euro 2024. France’s most recent victory over Spain came in the 2021 UEFA Nations League final, when it claimed a 2-1 win in Milan.

Overall, the two nations have met nine times in recent years, with Spain winning three matches, France winning one, and five encounters ending in draws, highlighting how evenly matched the rivalry has been.

Tuesday’s semifinal promises to showcase some of the world’s finest football talent, with France relying on its pace, athleticism, and clinical finishing, while Spain looks to control possession and dictate the tempo through its technical midfield.

The winner will advance to the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final, moving one step closer to lifting football’s most prestigious trophy. The losing side will see its championship aspirations come to an end after what has been an impressive campaign.

With recent history, world-class talent, and a place in the final at stake, fans can expect another memorable chapter in one of international football’s premier rivalries when France and Spain take the field in Dallas on Tuesday afternoon.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A federal judge has voided a controversial settlement between President Donald Trump and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that would have granted sweeping protections from tax audits and initially established a nearly $1.8 billion government fund, according to multiple news reports and posts by major news organizations on social media.

According to Reuters, the Associated Press, The Guardian, and other news outlets, U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams ruled that the settlement had no legitimate legal basis because the parties involved were not genuinely adverse, a constitutional requirement for civil litigation.

The agreement stemmed from Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS over the unauthorized disclosure of his tax returns. As part of the settlement, the Justice Department had agreed to permanently shield Trump, his family, and affiliated businesses from IRS audits related to past tax filings. The original agreement also proposed creating a government-funded “Anti-Weaponization Fund” worth approximately $1.8 billion, though that provision was later abandoned following bipartisan criticism.

In her 56-page ruling, Judge Williams concluded that the lawsuit was filed for an “improper purpose” and appeared designed to use the federal courts to legitimize an agreement that would confer extraordinary legal benefits on the president and his affiliated entities. She ruled that the settlement cannot be relied upon in future judicial or regulatory proceedings.

The judge also referred Trump’s attorney, Alejandro Brito, along with senior Justice Department officials involved in approving the agreement, to state bar authorities for potential ethics investigations. In addition, attorney Daniel Epstein was suspended from practicing before the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida for one year because of his role in the litigation.

The ruling does not revive Trump’s original lawsuit against the IRS, which had already been withdrawn, but it nullifies the settlement and removes any legal effect it may have had. Legal analysts say the decision raises fresh questions about presidential authority, the separation of powers, and the limits of executive influence over federal agencies.

The White House and Trump’s legal team had not issued a detailed response to the ruling at the time of publication. The decision is expected to intensify legal and political scrutiny of the administration’s handling of the settlement and could lead to additional disciplinary proceedings involving attorneys connected to the case.

BIDDEFORD, Maine — Demonstrators protesting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) gathered outside the Maine office of Senator Susan Collins after a fatal shooting involving an ICE agent in Biddeford sparked outrage and renewed debate over federal immigration enforcement.

According to videos circulating on social media, dozens of protesters assembled outside the senator’s office, calling for increased oversight of ICE operations and demanding accountability following the deadly incident. Protesters carried signs and chanted slogans criticizing the agency’s enforcement tactics.

Witnesses told local media that the shooting occurred after ICE agents surrounded a vehicle and repeatedly ordered the driver to exit. According to witness accounts, several commands were issued before multiple gunshots rang out. The sounds of the gunfire were also captured on nearby surveillance video that has since circulated on social media.

Authorities have not yet released a complete account of the incident, and officials are continuing to investigate the circumstances that led to the shooting. It remains unclear what prompted the use of deadly force or whether the individual inside the vehicle was armed.

The fatal encounter has intensified scrutiny of ICE operations and prompted demonstrations in parts of Maine, with protesters urging elected officials, including Senator Collins, to take action regarding federal immigration enforcement policies.

Law enforcement officials have asked the public to allow investigators to complete their review before drawing conclusions about the events leading up to the shooting. Authorities are expected to examine surveillance footage, witness statements, and other evidence as part of the investigation.

As of publication, ICE had not released a detailed public statement regarding the incident, and Senator Collins had not publicly commented on the protests outside her office. Officials are expected to provide additional information as the investigation progresses.

TEHRAN, Iran — Unverified reports circulating online have claimed that former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has been placed under house arrest by Iranian authorities over alleged secret dealings with Israel as part of a purported plan to install him as the country’s new leader.

As of publication, Iranian authorities have not officially confirmed the reports, and no credible independent evidence has emerged to substantiate the claims.

The reports, which have spread widely on social media and some online news platforms, allege that the Iranian regime imposed restrictions on Ahmadinejad following accusations of undisclosed contacts with Israel. However, the claims remain unverified and have not been corroborated by internationally recognized news organizations.

Ahmadinejad served as Iran’s president from 2005 to 2013 and has frequently been at odds with Iran’s political establishment since leaving office. In recent years, he has openly criticized government policies and, at times, challenged decisions made by the country’s leadership, prompting speculation about his political future.

Iran’s political system is led by Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who replaces his father, who was killed in a join US- Israeli strikes, while the president oversees the executive branch within the framework established by the country’s constitution. Major developments involving senior political figures are typically announced through official government channels or confirmed by state media.

Political analysts caution that reports concerning internal Iranian politics often emerge amid periods of heightened regional tensions and should be treated carefully until verified by multiple credible sources.

At the time of publication, there has been no official statement from Ahmadinejad, his representatives, or Iranian authorities addressing the allegations. The circumstances surrounding the reported house arrest and the claims of secret dealings with Israel therefore remain unconfirmed.

TAMPA, Fla. — The United States military has announced that it employed one-way attack sea drones in combat for the first time, targeting an Iranian naval facility at Bandar Abbas as part of its latest operations in the escalating confrontation with Iran.

According to a statement posted by the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) on X, three unmanned Corsair surface drones struck a submarine and ship maintenance facility at Iran’s Bandar Abbas Naval Base. CENTCOM said the operation marked the first combat use of attack sea drones by American forces.

CENTCOM stated that the strike was intended to degrade Iran’s ability to continue attacks against commercial shipping transiting the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important maritime corridors. The military said the operation formed part of a broader campaign targeting Iranian military infrastructure, including air defense systems, coastal radar sites, missile and drone capabilities, and small naval vessels.

Bandar Abbas, located on Iran’s southern coast along the Strait of Hormuz, serves as one of the country’s principal naval bases and is home to facilities supporting both surface vessels and submarines. Military analysts consider the base a key component of Iran’s maritime operations in the Persian Gulf.

The introduction of unmanned surface vessels into offensive combat operations represents a significant development in modern naval warfare. The Corsair platform, developed by U.S.-based defense technology company Saronic, had previously been employed in non-combat missions, including a rescue operation involving downed U.S. Army helicopter personnel earlier this year.

The latest strike comes amid intensifying military exchanges between Washington and Tehran over security in the Strait of Hormuz. The United States has repeatedly stated that it will act to preserve freedom of navigation through the waterway. At the same time, Iran has maintained that it can disrupt maritime traffic in response to military pressure.

Iranian authorities had not immediately issued a detailed public response to the reported strike at the time of publication. The latest developments are expected to heighten concerns over regional security and global energy markets, as the Strait of Hormuz remains a critical route for international oil and gas shipments.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. President Donald Trump has said the United States will “probably run” the Strait of Hormuz as tensions with Iran continue to escalate over control of one of the world’s most strategically important waterways.

According to a post by CBS News on X, President Trump made the remarks as the United States and Iran continue to exchange attacks, raising concerns about security in the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow shipping lane through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes.

Trump’s comments come amid heightened military tensions in the Persian Gulf, where concerns have grown over the safety of international shipping and the potential impact of continued hostilities on global energy markets.

The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, serves as a critical maritime chokepoint connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Any disruption to navigation through the waterway could have significant consequences for global oil exports, energy prices, and international trade.

According to the CBS News post, Trump’s remarks suggest the United States could take a leading role in ensuring freedom of navigation through the strategic passage should the conflict with Iran continue to intensify.

Iran has long maintained that it can restrict or close the Strait of Hormuz in response to military or economic pressure, while the United States has repeatedly affirmed its commitment to keeping the waterway open for international commerce.

Military analysts warn that any prolonged confrontation in the Strait of Hormuz could heighten regional instability and increase risks for commercial shipping, prompting renewed calls from the international community for restraint and diplomatic engagement.

The latest developments underscore growing concerns that continued exchanges between Washington and Tehran could further destabilize the Middle East and threaten one of the world’s most vital energy transit routes.

BAMAKO, Mali — The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, on Monday visited the headquarters of the African Union Mission for Mali and the Sahel (MISAHEL) in Bamako, where he reaffirmed the continental body’s commitment to promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development across Mali and the wider Sahel region.

According to a statement posted on the African Union’s official X account, Chairperson Youssouf was received by the AU High Representative for Mali and the Sahel, H.E. Mamadou Tangara, along with members of the Mission’s staff.

During the visit, the Chairperson expressed his appreciation for the warm reception extended to him and praised the professionalism, dedication, and commitment of MISAHEL personnel in carrying out the African Union’s mandate in one of the continent’s most challenging regions.

According to the statement, Youssouf emphasized that his visit underscored the African Union’s continued solidarity with the Government and people of the Republic of Mali. He also reaffirmed the African Union Commission’s unwavering support for MISAHEL as it implements its mandate to foster peace, stability, dialogue, and sustainable development throughout Mali and the broader Sahel.

The Chairperson noted that strengthening regional peace and security remains a key priority for the African Union as the Sahel continues to face security threats, humanitarian challenges, and political transitions that require coordinated continental and international responses.

H.E. Mamadou Tangara welcomed the Chairperson’s visit, describing it as a strong demonstration of the African Union Commission’s confidence in the Mission and its work. Together with the Mission’s staff, Tangara expressed gratitude for the Chairperson’s engagement and reaffirmed MISAHEL’s commitment to advancing the AU’s objectives in Mali and across the Sahel.

The visit comes as the African Union continues to deepen its diplomatic engagement in the Sahel, working alongside regional and international partners to promote political dialogue, support governance reforms, strengthen peacebuilding efforts, and encourage sustainable development in a region facing persistent instability.

MISAHEL serves as the African Union’s principal mission in the Sahel, coordinating political engagement and supporting initiatives aimed at addressing the complex security, governance, and development challenges confronting the region.

MOSCOW — Ukraine launched another wave of overnight drone attacks on Russian territory, triggering explosions in a residential area near the Russian capital and igniting a large fire in southern Russia, according to Al Jazeera.

Surveillance footage circulating on social media captured a powerful explosion in a neighborhood outside Moscow, where local authorities said Ukrainian drones targeted multiple locations. Russian officials reported that air defense systems intercepted several drones, although debris from the attacks reportedly caused damage to residential buildings and other infrastructure.

In southern Russia, another Ukrainian strike reportedly sparked a significant fire at an energy-related facility, adding to a growing campaign by Kyiv aimed at disrupting Russia’s military logistics and fuel supplies. Emergency crews worked through the night to contain the blaze, while authorities assessed the extent of the damage.

According to Al Jazeera, Ukraine has increasingly relied on long-range drones to strike strategic targets deep inside Russian territory. The campaign is intended to weaken Russia’s ability to sustain military operations by targeting oil depots, fuel storage sites, transportation networks, and other infrastructure supporting the war effort.

Russian officials condemned the attacks as acts of terrorism and said their air defense systems intercepted hundreds of drones in recent operations. Ukraine has not publicly commented on every reported strike but has consistently maintained that attacks inside Russia are directed at military and logistical targets rather than civilians.

The latest attacks come as the conflict continues to intensify, with both Russia and Ukraine carrying out increasingly sophisticated long-range strikes. While Russia continues missile and drone attacks across Ukrainian cities, Kyiv has expanded its use of domestically produced drones to reach targets hundreds of kilometers inside Russian territory.

Military analysts say the growing frequency of Ukrainian drone operations underscores the evolving nature of the war, where unmanned aerial systems have become central to both offensive and defensive strategies. As both sides seek to gain a strategic advantage, civilian communities on either side of the border remain vulnerable to the expanding reach of the conflict.

For many, independence represented more than a new flag or a seat at the United Nations. It represented hope. Hope that generations of war would finally give way to peace. Hope that oil wealth would finance schools instead of soldiers. Hope that children would know classrooms instead of refugee camps. Hope that the world’s youngest country would become one of Africa’s greatest success stories.

Fifteen years later, that hope has largely given way to profound disappointment.

South Sudan today continues to grapple with political instability, economic hardship, humanitarian crises, displacement, corruption, and recurring violence. Millions depend on humanitarian assistance. Large numbers remain internally displaced or refugees in neighboring countries. Basic public services remain inadequate despite the country’s enormous natural resources.

The painful question must now be asked: What went wrong?

Many external factors have undoubtedly complicated South Sudan’s journey. Regional tensions, fluctuating oil prices, climate change, devastating floods, international interference, and weak institutions have all played their part. These realities cannot simply be ignored.

Yet it would be intellectually dishonest to place primary blame on outsiders.

The greatest responsibility lies with South Sudan’s own political leadership.

Winning the War Is Different from Governing a Nation

The men who led South Sudan’s liberation struggle deserve recognition for helping secure independence after decades of conflict with Sudan.

But leading a liberation movement and governing a country require fundamentally different skills.

Liberation movements operate through military command structures where loyalty, battlefield strategy, and defeating an enemy are paramount.

Governments operate through institutions, accountability, compromise, transparency, and service delivery.

Unfortunately, much of South Sudan’s political elite has struggled to make that transition.

Too often, politics has remained an extension of wartime thinking.

Political disagreements become existential conflicts.

Opponents become enemies rather than rivals.

Power-sharing agreements become temporary ceasefires instead of genuine political settlements.

National institutions remain weak because personal loyalties frequently outweigh constitutional principles.

The result has been recurring instability that has robbed ordinary South Sudanese of the peace they sacrificed so much to achieve.

Independence Cannot Be the Final Achievement

For too long, South Sudan’s leaders have relied on the moral authority earned during the liberation struggle.

But independence is not a lifetime governing credential.

Each generation of leaders must earn legitimacy through performance.

Citizens ultimately judge governments not by what they accomplished fifteen or thirty years ago, but by whether today’s children can attend school, whether hospitals function, whether roads connect communities, whether investors feel safe, and whether families can live without fear of violence.

These are the measures by which successful governments are remembered.

On those measures, South Sudan has fallen far short of its enormous potential.

Africa Wanted South Sudan to Succeed

South Sudan’s independence was not merely a national event.

It was an African triumph.

The entire continent celebrated because many saw South Sudan as proof that decades of suffering could finally produce peace and self-determination.

Today, many of those same supporters watch with sadness.

Instead of becoming a model for post-conflict reconstruction, South Sudan has become a cautionary tale of how political divisions can squander historic opportunities.

That disappointment is shared not only by the international community but also by countless South Sudanese citizens whose dreams remain unfulfilled.

There Is Still Time to Change Course

Despite everything, South Sudan is not beyond redemption.

Its people remain resilient.

Its natural resources remain significant.

Its youthful population represents enormous potential.

Peace agreements, though fragile, provide a foundation upon which genuine national reconciliation can still be built.

But this will require leaders willing to embrace a different political culture.

The country does not need commanders preparing for the next political battle.

It needs statesmen preparing for the next generation.

It needs leaders who place institutions above personalities, national unity above ethnic politics, economic development above political survival, and public service above personal enrichment.

Most importantly, it needs leaders who finally recognize that governing requires different instincts than fighting a war.

The Next Fifteen Years

As South Sudan marks fifteen years of independence, there is certainly reason to honor those who sacrificed their lives so the nation could exist.

But celebration without reflection serves no one.

The greatest tribute to those who fought for independence would not be another military parade or commemorative speech.

It would be building the peaceful, prosperous, and united nation they envisioned.

History will remember South Sudan’s liberation heroes for winning independence.

It will remember today’s leaders for what they do with that independence.

The tragedy of South Sudan is not that it won its freedom. The tragedy is that fifteen years later, too many of its citizens are still waiting to experience the peace, stability, and opportunity that freedom was supposed to bring. Until the country’s political leadership fully transitions from the mindset of liberation to the responsibilities of governance, the promise of July 9, 2011, will remain an aspiration rather than a reality.

LOS ANGELES — Spain will look to continue their impressive run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup when they face Belgium in the quarterfinals on Friday at Los Angeles Stadium.

The European heavyweights arrive in the last eight with momentum firmly on their side after a series of commanding performances throughout the tournament. Spain have won four of their five World Cup matches, drawing only once, and have yet to concede a goal since their opening fixture.

Spain booked their place in the quarterfinals with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Portugal in the Round of 16 after defeating Austria 3-0 in the Round of 32. During the group stage, they beat Uruguay 1-0 and Saudi Arabia 4-0 before opening their campaign with a scoreless draw against Cabo Verde.

The Spanish attack has been clinical, while their defense has emerged as one of the tournament’s strongest, allowing them to enter the quarterfinal full of confidence.

History also favors Spain.

In five previous meetings between the two nations, Spain have won every encounter against Belgium, giving them a perfect 5-0 record in the rivalry.

The most recent meeting came during 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying when Spain overwhelmed Belgium 5-0 in A Coruña on September 5, 2009. Earlier in that qualifying campaign, Spain claimed a 2-1 victory in Brussels.

The Spaniards also defeated Belgium twice during qualification for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, winning 2-0 both home and away. Their first World Cup meeting dates back to the 1990 tournament in Italy, where Spain earned a 2-1 victory in the group stage.

Head-to-Head Record

• Spain wins: 5
• Belgium wins: 0
• Draws: 0

While history heavily favors Spain, Belgium will be hoping to rewrite the script by reaching the semifinals with their first-ever victory over the Spanish national team.

With both nations boasting talented squads and a place in the World Cup semifinals at stake, Friday’s showdown promises to be one of the marquee matches of the tournament.

Spain will seek to extend both their unbeaten tournament run and their perfect record against Belgium, while the Red Devils will attempt to end decades of frustration and produce one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.