ATLANTA — FIFA has defended the controversial VAR decision that disallowed Germany’s extra-time goal against Paraguay, saying referees were correctly applying stricter instructions designed to protect goalkeepers. Germany thought it had taken a 2-1 lead in extra time of Monday’s World Cup round-of-32 match when Jonathan Tah headed home from a corner, only for the goal to be ruled out after a video review. VAR determined that Germany defender Waldemar Anton had fouled Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill by impeding him before the header, despite replays showing only minimal contact. Germany eventually lost 4-3 in a penalty shootout, with Tah missing…
Author: Editorial Team
SHARJAH, 1st July, 2026 (WAM) — The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) discussed plans to organise reciprocal trade missions between the emirate of Sharjah and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. The move aims to strengthen direct business-to-business engagement and expand investment cooperation, reinforcing SCCI’s role in facilitating international trade missions and fostering sustainable economic partnerships that contribute to comprehensive development in both friendly countries. The high-level discussion took place during a meeting convened at the Sharjah Chamber’s headquarters, where Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI, received Zerihun Megersa, Consul-General of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.…
As Etihad Rail rolls out its introductory passenger services in the UAE, the network has released comprehensive travel guidelines to help passengers navigate the new service. The initial route will connect Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, with six daily trips — three in each direction. With over 10,000 tickets sold, UAE residents are flocking to take a ride on the country’s first rail network. For those who are planning to take the train, shuttle buses are available at Abu Dhabi’s Mohamed Bin Zayed City Station and go towards three destinations. The service has to be reserved when booking the train tickets…
DOHA — Iran and the United States held technical talks in Doha on Wednesday as they seek to agree on the flow of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and secure a lasting ceasefire, a source with direct knowledge of the talks and an Iranian official said. US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and envoy Steve Witkoff met Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani to lay groundwork for the negotiations, but would not be attending the discussions themselves, the source with direct knowledge of the talks said. The talks are based…
The Indian embassy in the UAE has revealed further details regarding offering consular services, saying that it will offer them in limited manners from Thursday, July 2 onwards, citing administrative reasons. Limited Consular services (Passport, Visa, Attestation & Miscellaneous services) will be provided by the embassy and the Consulate General of India on a walk-in basis, following the first-come-first-serve principle from 9am to 12.30pm, the mission said in a statment. To help applicants plan ahead and to avoid crowding, the embassy stated that no one others that those applying will be allowed to enter the premisses of the embassy or…
MEXICO CITY — Mexico ended a 40-year wait for a World Cup knockout-stage victory, defeating Ecuador 2-0 on Tuesday to reach the Round of 16 and spark celebrations across the country. Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez scored within nine first-half minutes as El Tri finally broke the hoodoo that had seen them eliminated in seven consecutive knockout-stage matches since their last victory at the 1986 World Cup on home soil. Mexico will face the winner of Wednesday’s match between England and Congo in the Round of 16, again at the iconic Estadio Azteca. “It means a lot to me because…
SHARJAH, 1st July, 2026 (WAM) — Souq Al Jubail has launched the 11th edition of the Souq Al Jubail Dates Festival, welcoming visitors to a seasonal celebration of the UAE’s rich date-growing heritage. Running until 15th September, the festival forms part of the market’s ongoing efforts to support local producers, stimulate commercial activity, and reinforce its position as one of Sharjah’s leading family and retail destinations. This year’s edition brings together a strong line-up of dates retailers from within Souq Al Jubail, alongside a number of external exhibitors, offering visitors a wide selection of premium fresh dates that are in…
ATLANTA — Harry Kane struck twice in the second half as England came from behind to beat Congo 2-1 on Wednesday, booking a place in the Round of 16 and avoiding a shock World Cup exit. The England captain rescued the 1966 champions after Brian Cipenga’s early goal had put tournament debutants Congo on course for one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history. England will now face co-host Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca in the Round of 16. “It was just about pounding the rock, keep pounding the rock and our moment would come,” Kane said after…
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — France’s devastating attacking quartet of Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola is emerging as the most feared frontline at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Les Bleus strengthening their credentials as title favorites. “Their four up front is the best in the competition by far,” Norway coach Ståle Solbakken said. France became the first team to score at least three goals in five consecutive World Cup matches after beating Sweden 3-0 in the Round of 32 on Tuesday, booking a last-16 clash with Paraguay. The 2018 champions, who finished runners-up to Argentina in…
DUBAI, 1st July, 2026 (WAM) — Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), recently held discussions with Jose Luis Manzanares Abasolo, CEO of Ayesa Engineering. The meeting focused on forging new avenues for strategic collaboration across engineering, technology, and infrastructure development to advance Dubai’s sustainability vision and energy transition roadmap. Al Tayer showcased DEWA’s pioneering initiatives in clean and renewable energy, which are continuously enhancing the emirate’s electricity and water infrastructure in alignment with the highest international benchmarks. He further underscored DEWA’s extensive, proven expertise across the entire energy and water value chain…