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The PlanNorway manager Ståle Solbakken's approach is focused on effective football, with a 4-3-3 formation and flexible tactics. The team has improved their style of play, with a focus on ball-playing defenders and utilizing their X-factor players, such as Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard.The CoachStåle Solbakken, a product of the northern European football school, has been Norway's manager since 2020. He has a pragmatic approach, focusing on results, and has led the team to their first major tournament since Euro 2000.Star PlayerErling Haaland is Norway's leading goalscorer and a key player for the team. He has surpassed Jørgen Juve's record of 33 goals for Norway, scoring 34 goals in 36 appearances.One to WatchAntonio Nusa, a 21-year-old winger, has idolized Neymar and has similar skills on the pitch. He has released his own book, a manual for children who dream of becoming top footballers.Unsung HeroSander Berge, a midfielder for Fulham, provides vital balance for Norway behind their talented frontline. He offers composure on the ball and the ability to cover space.Probable Starting XIThe probable starting XI for Norway features a mix of experienced and young players, including Haaland, Ødegaard, and Nusa.

The Lead: Spain's Coaching Philosophy Finally Gains Recognition As Spain prepares for the World Cup, national team coach Luis de la Fuente reflects on the journey that took him from teaching in the Spanish federation's classrooms to leading his country to European Championship glory. The coach who never played for the senior national team has overseen a generation of Spanish football that has produced some of the world's most successful coaches and players. The Coaching Classroom: Where Spain's Football Leaders Are Born On the ground floor of the Spanish football federation's headquarters in Las Rozas are two classrooms covered with photos of everyone who has played for la selección. More than 800 men are there, but Luis de la Fuente's picture is missing—his international playing career only took him as far as the under-21s. This is where he taught; it is also, he says, where he learned, his pupils not alone in going on to big things. De la Fuente spent three years teaching at the federation from 2017, while also coaching Spain's under-19s and under-21s. He taught two subjects on the federation's Uefa pro licence coaching course: the evolution of football and team building. In his classes sat future coaching greats including Lionel Scaloni, Xabi Alonso, Xavi Hernández, and Raúl—names that would go on to shape football at the highest levels. The Global Impact of Spanish Coaches From Spain it was not only Fabián Ruiz, David Raya and Martín Zubimendi who were in Budapest recently but also the managers: Luis Enrique, De la Fuente's predecessor, and Mikel Arteta. The week before, Unai Emery lifted the Europa League. Pep Guardiola bade farewell as perhaps the most influential coach the Premier League has had. And Xabi Alonso has been appointed at Chelsea, Andoni Iraola at Liverpool. "This is a process that goes back a long time; at last it seems people are starting to appreciate it," De la Fuente says. "That appreciation should have happened ages ago. With trophies, it becomes more visible but the development, the way it is structured and conducted, the work done by coaching schools at regional and national federations, was always an example to everyone." The Philosophy of Teaching Football "It would be easy to now say Scaloni stood out but it is true that there were some who had something a bit different," De la Fuente reflects. "That restlessness, how they would challenge you: 'I don't see it.' Scaloni debated everything, argued. We're similar too, a parallel in our paths. He starts at the under-20s, then made his way into the senior squad and won it all. He had to, we both did: it was win, win, win, win, because if we hadn't..." Within six years teacher and pupil would be European and South American champions respectively. Those successes should have brought a class reunion at the Finalissima in Qatar but war forced postponement. "Two don't play if one doesn't want to; we were mad keen to play," De la Fuente says. "It was a pity. I don't think politics will be a problem this summer: football is something that can bring people together of all creeds, ideologies, races and religions." The Future: Spain's World Cup Ambitions "Who would have thought it?" De la Fuente asks, reflecting on his journey to the senior national team. His first big senior job came past 60, having worked in Spain's youth structure for a decade. Scaloni, 40 when thrust into the seniors, hadn't worked at a club. "Life provides these moments. And nothing was given to us for free. It's all through work, work and more work..." "In the end, sporting success is fleeting. But I remember my teachers... So when I had the chance to work at the RFEF [federation], I thought: it's my job to shape people." With Spain heading to the World Cup as one of the favorites, De la Fuente's philosophy of developing both players and coaches continues to bear fruit on the world stage.

The Scale of the 2026 World Cup The 2026 World Cup is set to be an event like no other, with 104 matches played across 16 venues in three different countries and three different time zones. This sheer scale will make it a unique experience for both players and fans. Challenges of Hosting in North America Hosting the World Cup in North America will be a massive undertaking, given the vastness of the continent. The landmass of England could fit comfortably into the state of Georgia, illustrating the enormous distances teams will have to travel. For instance, traveling from the East Coast to the West Coast of the United States can take over 2,500 miles, which is equivalent to flying from New York to Los Angeles. This will not only be a challenge for teams but also for fans who will have to navigate these long distances, often at significant personal cost. Impact on Teams and Players Teams will have to contend with crossing time zones, adapting to varying altitudes, and dealing with extreme heat and humidity. For example, teams playing in Mexico City or Monterrey will have to acclimate to high altitudes, which can affect performance. Additionally, the heat and humidity in cities like Kansas City, Missouri, where England will be based, can be oppressive. These conditions will require teams to adapt quickly and manage their resources effectively. Team Preparations and Expectations Several top teams have set up their bases in the host countries, with England choosing Kansas City, Missouri. Spain are favorites due to their possession-based style, which will suit the conditions they will face. England, with key players like Declan Rice and Harry Kane, also have a strong chance. Other contenders include France, Argentina, and the Netherlands, who have a strong squad and experienced coach Ronald Koeman. The Dark Horses and Host Nation Advantages Teams like Senegal, Japan, and the Netherlands are considered dark horses. The host nations, including the USA, Mexico, and Canada, will also have an advantage, particularly when playing in front of their home fans. For example, Mexico's passionate fans will create a formidable atmosphere, making it tough for opposing teams to secure victories. The Fan Experience The fan experience will be a significant aspect of the tournament, with hardcore fans, known as the American outlaws, expected to bring their passion and energy to the matches. The unique fanbase of the USA, with their live bands and drums, will add to the excitement of the tournament. Overall, the 2026 World Cup promises to be an unforgettable experience for both players and fans alike.

The Rise of Tech-Savvy Farmers in KenyaKericho County, Kenya – A typical Saturday morning starts before sunrise for Chepkorir Rotich, a farmer in Kiboito village in western Kenya's Kericho County. By then, Rotich has already milked her cows and sold the milk, fed her chickens, and headed back to pluck vegetables for orders already placed. Her work starts this way every day, and she does it with passion.When the 33-year-old mother of two left college more than a decade ago, she was excited and ready to join the formal employment sector and secure a full-time job."I thought I would be employed as a business administrator, but after looking for a job for too long, I accepted contract offers in three different companies," she says. "The highest paid me about $200 in a month. While living in Nairobi, that wasn't enough."From Job Seekers to Agricultural EntrepreneursA lack of white-collar jobs has kept young Kenyans like Rotich out of employment, leaving them to innovate ways to survive and earn a living. In doing so, many youths have resorted to agriculture and other fields, with many using digital as well as vocational skills to stay ahead of the game.Digital Transformation of Kenyan AgricultureRotich, for example, uses social media to market her produce and to learn how to practice agriculture using modern methods. Social media helps her share knowledge with young people who comprise a large portion of her nearly 50,000 followers. She also runs a YouTube channel where she shares her knowledge of farming.The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) reports that the average African farmer is 60 years old, something Rotich refutes, saying the presumed age of farmers has made many young people shun agriculture instead of embracing it as a way to earn a living going into the future."I think the reason they say that is because of access to land on which to do agriculture, which is mostly owned by older people," Rotich tells Al Jazeera. "In my case, I started farming in the compound of my rented house, and by the end of each month, my landlord owed me money after settling the rent because I sold him milk and vegetables. So, it's all about passion and consistency among the youth."Kiringai Kamau, a lecturer at the University of Nairobi with expertise in agricultural economics, agribusiness, and food systems, says young people should take up agriculture as full-time employment since they are the ones who can effectively understand and deploy technology."To do this, we have established the devolution agroecology and AI learning centre in Murang'a University, where we will be pushing to have the centre train the youth who will be going into agriculture to be able to link with the agricultural data ecosystem, deriving from the infrastructure that will be provided, and also giving information to the county and country, and any other professionals that may be interested in data coming there," he tells Al Jazeera.Derrick Ngigi, the technical head at Global Open Data for Agriculture and Nutrition (GODAN), says that while youth are embracing agriculture, technology also plays a role in providing them with opportunities."For example, content creation in agriculture brings a lot of opportunities, such as creating content around modern farming methods, which has been generating revenue for the youth," Ngigi says.AI Tools Revolutionizing Farming PracticesAbout five kilometres outside Kiboito, at Kaptoroi village, Geoffrey Kiprop is busy cleaning his cowshed after feeding his cattle for the early morning. The 32-year-old earned a bachelor's degree in information technology in 2017 but has never secured formal employment.Like Rotich, Kiprop has been surviving on contract work, such as jobs doing systems development and maintenance for schools. He says that the highest-paid contract was for 15,000 Kenyan shillings ($116). But now, he makes about 7,000 Kenyan shillings ($54) a day through farming.Kiprop also practices mixed farming, rearing cows for milk and chickens for eggs and meat, while also planting crops such as tea, coffee, capsicum, cabbage, and beans.He uses modern technologies to raise his crops and livestock and takes advantage of his IT training, which he utilises to ensure maximum profits.Examples of the tools he uses include the Plantix app, which he says helps detect crop disease and malnutrition using AI after he simply takes a photo of the crop and uploads it. The app also gives the farmer the weather forecast and the best crop practices to perform in line with current weather conditions."My favourite is the Virtual Agronomist. This is an AI-enabled platform where I use Google Maps to capture the coordinates of my crop field and then specify the types of crops I am growing," Kiprop explains. "In return, the Virtual Agronomist will enable me to know the size of the plots under farming. It also generates a nutrient plan by sampling the soil in the farm, guiding me in what the soil is missing in terms of nutrients and the exact amount to add," he tells Al Jazeera.For his cows, Kiprop also uses an AI tool to manage their health and production."Also, I use the Digicow app, which assists the farmer in managing dairy farm practices by tracking all the day-to-day activities in the dairy farm, which includes recording the amount of milk sold and used by the farmer, dairy inputs like feed and health practices, thus allowing the farmer to know if he's making a profit or not," Kiprop says.Financial Benefits of Tech-Enhanced FarmingBoth Rotich and Kiprop demonstrate that farming with AI tools can be more financially rewarding than traditional employment paths for educated young Kenyans. While contract work offered Rotich a maximum of $200 per month and Kiprop's highest contract paid 15,000 Kenyan shillings ($116), Kiprop now earns approximately 7,000 Kenyan shillings ($54) daily through his tech-enhanced farming operations.The Future of Agriculture in KenyaBoth Rotich and Kiprop agree on one thing: agriculture also comes with its own challenges, and one has to be deeply passionate and consistent to make something out of it."Consistency is key," says Rotich. "It's something that many young people lack, and they quit very early before they can break even and realise profits. One has to do things many times to be able to finally get it and learn from the mistakes made before."

Lead: A Fresh Set of Chess‑Inspired Brain TeasersToday the Guardian presents four quirky chess puzzles, curated by We Solve Problems, a UK charity that runs free maths circles for secondary‑school students. The puzzles range from graph‑theoretic parity proofs to knight’s tours, inviting readers to engage with mathematics through the lens of chess.Odd‑Numbered Games: Proving an Even Count of PlayersThe first puzzle asks participants to demonstrate that in any tournament where some players have played an odd number of games, the number of such players must be even. This classic result stems from the handshaking lemma in graph theory, where each game contributes two to the total degree sum.Knight’s Tour Challenge: From Bottom‑Right to Top‑LeftThe second puzzle explores whether a knight can start on the bottom‑right corner of an 8×8 board, visit every square exactly once, and finish on the top‑left corner. While a closed knight’s tour exists, the specific start‑end constraint makes the problem a subtle variation that tests spatial reasoning.Pawn Promotion Loop: Minimal Moves to Return HomeThe third puzzle asks for the fewest moves required for a pawn to leave its starting square, promote to a queen, and then travel back to its original position, assuming both players cooperate. Solving it involves coordinating pawn advancement, promotion, and a reverse queen’s path.Four‑Knight Swap on an Irregular GridThe final puzzle presents a strangely‑shaped grid where two pairs of knights must exchange places. A single insightful observation about symmetry unlocks a solution, illustrating how abstract thinking can simplify seemingly complex board problems.Scale of the Maths‑Circle InitiativeMore than a dozen cities across the UK host weekly maths circles.Each circle runs from September to May, targeting pupils aged 7‑11.Volunteer mentors are typically post‑graduates or PhD students.Why Chess‑Based Puzzles Matter for Youth EducationIntegrating chess puzzles into community programmes leverages the game’s universal appeal to foster logical reasoning, combinatorial thinking, and collaborative problem‑solving. By linking puzzles to popular documentaries about Judit Polgár and Hans Niemann, the charity taps into current cultural interest, boosting participation.Looking Ahead: Expanding Collaborative Math OutreachGiven the positive response, We Solve Problems plans to broaden its reach, potentially adding new puzzle formats and digital platforms. Continued media coverage could attract more volunteers and funding, ensuring that quirky challenges like these remain a staple of UK maths education.

The Rise of Sound Baths in Wellness Culture In an era where digital detoxes and mindfulness practices have become mainstream, a new wellness trend has emerged: sound baths. These experiences, where participants pay to lie on mats while practitioners play singing bowls, chimes, and gongs, have seen online interest rise exponentially in the last decade. From Sydney Harbour settings to high-end wellness clubs with surround-sound chambers, the industry is capitalizing on claims that these sonic experiences can "soothe and calm your nervous system" with sounds that "penetrate every cell in your body." But as this trend grows, questions arise about whether these expensive experiences deliver on their promises. The Science Behind Sound and Relaxation "There's a rich field of music psychology that's all about the impacts of different types of sounds on human psychology and human physiology," explains Dr Vince Polito, a senior lecturer in psychological sciences at Macquarie University. Experts suggest that while specific frequencies may not have the mystical healing properties claimed by practitioners, the experience can still be beneficial. Dr Sandra Garrido, a senior research fellow at the University of Sydney's school of psychology, notes that "like anything in the wellness space, its benefits can definitely be talked up." The effects of sound or music on wellbeing largely relate to how we perceive and interpret those sounds, rather than specific types or frequencies. Research Evidence on Sound Meditation Studies on sound baths and similar practices offer some insight into their potential benefits. A 2016 observational study found that people who participated in a meditation session involving Tibetan singing bowls reported feeling less tension, anger and fatigue afterward. Another randomized controlled trial in breast cancer patients linked Tibetan sound meditation to improved cognitive function and mental health. However, researchers note that mindfulness meditation itself has been independently linked to improvements in anxiety, depression and insomnia, making it difficult to isolate the specific effects of sound. Sound Baths vs. Music Therapy While sound baths have gained popularity in wellness circles, they differ significantly from music therapy, a regulated profession with a long history of therapeutic use. "There are long histories of using music and sound in therapeutic ways," says Dr Amanda Krause, a senior lecturer in psychology and president of the Australian Music and Psychology Society. Music therapists work with a range of clients in schools and hospitals, using music listening or production to improve psychological and physical health. Unlike sound bath practitioners, music therapists are registered professionals with standardized training and ethical guidelines. The Social Connection Factor One potential benefit of sound baths that researchers acknowledge is the social aspect of the experience. "Historically, throughout most of human history... music has been about social connection," Garrido explains. "It's only in the last 100 years or so that we've had the capacity to go home and listen to music on our own in an isolating kind of way." The communal experience of a sound bath can create a sense of connection that's increasingly rare in our digital, often isolated lives. "Communally listening to music in the experience of a sound bath can be a 'helpful, healthy thing,'" Garrido adds. The Future of Sound Wellness As the wellness industry continues to evolve, sound baths may find their place alongside other mindfulness practices, though perhaps not as the "miracle cure" some marketing suggests. "I've been to them myself," Garrido admits. "I enjoy them, they can be relaxing, it's a nice experience – but I wouldn't pay too much money for it." The future of sound wellness likely involves a more balanced approach that acknowledges both the potential benefits of focused listening and the importance of not overclaiming what the science can support. As with many wellness trends, the key may be finding practices that work for individuals without requiring expensive or mystical explanations.

The hantavirus episode aboard the MV Hondius has been managed with swift isolation, testing and multinational coordination, yet the disease's eight‑week incubation window means dangerous days remain ahead.Why the Cruise Ship Setting Complicates Hantavirus ControlCruise vessels create a perfect storm for viral spread: dense living quarters, frequent port stops and passengers returning to dozens of home countries. In this case, roughly 150 people of 23 nationalities were on board when the virus was identified, forcing health officials to choose between keeping everyone confined on the ship or disembarking them and risking wider dissemination.Numbers Behind the Outbreak: Cases, Nationalities, and MortalityPassengers on board: 150Nationalities represented: 23Incubation period: 1‑8 weeksPrevious notable outbreak (Andes strain, Argentina 2018): 34 confirmed cases, 11 deathsRecommended quarantine duration by WHO: 42 daysTo date, no secondary infections have been confirmed among passengers who flew home before the outbreak was detected, but surveillance continues.Public Health Ripple Effects Across 23 NationsUK Health Security Agency under Prof Susan Hopkins has set up self‑contained isolation flats at Arrowe Park Hospital, providing daily testing and medical assessment. The World Health Organization has taken the lead in coordinating response protocols, while the United States, having recently withdrawn from the WHO and reduced CDC cruise‑inspection capacity, relies on other agencies to monitor potential spread.Each government is now tasked with supporting its returning nationals through logistics, medical care and the full 42‑day quarantine, a daunting logistical challenge given the varied health infrastructures.What the Next Weeks May Hold for Global ContainmentExperts anticipate a surge in confirmed cases within days as testing expands on the ship. The critical question will be whether any of the disembarked passengers develop symptoms, which could trigger secondary chains of infection across multiple continents.Research into vaccines and repurposed antivirals is accelerating, offering a glimmer of hope. Until effective therapeutics are available, traditional measures—isolating cases, enforcing N95 mask use and rigorous contact tracing—remain the backbone of the response.

The Rise of Wearable Device Cheating Cheating in exams could be magnified by the new generation of wearable hi-tech devices such as smartglasses or invisible earpieces, according to England’s qualifications watchdog. Ofqual's Concerns and Actions Ian Bauckham, the head of the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual), revealed that GCSEs and A-level courses in England were being scrutinised over potential AI use in students’ coursework, after teachers said they were struggling to detect it. Ofqual recorded 2,225 cases of mobile phone and smart device cheating associated with GCSE, AS and A-levels last summer. The regulator is considering stronger checks to guard against students using AI in coursework. The Impact on Education Bauckham warned that recent increases in cheating enabled by smartphones may be made worse by the next wave of wearable devices, undermining England’s school qualifications system. “Obviously, if you gain help unfairly on a mobile phone or a smartwatch or any other kind of device, you are potentially getting marks in the exam that you don’t deserve,” Bauckham said. The Future of Exam Integrity Bauckham hinted that stronger checks were likely to be introduced, including requiring teachers to more frequently check with students about their work before signing off on it. “We’re looking very hard at that question now. GCSEs and A-levels are in the process of being refreshed or reformed, one of things we are asking … is, if there still to be coursework as part of this qualification, what do we need to put in place to make sure that the authenticity of that coursework can be guaranteed, in other words it really is the student’s own work,” he said.

The HBCU Radio Preservation Project After Shaw University's WSHA radio station went on air in 1968, several other historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) followed the North Carolina school's lead, launching a wave of their own. For decades, the students who worked on these channels used them to inform listeners about happenings on campus, while also playing musical selections and offering cultural programming. Preserving the Archives The HBCU Radio Preservation Project is working to ensure that the irreplaceable archives at these institutions are saved and accessible. As a result of the project's efforts, WSHA's archives are available through the American Archive of Public Broadcasting. Several other universities, including Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, have had their radio archive preserved for future generations. How the Project Works While working to preserve the archival collection of WYSO, a public radio station in Yellow Springs, Ohio, Jocelyn Robinson began wondering what collections at HBCU radio stations might include. She created a project that surveyed the radio stations to find out. Developed profiles of all the radio stations, including their founding, format, and broadcast footprint Wrote a report with recommendations for preserving radio stations in the campuses Remembering the History There is an oral history project component to the team's efforts, which is "where the storytelling becomes even more important and more apparent in the work". One of the very first oral history captures they did was with David Linton, a program director at WCOK at Clark Atlanta University, in Atlanta, Georgia, whose career started at WSHA at Shaw. Returning the History Celebrating the stations' histories helps different groups – from current students who might not be active listeners to family members of previous radio employees – understand the importance of the channels. Digitized over 1,125 hours of archival audio Visited nearly two dozen HBCU campuses Interviewed over 90 people, recording more than 140 hours of oral histories