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The Rise of Marco da Silva Ferreira Last year, for dance's answer to the Turner prize, the Rose international dance prize, four choreographers competed for £40,000. One of those finalists was the Portuguese choreographer Marco da Silva Ferreira. He didn't win, but he definitely marked himself out as an of-the-moment voice. The Event Details: A Dance of Protest and Partying Da Silva Ferreira's dance is like minimalist music: small cells of movement, repeated, gradually shift and morph. A slinking step, a strut, the pop of a muscular torso, a slippery moonwalk, etc, etc. Eight dancers are in unison, but there's no sense of them being automatons – they're real, sweaty humans in shiny trousers and chainmail vests with red makeup smeared under their eyes. The Data Analysis: A Slow Build of Energy This piece, F*cking Future, is all about the slow build. The kind that might seem boring till you tune in and live it with them, beat by beat. It's the opposite of the show-us-everything-you-can-do school of dance: it's anti-instant gratification, no quick dopamine hit. The Impact Analysis: A Politics of Resistance You think – or I thought – that we're heading for an amazing climax: finally the dam will break, the banks will burst, the beat will drop. You can see the style and verve of these dancers, not least Da Silva Ferreira himself, bursting against the confinement of the work's structure. This will be one hell of a catharsis. The Prediction: A Lasting Impression Except that never quite happens. The momentum absorbs back into the group. Is this the politics of resistance at play? Not giving us the easy out, bowing to the harmony of the group. One way a choreographer can work is much like a DJ – rather than just being about shaping dancers' movements, it's about shaping the energy in the room across the course of an hour or so, through bodies, sound, light and motion.

The Lead: Mexico's World Cup 2026 QuestMexicans call their inability to reach the World Cup quarterfinals the Curse of El Quinto Partido (The Fifth Game). El Tri – short for the Tricolour – lost in the last 16 in seven consecutive World Cups, from 1994-2018. Now, coach Javier "Vasco" Aguirre is optimistic about surpassing the barrier, partly because Mexico will be playing at home, the only country to play host to three World Cups.The Home Advantage: Breaking the Quarterfinal CurseMexico's only quarterfinals appearances were when they hosted in 1970 and 1986. Aguirre was in the midfield as El Tri took Germany to penalties in a controversial match in Monterrey at Mexico '86. Colombian referee Jesus Palacio Diaz, who had earlier in the tournament red-carded Iraq's Basil Gorgis in a case of mistaken identity, this time ejected Germany's Thomas Berthold in the 65th minute.Mexico could not capitalise, playing 35 minutes with a numerical advantage before Aguirre was sent off. Aguirre has told his players home advantage "is priceless – England was champion playing at home, and never again".Squad Analysis: Key Players and Tactical ApproachMexico rely on a quick passing game, playing through midfielders Alvaro Fidalgo and Alexis Vega, with 17-year-old Gilberto Mora and Orbelin Pineda backups. Edson "Machin" Alvarez and Luis Romo occupy holding roles, with Luis Chavez and Erik Lira in reserve. Mexico has speed on the wings with Roberto "Piojo" Alvarado and Cesar "Chino" Huerta.Johan Vasquez and Cesar Montes are the only two natural centre backs in the squad. But Aguirre has been changing the look to get playmaking out of the back by dropping Alvarez or Romo into central defence. Jorge Sanchez is the probable starter at right back, challenged by Club America's Israel Reyes, who has been negotiating for a move to AS Roma. At left back, veteran Jesus Gallardo has the edge on 22-year-old Mateo Chavez.Fulham striker Raul Jimenez, 35, leads the attack. Jimenez sustained a fractured skull in a collision with Arsenal's David Luiz in 2020, and has not replicated his previous scoring proficiency. But Jimenez presents a physical presence and has proven his durability in the Premier League. Jimenez ranks third on the Mexico all-time scoring list with 44 goals. Santi Gimenez and Armando "Hormiga" Gonzalez provide other options.In goal, Raul Rangel has replaced Luis Malagon (Achilles rupture). Guillermo Ochoa, 40, will be participating in his sixth World Cup, surpassing Antonio "Cinco Copas" Carbajal's record of five.Group Stage Analysis: Path to ProgressionMexico will be the favourites in Group A, but could be challenged by Czech Republic and South Korea, with South Africa hoping to surprise. The tournament kicks off with Mexico meeting South Africa, a rematch of the 2010 opener, and history will be on El Tri's side – they have a 5W-0L-2D record in seven games during two World Cups at Estadio Azteca.Climate, elevation and strong home support should boost El Tri in Mexico City and Guadalajara and, should they advance, the next games will likely be in Los Angeles or Houston – Mexican strongholds.Match Schedule: Key Fixtures to Watch⚽ June 11: Mexico vs South Africa (Mexico City, Mexico), 3pm ET (19:00 GMT)⚽ June 18: Mexico vs South Korea (Guadalajara, Mexico), 9pm ET (01:00 GMT)⚽ June 24: Czech Republic vs Mexico (Mexico City, Mexico), 9pm ET (01:00 GMT)World Cup Prediction: Breaking Through to QuarterfinalsAl Jazeera predicts Mexico will reach the quarterfinals. If Mexico advance to the knockout rounds, they can count on strong support not only at home, but almost anywhere in the US. The expanded tournament means the fifth game would only be in the round of 16, and they will need to get to a sixth for the quarterfinals.Complete Squad: Mexico's World Cup 2026 RosterGoalkeepers: Raul Rangel (Guadalajara), Guillermo Ochoa (AEL Limassol), Carlos Acevedo (Santos Laguna)Defenders: Israel Reyes (America), Jorge Sanchez (PAOK), Cesar Montes (Lokomotiv Moscow), Johan Vasquez (Genoa), Jesus Gallardo (Toluca), Mateo Chavez (Alkmaar)Midfielders: Edson Alvarez (West Ham), Luis Romo (Guadalajara), Obed Vargas (Atletico Madrid), Brian Gutierrez (Guadalajara), Orbelin Pineda (AEK Athens), Erik Lira (Cruz Azul), Gilberto Mora (Tijuana), Cesar Huerta (Anderlecht), Alvaro Fidalgo (Real Betis), Luis Chavez (Dynamo Moscow).Forwards: Roberto Alvarado (Guadalajara), Alexis Vega (Toluca), Julian Quinones (Al-Qadisiyah), Santiago Gimenez (AC Milan), Guillermo Martínez (Pumas), Armando Gonzalez (Guadalajara), Raul Jimenez (Fulham).

The Launch of The Guardian's Breakdown NewsletterThe Guardian has introduced its new Breakdown newsletter, representing a strategic move in the rapidly evolving digital media landscape. This new initiative aims to provide readers with curated, in-depth analysis and breaking news in a digestible format that caters to modern reading habits.Revolutionizing News DeliveryThe Breakdown newsletter leverages The Guardian's renowned journalistic expertise while adapting to contemporary digital consumption patterns. By focusing on concise yet comprehensive reporting, the publication aims to bridge the gap between traditional long-form journalism and the demand for quick, accessible information in today's fast-paced media environment.Industry Impact and Reader EngagementThis development signals a broader trend in the media industry toward specialized newsletter formats that foster deeper reader relationships. The Guardian's entry into this space with the Breakdown newsletter demonstrates how established media organizations are innovating to maintain relevance and audience engagement in an increasingly competitive digital ecosystem.The Future of Newsletters in MediaAs digital platforms continue to reshape how audiences consume information, newsletters have emerged as a powerful tool for media organizations to deliver direct, unfiltered content to their readers. The Guardian's Breakdown newsletter is positioned to become a key player in this growing segment, potentially setting new standards for quality digital journalism in newsletter format.

The tiny West African archipelago has earned a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, joining Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia in Group H. With a squad drawn from 14 countries and a coach who insists on Creole as the team language, the Blue Sharks blend diaspora talent with a relaxed "morabeza" mindset. Below is a deep dive into the squad, its leadership and the matches that will decide whether Cape Verde can turn debut dreams into historic results. The Blueprint: Squad Composition and Club Diversity 26‑man roster featuring players from 25 clubs across 14 nations. Six players were born in Rotterdam, highlighting the diaspora’s influence. Positions are well‑balanced: a mix of physical defenders, technically gifted forwards and a midfield engine. Key Fixtures and Scheduling 15 June – vs Spain in Atlanta (noon local, 5 pm BST, 16 June 2 am AEST). 21 June – vs Uruguay in Miami (6 pm local, 11 pm BST, 22 June 8 am AEST). 26 June – vs Saudi Arabia (7 pm local, 1 am BST, 27 June 10 am AEST). Coach Bubista’s Philosophy and Leadership Bubista (Pedro Leitão Brito) grew up on Boa Vista, worked as a lift operator’s son, and played across Portugal, Spain and Angola before captaining the national side. His core tenets are: Mandating Creole on the pitch to preserve national identity. Emphasising collective unity over individual flair. Instilling a “no‑stress” attitude that mirrors the country’s slogan, morabeza. Star Forward Dailon Livramento’s Impact The Rotterdam‑born striker has already become a legend, netting four qualifying goals, including the decisive winner against Cameroon. His profile: Born in Rotterdam to singer Marizia; also a musician. Provides the central attacking presence the team previously lacked. His physicality and finishing will be crucial against the defensive rigs of Spain and Uruguay. Veteran Ryan Mendes: Captain and Goal Threat Ryan Mendes, at 36, remains the team’s captain, top scorer and a potential centurion at the World Cup. Highlights: Former Lille forward, once a replacement for Eden Hazard. Overcame a serious ankle injury to stay central to the Blue Sharks. Could become the first Cape Verdean player to reach 100 caps if he appears in all three group matches. Midfield Engine Kevin Pina’s Role Kevin Pina anchors the midfield after a title‑winning season with Krasnodar in Russia. He: Provides the “dirty work” that frees attacking talents. Excels at forward ball movement despite a low goal tally. Forms a dynamic partnership with Deroy Duarte. Projected Starting XI and Tactical Outlook The likely lineup blends experience with youthful energy, favoring a 4‑3‑3 shape that encourages possession from the back and quick transitions on the wings. Goalkeeper: Logan Costa (Villarreal) – fitness remains a question after an ACL tear. Defence: A mix of European‑based centre‑backs and full‑backs comfortable in both defensive duties and overlapping runs. Midfield: Pina, Duarte and a creative playmaker to link defence and attack. Attack: Mendes (captain) flanked by wingers, with Livramento as the central striker. If the squad can maintain cohesion, exploit set‑piece opportunities and keep the “no‑stress” mindset, Cape Verde could pull off a surprise point or even a historic upset in their inaugural World Cup appearance.

The LeadFormer England footballer Gary Lineker's media production company Goalhanger has been crowned the UK's fastest-growing business, according to the latest Sunday Times list of the 100 quickest-growing private companies. The company, which produces popular podcast series including 'The Rest is History' and 'The Rest is Politics,' achieved remarkable growth with £37.9m in sales in 2025, representing an average annual growth rate of 321% over the past three years.The Podcast EmpireGoalhanger has built a diverse media portfolio centered around its 'The Rest is …' podcast series. This includes 'The Rest is History' hosted by historian Tom Holland and journalist Dominic Sandbrook; 'The Rest is Entertainment' featuring Richard Osman and Guardian columnist Marina Hyde; Lineker's own 'The Rest is Football'; and 'The Rest is Politics' hosted by Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell. These podcasts exploded in popularity following the coronavirus pandemic and now collectively boast more than 750 million listeners worldwide.The Financial BreakthroughDespite employing just 80 people at its London headquarters, Goalhanger has demonstrated exceptional financial performance. The company has boosted its revenue through paid subscriptions and events, reaching a milestone of 250,000 paid subscribers in January 2026. These subscribers generate approximately £15m in annual revenue for the company. The financial success has attracted significant investment, including a minority stake purchase by Los Angeles-based investment firm The Chernin Group in January 2026.The Media Industry TransformationGoalhanger's rise reflects a broader shift in the UK media landscape toward digital-first content creation and distribution. The company's success demonstrates how former public figures can leverage their expertise and audience reach to build substantial media enterprises. Additionally, Goalhanger's expansion into venture capital, with investments in creator-led media businesses like Invisible Media and Backyard Cricket, signals the company's ambition to shape the future of creator-driven media in the UK and beyond.The Future OutlookWith strategic partnerships including a £14m deal with Netflix to broadcast 'The Rest is Football' during the World Cup, Goalhanger is positioned for continued growth. The company's venture capital arm and existing subscriber base provide a solid foundation for expansion into new markets and content verticals. As the UK's fastest-growing business, Goalhanger exemplifies the potential of podcasting as a dominant media format, with further international expansion likely as the company capitalizes on its proven business model and growing global audience.

The Lingering Health Crisis After Brixham's Water ContaminationMost tourists visiting the busy fishing harbour of Brixham have likely forgotten what South West Water euphemistically calls the "Brixham incident." But for residents at the center of the contamination – a parasite outbreak that caused hundreds of people in south Devon to fall ill after drinking contaminated water – the physical and psychological impacts remain deeply felt.People living in the outbreak zone believe they continue to endure illnesses caused by the contamination, while many vow to never drink tap water again. "So many of us are still suffering," said Lisa Horswill, 55, who believes her autoimmune issues may be linked to the outbreak. "I had an existing health condition before it happened but I have been much worse since."The Technical Breakdown of the Water Contamination EventThe outbreak was caused when the parasite cryptosporidium entered the water supply for homes and businesses in Brixham and surrounding areas. South West Water (SWW) received the first report of illness from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) on the afternoon of May 13, 2024. The company identified the presence of cryptosporidium in the early hours of May 15 and began advising potentially affected residents to boil their water.Many residents feel that SWW did not act quickly enough. The company claims a damaged air valve and illegal water pipes on a farm caused the outbreak. It insists it thoroughly contained the contamination and implemented additional measures to prevent recurrence.The Human Cost: Ongoing Health ImpactsThe health consequences have been severe and persistent for many residents. Those who drank contaminated water suffered cryptosporidiosis – crypto – with symptoms including profuse watery diarrhea, stomach pains, nausea, low-grade fever, and loss of appetite.Higher Brixham resident Michelle reported that the four-year-old foster child she was caring for became severely ill with cryptosporidiosis on May 6, 2024, suffering from severe diarrhea.Jen Watts, another Higher Brixham resident, said her 10-year-old son developed avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder after becoming ill during the outbreak. He spent four days in hospital and continues to struggle with his health.Jo Byrne, 54, manager of the Kingswear post office, lost 13 pounds in three days and now suffers from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).Christopher Dawes, a member of Kingswear parish council, described his experience: "It was coming out both ends, I'm afraid to say. It was pretty unpleasant and painful."The Financial and Legal ConsequencesIn March 2026, SWW admitted to supplying water unfit for human consumption and was subsequently fined £1.853m. The company has acknowledged its responsibility but maintains it has taken steps to prevent future incidents.However, residents like Watts feel the punishment doesn't go far enough: "It is a moral victory but it doesn't directly help those who are living with the ongoing severe and life-changing problems as a result. I believe that custodial sentences should have been given as part of the punishment as the circumstances are so severe and the impact so devastating."The Lingering Distrust and Changed BehaviorsThe contamination has fundamentally changed how residents interact with their water supply. Many have invested in filtration systems, with some reporting costs of up to £450 annually. "That costs us £450 a year, which stings a bit, especially when our water bills are going up all the time," said Lisa Horswill.Community trust in SWW has been severely damaged. "I spoke to the most horrible man. He said: 'No, our drinking water is the highest possible quality,'" recalled Michelle, who only learned about the wider problem through playground conversations rather than official channels.According to the UKHSA, 143 people fell ill, but most residents believe there were many more cases. "I don't believe it only affected 143," said Zanne Henderson, who runs a seafood shack in Kingswear. "No way. There were thousands of us."The Future of Water Safety and Community RecoveryAs the community continues to recover, questions remain about water safety standards and corporate accountability. The Brixham incident has highlighted vulnerabilities in water treatment systems and the potentially devastating consequences when failures occur.For residents like Watts, the recovery is ongoing: "My son is still suffering. Life is incredibly difficult." The long-term health impacts, financial burdens, and psychological trauma serve as a stark reminder that the consequences of water contamination extend far beyond the initial outbreak period.

Lead: A Test Collapse Threatens England's Bazball MomentumIn the first innings of the 2026 Lord's Test against New Zealand, England were bowled out for 141, echoing the dramatic start of their Bazball renaissance four years earlier. The early wickets have reignited doubts about whether Brendon McCullum's attacking philosophy can endure the pressures of a full summer programme. What Unfolded at Lord's: The Day One DramaEngland’s opening partnership crumbled quickly, leaving the side at 55 for 5 under a cloudy sky. Despite a brief resurgence, the innings folded at 141. New Zealand, meanwhile, posted a modest total, but the match’s narrative shifted when they found themselves 61 for 6 in the chase, mirroring the tension of England’s earlier collapse. Numbers That Define the Season So Far2022: England chased 277 to win at Lord's in the first Bazball‑era Test.Subsequent victories: 299 at Trent Bridge, 296 at Headingley, a seven‑wicket win over India, and two dominant wins over South Africa (by an innings and 85 runs, then by nine wickets).Current Test: England 141 all‑out; New Zealand 61/6 in reply. Why This Matters: The Strain on Bazball and McCullum’s ProjectThe early collapse highlights the fragility of a strategy built on relentless aggression. Critics argue that without fresh talent and adaptive tactics, the "10‑foot tall" confidence touted by McCullum may be eroding. The article notes that only two members of the 2022 squad (Ben Stokes and Joe Root) remain, while several others have retired or been dropped, suggesting a talent pipeline under pressure. Looking Ahead: What England Must Do to Keep the Ashes Dream AliveWith a packed schedule—including three more Tests against New Zealand, series against Pakistan, tours of South Africa and Bangladesh, and an Ashes showdown—England cannot afford prolonged uncertainty. The piece implies that McCullum’s man‑management will need to evolve, possibly integrating new players and revisiting the balance between aggression and resilience.

Liverpool's Swift Managerial ChangeRichard Hughes and Michael Edwards have acted with decisiveness and a clear sense of what Liverpool's difficult situation demanded in switching head coaches within six days, although the appointment of Andoni Iraola removes just one layer of uncertainty from Anfield. Several others remain, including their roles in leading Liverpool's recovery alongside Arne Slot's successor.With supporters turning against Slot's football and more players liking Mohamed Salah's critical social media post than wishing the Dutchman well following his sacking, Liverpool could not allow disillusionment to fester and needed to move fast. Sporting director Hughes and Edwards, chief executive of football for the club's owner Fenway Sports Group, have delivered.Iraola's Appointment: Style and PhilosophyIn Iraola, who was coveted by Milan, Bayer Leverkusen and Crystal Palace after improving Bournemouth in each of his three seasons on the south coast, those in charge of football operations at Liverpool have hired a coach who promises a version of the aggressive attacking style that captivated the Kop under Jürgen Klopp. But winning is what captivates Anfield most of all and there is much more to the appointment of Iraola than style of play.Liverpool's new head coach has demonstrated a flair for improving individual players and handling disruption with minimal fuss. Slot may have lost his way on all counts, but still delivered Champions League qualification in the most trying circumstances and under a most unforgiving spotlight.Liverpool's Investment and Performance DeclineThe urgency behind the move for Iraola was not only a reaction to external pressures and the despondency that had set in at Anfield over the final weeks of last season. Several attractive clubs are in the market for a new manager before the World Cup and there is a limited pool of talent available.With the Basque holding talks with Leverkusen and Milan, and Liverpool's powerbrokers convinced of his suitability and ability, FSG needed to sign off on their recommendations quickly. The World Cup will disrupt Iraola's first pre-season and there is much to be done to turn the trajectory of a team in decline.New signings are the obvious place to start. Slot believed the addition of two wingers this summer would catapult Liverpool back to the levels of his title-winning campaign, finally filling the voids left by Luis Díaz's departure and Salah's dramatic drop in form. Liverpool agree with their former head coach on that score and two wingers remain their priority.The Challenge of Managing at AnfieldBournemouth operate in a completely different environment. Iraola surviving at the Vitality Stadium after a nine-game winless start to his Premier League career is testament to that. "We didn't start well and, probably, you were thinking: 'Who the fuck is this guy?'" Iraola joked at his Bournemouth farewell.Anfield would not be pondering that question during a nine-game winless run but screaming it at those responsible. Unwavering support for a Liverpool manager is not guaranteed, as Slot discovered 13 months after delivering the title in his debut season and having faced unprecedented challenges in his second.But Iraola has been hired because Liverpool also firmly believe he can get the best out of players already in the building. The judgment of Hughes and Edwards is likely to stand or fall by this conviction. Liverpool's reputation for astute trading and forward thinking, well established in the Klopp/Edwards era, has taken a battering after last summer's record investment of almost £450m yielded dismal results.Iraola's Path to Liverpool's RecoveryLiverpool remain convinced they acquired talent that can deliver the biggest prizes. The eyes on last season say differently, although there is substance to the argument that Slot struggled to find the best position for Florian Wirtz or play to the strengths of Alexander Isak. Liverpool's former head coach could respond with an injury list that restricted Isak, Wirtz and Hugo Ekitiké to less than two hours together on the same pitch last season.Isak appeared ill-suited to Liverpool on the few occasions he was match fit but a more dynamic approach under Iraola, who wants the ball released into his forwards as early as possible, should make the Sweden international more effective. Wirtz, clearly gifted but too often on the periphery in his debut Liverpool campaign, should also benefit from the shift in style plus the addition of two fast wingers.Iraola's work with defenders is another part of his appeal to Liverpool. At Bournemouth he coached Illia Zabarnyi, Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez into talents worthy of big money moves to Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Liverpool respectively. Not one has had the same impact since leaving the Vitality Stadium.

Meta's New AI Creator Assistant Meta announced on Thursday that it’s introducing a new AI creator assistant on Facebook that will give creators personalized recommendations based on their content style, performance, community, and goals. Simplifying Creator Analytics Creators often have to parse through charts and dashboards to understand their performance, but with the new AI assistant, they can get quick answers to questions like “When should I post?” and “What are people saying in my comments?” Conversational Insights Since the AI assistant is conversational, they can ask follow-up questions and dig deeper on a topic, like how their audience has shifted over time. The answers they receive will be based on their own presence and what they can do differently to improve performance. Brainstorming Content Ideas Beyond performance, the AI assistant can help brainstorm ideas for new content by drawing on what’s trending. For example, it may suggest using trending audio or creating content around cultural moments. Rollout and Future Plans The new assistant is rolling out to creators in the U.S., Canada, and India. Meta plans to add new capabilities and bring the assistant to more countries in the future. Competition and Strategy By giving creators access to an AI assistant, Meta is looking to keep creators active on Facebook as it competes for their attention against rivals like TikTok and YouTube. Additionally, by offering creators content ideas, Facebook is encouraging more frequent posting, which could in turn boost user engagement. Additional Features In-app access to an AI assistant also gets rid of the need for creators to turn to third-party tools like ChatGPT when brainstorming and understanding performance, keeping them within Meta’s ecosystem. Meta also announced that it’s introducing new languages for AI translations on Facebook, including Arabic, Bahasa Indonesian, French, Thai, and Vietnamese. With AI-translated Reels, a creator’s tone and sound are preserved and automatically translated into another language. Adoption and Impact Meta says over half a billion users on Facebook are now watching AI-translated videos weekly.