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Lead: Global Celebration of the 2026 World CupThe Guardian’s interactive gallery showcases a wave of public viewing parties sprouting across the globe in anticipation of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The images reveal fans turning parks, plazas and pubs into communal stadiums, underscoring the tournament’s role as a unifying cultural moment.Viewing Parties Across ContinentsPhotographs document gatherings in a variety of locations, including major North‑American cities, European capitals and emerging fan hubs in Asia and Africa. Each scene features large screens, national flags and local food, reflecting both the host‑nation excitement and the worldwide reach of the sport.Scale of Fan GatheringsUrban squares in the United States and Canada host crowds ranging from dozens to several hundred spectators.Public screenings in Mexican cities draw vibrant street parties with music and dance.European fan zones feature organized events coordinated by local clubs and municipalities.Cultural Impact of a Tri‑Nation HostWith the World Cup jointly hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico, the tournament is fostering cross‑border collaboration and tourism. Local businesses report increased foot traffic, while municipalities invest in temporary infrastructure to accommodate the influx of fans.Looking Ahead to the Tournament Kick‑offAs the opening match on June 8, 2026 approaches, the momentum of these grassroots celebrations suggests a strong foundation for high attendance and vibrant fan engagement throughout the competition. The visual record hints at a tournament that will not only be a sporting spectacle but also a worldwide cultural festival.

Rising Tensions Ahead of the Second AnniversaryThousands of Kenyans are mobilising for demonstrations on Thursday, marking the second anniversary of the Gen Z protests that left more than 120 people dead. The government has warned against any gatherings and has deployed additional police forces.Genesis of Kenya’s Gen Z Protests and Government ResponseThe movement began in 2024 when a finance bill seeking to raise $2.7 billion in tax revenue triggered nationwide anger over cost‑of‑living, unemployment and perceived corruption. Demonstrators stormed parliament on June 25 2024, forcing President William Ruto to withdraw the bill for amendment. A subsequent crackdown in 2025, following the death of blogger Albert Ojwang, resulted in over 60 deaths and more than 500 injuries.Human Cost and Financial Stakes of the ProtestsDeaths: > 120 (2024‑2025)Injuries: > 500Compensation fund announced: $15 million for 1,100 victimsFinance Bill target revenue: $2.7 billionNew Finance Act 2026 framed as pro‑growth legislationPolitical and Social Ramifications for Ruto’s AdministrationThe protests have exposed persistent economic inequality and have strained Ruto’s “bottom‑up” populist narrative. While the president portrays the Finance Act 2026 as an investment‑friendly shift, opposition leaders such as Governor James Orengo are urging citizens to honour the memory of the dead through peaceful vigils and marches. Human‑rights groups note that only a handful of cases have proceeded to court, with no convictions, raising concerns over accountability.What to Expect on Thursday and BeyondAnalysts anticipate coordinated demonstrations in Nairobi and other major cities, despite the government’s call for calm. The heavy police presence suggests a likelihood of further clashes, while the $15 million compensation fund may temper some public anger but is unlikely to satisfy demands for justice. Continued unrest could pressure the Ruto administration to either deepen repression or engage in substantive dialogue on economic reforms.

Lead: Why the Miami Showdown MattersBrazil sit top of Group C with four points, while Scotland sit third on three. A win or draw for Brazil guarantees a round‑of‑32 berth, whereas Scotland needs at least a point to keep their historic quest for a first‑ever World Cup knockout appearance alive.Group C Showdown at Miami StadiumWho: Brazil vs ScotlandWhen: Wednesday, 6 pm (22:00 GMT) – 2026‑06‑24Where: Miami Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida, USAStakes: Brazil aim to finish as group winners; Scotland target a historic progression to the last‑16.Both teams have already played two group matches. Brazil beat Haiti 3‑0 and drew 1‑1 with Morocco. Scotland defeated Haiti 1‑0 but lost 2‑1 to Morocco.Numbers That Shape the ContestPoints: Brazil 4, Morocco 4, Scotland 3, Haiti 0Goal difference: Brazil +3, Morocco +2, Scotland +1Opta win probability: Brazil 68.1 %, Scotland 12.9 %, draw 19 %Recent form (last five): Brazil W‑D‑W‑W‑W, Scotland L‑W‑W‑W‑LImpact: What a Result Means for Both NationsBrazil can lock down top spot and face a theoretically easier round‑of‑32 opponent if they win or draw. A loss would still likely see them advance as one of the best‑placed runners‑up, but it would tighten the knockout draw.Scotland are on the brink of breaking a long‑standing barrier – no Scottish side has ever progressed beyond the group stage at a World Cup. A point (draw or win) would almost certainly secure them as one of the eight best third‑placed teams, delivering a historic milestone for the Tartan Army.Player availability also looms large: Neymar is listed as “available” after returning to full training, while Raphinha remains out with a hamstring injury. Scotland will be without defender Scott McKenna (calf) and may miss winger Aaron Hickey (doubtful).Prediction: Odds, Line‑ups and Likely OutcomeGiven the statistical edge and depth of talent, Opta’s model favours Brazil (68 % chance). The predicted line‑ups reflect the selections announced:Scotland (predicted 4‑4‑2): Angus Gunn; Andrew Robertson, Grant Hanley, Jack Hendry, Nathan Patterson; John McGinn, Scott McTominay, Lewis Ferguson, Ryan Christie; Che Adams.Brazil (predicted 4‑3‑3): Alisson Becker; Douglas Santos, Gabriel Magalhães, Marquinhos, Danilo; Lucas Paquetá, Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães; Vinícius Jr, Matheus Cunha, Rayan.While Brazil are clear favourites, the match offers Scotland a realistic pathway to a historic knockout berth if they can hold Brazil to a draw.

The Growing Financial Burden on RentersApartment renters in the US are facing a rising tide of fees, leaving many 'extremely overwhelmed'. The increasing costs are adding to the financial burden of renters.The Types of FeesRenters are being charged a variety of fees, including application fees, administration fees, and fees for services such as parking and amenities.The Impact on RentersThe rising fees are having a significant impact on renters, many of whom are already struggling to make ends meet. The added costs are forcing some renters to make difficult choices between paying bills or affording basic necessities.The Trend and Future OutlookThe trend of increasing fees shows no signs of slowing down, with many landlords and property managers citing rising costs and increased demand for services as reasons for the added charges. As the housing market continues to evolve, it's likely that renters will face even more fees in the future.

The LeadCars have grown 1.2cm longer, 0.5cm taller and 0.5cm wider each year on average since 2000, in what green groups call "relentless carspreading." This increasing vehicle size is projected to lead to an extra 2,600 crash deaths annually by 2040, according to a new analysis by Transport & Environment (T&E;).The Technical Breakthrough in Vehicle SizingThe analysis of new vehicles sold in Europe found that car bloat has progressed at a roughly steady rate for two and half decades even as family sizes have fallen. This trend is frustrating drivers, with cities set to lose 8.5-14% of on-street parking by 2040 if the historical trend continues unchecked. London and Berlin are each set to lose about 100,000 parking spaces.The Safety and Environmental Impact DataCompared with a scenario where car sizes were "right-sized" to 2015 levels, current trends would lead to an extra 2,600 vulnerable road users dying in crashes each year by 2040, 79 of them children. The extra resources needed to move the larger cars would equate to an extra 100m barrels of oil imports and 22.5 terawatt hours of electricity.The Urban Planning CrisisThe relentless growth of vehicles is creating significant challenges for urban planners. As parking spaces disappear, cities face difficult decisions about how to allocate increasingly scarce street space. The problem is compounded by the fact that larger vehicles often take up more than one marked parking space, further reducing available parking.The Future Outlook for Vehicle RegulationExperts recommend capping bonnet heights and car widths, changing taxes to discourage people from buying bigger vehicles, and tightening vehicle standards so they considered the visibility of young children from the driver's seat. Without intervention, the energy demand from larger vehicles could be equivalent to the output of an extra 1,500 offshore wind turbines, placing additional stress on already strained energy grids.

The Lead As Brazil prepares to face Scotland in the 2026 World Cup, the five-time champions find themselves under scrutiny after their worst-ever qualifying campaign and unconvincing performances in the tournament so far. Despite boasting some of the world's biggest stars, the Seleção has failed to inspire confidence, with pundits and fans expressing growing concerns about their prospects. The Struggling Five-Time Champions Brazil's journey to this point has been far from smooth. They finished fifth in the Conmebol qualifying table with just 28 points from 18 games—their worst qualifying campaign in history. While competitive in a 2-1 defeat to France in March, followed by wins against Croatia, Panama, and Egypt in friendlies, those results may have provided false hope. In their World Cup opener, Brazil were lucky to escape with a 1-1 draw against Morocco after being outclassed for most of the match. Only Vinícius Júnior's moment of individual brilliance saved them. Their subsequent 3-0 victory over Haiti, a team making their first World Cup appearance in 52 years, did little to quell criticism, with midfielder Casemiro sarcastically responding "3-0?" when asked if his team had convinced. Pundit Criticism The sentiment back in Brazil is one of apprehension and distrust. Mauro Cezar Pereira, one of the country's biggest pundits, has noted that "those who understand even the basics of football don't have much faith" in the current team. He criticized Carlo Ancelotti's work as "far below what it should be." Paulo Vinícius Coelho (PVC), another heavyweight of Brazilian punditry, echoed these sentiments, stating that Brazilians "feel like we're seeing a team that isn't showing much sign of having a great World Cup." The criticism extends beyond just results. Many question the team's preparation, tactical approach, and the selection of certain players, particularly the controversial inclusion of Neymar despite his lack of match fitness. The Neymar Conundrum Neymar's situation has dominated Brazilian football discourse. The 34-year-old, Brazil's all-time top scorer, is in the squad yet to play a single minute of what is expected to be his final World Cup. His inclusion was surrounded by drama worthy of a soap opera, with conspiracy theories suggesting that Santos and Neymar staged a supposed officiating blunder to force his substitution in a league match. TV pundit Neto has been particularly critical, questioning Neymar's focus and fitness: "Do you see Messi injured with a calf strain, like Neymar is? When did Messi go 10 days without training or miss five games in a row? Neymar, that's all I want from you. Just that." Pereira, another known critic, stated: "Neymar shouldn't even be in the national team. He hasn't played for 36 days after going 30 without touching a ball." Despite the criticism, reports suggest Neymar may be given a few minutes against Scotland, but only if Brazil are in a "favourable" situation. The plan is reportedly to play him as a false nine "so as not to have so many marking assignments." Ancelotti has stated: "Neymar's well, he can play, I'm very happy with him." Tactical Uncertainties Brazil's attacking options have been further hampered by injuries. Rodrygo is missing the entire tournament, while Raphinha picked up a hamstring injury against Haiti. This has forced Ancelotti to reconsider his approach, with Matheus Cunha—who scored twice against Haiti—potentially moving into a central role. The coach may experiment with a system where Cunha plays as a No. 10 who drops deep, allowing the wingers to play as strikers—a formation Ancelotti used successfully at Real Madrid during the 2023-24 season. However, with Rodrygo absent and Raphinha injured, the team lacks its usual width and creativity. Many fans back home would like to see teenager Endrick given a chance, but Ancelotti seems unconvinced by the young forward. The coach's tactical decisions will be crucial as Brazil looks to improve their performances and advance in the tournament. Looking Ahead As Brazil faces Scotland, the pressure is mounting on the team to deliver a convincing performance. The match presents an opportunity for Ancelotti to address some of the concerns raised by pundits and fans alike. Whether Neymar will feature and how effective he can be after his extended absence remains to be seen. For Brazil, this World Cup represents a chance to reclaim their status among football's elite, but their current form and the surrounding questions suggest a challenging path ahead. The team must quickly find their rhythm and cohesion if they are to mount a serious challenge for their sixth title.

The Landmark Pregnancy Discrimination Ruling Lazio Women unlawfully ended the Swedish footballer Maja Göthberg’s time at the club because of her pregnancy, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) has ruled, ordering the Italian club to pay compensation. Details of the Case The landmark case revolved around Fifa’s maternity regulations, which were enhanced in 2024. This was the first case in which Cas found a club unlawfully ended an employment relationship because of a player’s pregnancy and, significantly, the court found in the players’ favour even though she had not signed her proposed new contract at the time. Göthberg had helped Lazio win promotion to Italy’s top tier in the 2023-24 campaign, before entering contract negotiations. No deal was signed but both parties had agreed on the key terms of the 28-year-old’s contract. Before signing, Göthberg discovered she was pregnant and chose to tell the club, despite not being obliged to do so. Cas heard that Lazio then withdrew from the contract agreement. Cas also heard that Göthberg’s teammates had been informed of her pregnancy without her consent. The Impact of the Ruling Göthberg, who initially lost her case at Fifa’s Dispute Resolution Chamber, leading to her taking her case to Cas, said in a statement: “This was never only about football: it was about being treated fairly and with respect at an important moment in my life. The ruling sends a message that pregnancy should never be treated as a problem or a reason to deny a player labour opportunities.” The Future of Maternity Regulations in Football Alexandra Gómez Bruinewoud, the legal director at the players’ union, Fifpro, who supported Göthberg’s battle, said: “This case shows that Fifa’s maternity regulations are not just words on paper and that they provide real protections for players. “Clubs cannot simply walk away from an employment relationship, even if this is not fully formalised, once they learn a player is pregnant.” The Road Ahead for Women's Football Göthberg added: “I hope the case helps create a safer environment for players who want to have both a career and a family.”

The Rising Threat of Heatwaves As summer temperatures shatter records worldwide, the importance of staying cool and recognizing heat-related illnesses has never been more critical. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are significant health concerns during hot weather, and understanding how to prevent and treat them can be life-saving. How to Avoid Heatstroke Heatstroke is a severe medical condition that occurs when the body's internal temperature exceeds 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). If not treated promptly, it can lead to organ failure, brain damage, and even death. Here are 10 tips to minimize the risk of heatstroke: Drink plenty of water. Wear sunblock. Wear cotton and loose clothing. Never leave anyone in a parked car. Stay away from direct sun exposure, especially in the afternoons. Avoid exercise during the hottest part of the day. Ventilate and cool your living space. Take cool showers. Eat lightly. Take precautions with medications. How to Treat Someone with Heatstroke If you or someone else is experiencing heatstroke symptoms such as confusion, rapid heartbeat, high body temperature, dehydration, or nausea, follow these steps while waiting for emergency medical aid: Call emergency services immediately. Get out of direct sun exposure. Lie down and elevate your feet. Remove tight clothing. Use a fan or air conditioner to lower body temperature. Apply cold compresses. Give small sips of water if the person is fully conscious. How to Build a Homemade Air Cooler For those without air conditioning or looking to save on energy costs, building a DIY cooler using a styrofoam cooler, ice, and a fan can provide temporary relief during extreme heat. How to Keep Your House Cool Utilize natural breezes by strategically opening and closing windows and doors to direct cool air where needed, providing an energy-efficient way to keep your home cool.

The Lead: Crimea's Power Grid Under AttackUkrainian strikes on Russian-occupied Crimea have triggered power outages in its largest city, Sevastopol, according to statements from both sides, as Kyiv intensifies attacks on the peninsula Moscow annexed in 2014. The power cuts come amid broader Ukrainian efforts to target Russian logistics and infrastructure in the region.The Event Details: Sevastopol Faces Energy DisruptionSevastopol's Moscow-installed governor, Mikhail Razvozhayev, reported power cuts after Ukraine attacked energy facilities there, urging residents on Wednesday to help vulnerable neighbors and reserve phones for emergency communication to save batteries and avoid overloading the grid. "The enemy is once again striking treacherously, attempting to deprive us of normal living conditions and sow panic," he posted.He said some areas of the city – where temperatures are approaching 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) – would be without power until at least Wednesday evening. Trolleybuses in Sevastopol will not operate on Wednesday, Razvozhayev said, as he also asked parents to keep children at home.Crimea has been forced to suspend fuel sales to the public as Ukraine's army targets Russian logistics to the region and has hit a series of oil refineries and depots across southern Russia that provide supplies.The Data Analysis: Escalating Drone WarfareRussia's defence ministry said the country's forces had destroyed more than 300 drones from Ukraine overnight, with the warring neighbours having stepped up strikes in recent weeks. Kyiv's air force said on Wednesday that Russian forces launched 101 drones at Ukraine overnight, of which 95 were destroyed.Separate Ukrainian drone attacks killed two people in Russia's Nizhny Novgorod region, hundreds of kilometres from the front line, and one in the border region of Belgorod, the local governors reported. Meanwhile, a Russian drone attack killed a 56-year-old woman in the Ukrainian border region of Kharkiv, authorities said.The Impact Analysis: Regional Infrastructure Under SiegeRussian-held parts of Ukraine's nearby Kherson region were also partially or fully cut off from power, the Moscow-installed Governor Vladimir Saldo said separately. These attacks represent a significant escalation in targeting civilian infrastructure, with both sides experiencing the consequences of the conflict spreading beyond traditional frontlines.The strikes on Crimea's energy infrastructure come as Ukraine continues its strategy of isolating the peninsula from Russian supply lines. This approach has created significant challenges for Russian authorities in maintaining normal living conditions for residents in occupied territories.The Prediction: Crimea's Increasing IsolationUkrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said last week that his forces are "isolating Crimea with drones". "It looks like in the nearest time, Crimea will become an island. This could lead to some very unexpected consequences for Russians," Fedorov said on a blogger's YouTube channel.As the conflict continues, the economic and humanitarian situation in occupied territories is likely to deteriorate further, with potential long-term consequences for both civilian populations and military logistics. US-led talks on ending Europe's deadliest conflict since World War II have remained in effect frozen, with Washington's attention diverted towards the Middle East since launching strikes on Iran in late February.