Praia (AFP) – Cape Verde prepares to make history at its first-ever World Cup. Before heading to the United States, its players train across the volcanic archipelago, greeted by jubilant supporters. “This country is small but the dream is big,” said Silveria Nedio, director of a Praia football academy — words that seemed to speak for the nation.
La Havane (AFP) – Building of military-backed conglomerate GAESA in Havana, Cuba, as the island’s government denounces American “slander” against the army business, which is under US sanctions and dominates the island’s economy. IMAGES
Glasgow (AFP) – Scotland fans gather for a friendly match against Curacao, as excitement builds for a return to the global stage in the nation’s first World Cup for 28 years. An opener against Haiti in Boston will be a must-win in the eyes of the thousands of Tartan Army fans heading across the Atlantic for the World Cup, with the might of African champions Morocco and five-time winners Brazil to come in Group C. “Everybody loves the Tartan Army,” says Scotland fan Niall Fitzgerald, who is travelling to the US for the tournament. “That’s what we are taking to the World Cup, the party.”
(AFP) – Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he has ordered strikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut, where Iran-backed Hezbollah holds sway. “There will be no situation in which Hezbollah attacks our cities and our citizens while its terrorist headquarters in Beirut and in Dahiyeh remain off-limits,” he says in a video message.
Teheran (AFP) – Iran’s foreign ministry says that a ceasefire in Lebanon remains an “essential condition” for a deal with the United States, with Israel expanding its offensive in the country. Speaking in Tehran, foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei also accuses the US of violating the ceasefire agreement between Washington and Tehran.
Madrid (AFP) – The popemobile to be used by Pope Leo XIV during his visit to Spain arrives in Madrid. The pontiff will be in Spain from 6 to 12 June, visiting Madrid, Barcelona and the Canary Islands. He is due to meet with Spanish King Felipe VI and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, as well as inaugurating the tallest tower of the Sagrada Familia Basilica in Barcelona and meeting with organisations supporting migrants in the Canary Islands.
Bogotá (AFP) – Right-wing presidential candidate Paloma Valencia votes in Bogota amid the first round of Colombian presidential election. The country began voting in a process that could shift the country’s response to rising guerrilla violence, choosing between extending spluttering peace talks or turning to a hard‑right military crackdown. IMAGES
Bogotá (AFP) – Colombian presidential hopeful Ivan Cepeda casts his vote at San Lucas School, in the locality of Kennedy, in Bogota. The left-wing senator riding high on strong support for combative outgoing President Gustavo Petro, but he faces a challenge from hard-right lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella and conservative senator Paloma Valencia. IMAGES
Barranquilla (Colombia) (AFP) – Colombians begin voting in a presidential election that will determine the nation’s response to rising violence by drug-running guerrillas, either staying left and opting for dialogue or tacking right towards all-out war. IMAGES
Galati (Romania) (AFP) – Residents of the Romanian city of Galati say they are “angry” and “afraid” after a drone hit an apartment building, wounding two people and drawing condemnation from NATO and the European Union, which has blamed Russia and warned against further incursions. “We were expecting certain things, but not this, right here in the city centre,” says pensioner Jenica.
Geneva (AFP) – The World Health Organization announces the first recovery of a confirmed Ebola patient since a deadly outbreak began in the Democratic Republic of Congo. “We are expecting more people to recover,” Anais Legand, WHO technical officer on viral haemorrhagic fevers, tells a media briefing in Geneva.
Budapest (AFP) – Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) supporters gather in Budapest on the eve of the Champions League final in the Hungarian capital. “We’re obviously fired up to win back-to-back titles – we’re expecting a win,” says PSG fan Florian Gilbert. “We’re champions of England, I think we can do it,” says Arsenal fan Thomas Withey. Arsenal are hoping to beat previous champions PSF, after winning the Premier League this month.
