Mulling ban, EU gets expert verdict on social media for children

Greece, France and Spain led a push last year for limiting minors' access to social media, with pressure intensifying on the EU executive to establish a bloc-wide ban like Australia did in December.

By Afp 7 hrs ago

Ukraine allies to gather in Paris to step up pressure on Russia

Allies of Ukraine will gather in Paris on Monday with the war-torn country's leader Volodymyr Zelensky to reaffirm support for Kyiv and step up pressure on Russia.

By Afp 7 hrs ago

US hits Iran as Gulf states targeted in flareup over Hormuz

The United States struck Iran Monday for a second day running, drawing Tehran's reprisals against US allies in the Gulf as the foes battle over the status of the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

By Afp 7 hrs ago

Spaniard's rare skin disorder ups danger of summer heat

Alberto Gomez has a rare genetic skin disorder that leaves him unable to sweat properly -- and therefore unable to cool himself naturally during extreme heat.

By Afp 7 hrs ago

Middle East rocked by heaviest attacks since Iran-US ceasefire

The Middle East has been rocked by US and Iranian attacks of a scale unseen since an April ceasefire, as fighting over the strategic Strait of Hormuz threatened to derail efforts.

By Afp 2 hrs ago

Kenya's goons: a world of political violence and desperation

Kenyan politicians are hiring armed thugs for as little as $4 per day, as poverty and ruthless political competition threaten to unleash uncontrollable violence ahead of elections.

By Afp 2 hrs ago

Argentina great Rattin dies at 89

Former Argentina captain Antonio Rattín, who was sent off in the 1966 World Cup quarter-final against England, died on Saturday at the age of 89.

By Afp 19 hrs ago

Bellingham heroics edge England past Norway and into World Cup semis

Jude Bellingham was England's hero once more by scoring twice as the Three Lions came from behind to end Norway's historic run and reach the World Cup semi-finals

By Afp 1 day ago

Argentina sink 10-man Swiss to set up blockbuster England World Cup semi-final

Julian Alvarez scored a breathtaking goal as Argentina battled past 10-man Switzerland 3-1 after extra-time, setting up a mouthwatering World Cup semi-final vs England.

By Afp 1 day ago

Iran strikes Gulf neighbours after new US attacks

Tehran announced it was closing the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday and launched missiles and drones at its Gulf neighbours, in retaliation for new US strikes.

By Afp 1 day ago

'In our blood': Palestinians keep horse culture alive against all odds

Horse culture has emerged in unlikely nooks as a rare form of recreation that still draws Palestinians together, from urban neighbourhoods to rural villages.

By Afp 1 day ago

England, Argentina set up World Cup showdown after quarter-final wins

England and Argentina set up a blockbuster World Cup semi-final showdown on Saturday after battling past Norway and Switzerland to book their passage to the last four.

By Afp 1 day ago

MSF Ebola training in Kenya prepares doctors for 'intense' job

An Ebola training facility set up by Doctors Without Borders in Kenya is a chance for health workers to prepare for one of the most complex emergencies they are ever likely to face.

By Afp 1 day ago

Nigerian forces suffered casualties in kidnap rescue: army

Nigerian security forces suffered "casualties" during rescue of over 40 kidnapped schoolchildren and teachers, army says.

By Afp 2 days ago

Boat accident off island in Vietnam's south kills 15: state media

At least 15 people killed after speedboat carrying Indian tourists capsizes off southern Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island on Saturday, authorities say boat had 36 people.

By Afp 2 days ago

Merino strikes late as Spain beat Belgium to set up France World Cup semi

Super sub Mikel Merino broke Belgian hearts and sent Spain through to a World Cup semi-final against France with a late goal in a gripping 2-1 win on Friday.

By Afp 2 days ago

African results justify World Cup slots increase amid criticism

Africa's strong showing at the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, with nine of 10 teams reaching the knockout stage, has strengthened the case for the continent's increased allocation of World Cup places.

By Afp 2 days ago

Over 900,000 people flee in China as typhoon lashes Taiwan, Japan islands

More than 900,000 citizens flee homes in China, with approaching Typhoon Bavi toppling trees and cutting power across Taiwan and Japan.

By Afp 2 days ago

Russians urged to work from home amid fuel crisis

Authorities in Russia's Novosibirsk region urge residents to work remotely and limit travel by car, amid a deepening fuel crisis triggered by Ukrainian strikes on oil refineries.

By Afp 2 days ago

England battle Norway as Argentina face Swiss in World Cup last eight

England lock horns with Norway in a World Cup quarter-final in Miami on Saturday that pits Harry Kane against Erling Haaland in a mouthwatering battle of elite strikers.

By Afp 1 day ago

Mourinho begins Real Madrid culture 'mission'

New Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho said Friday he is on a "mission" to create the right culture at the club during his second spell in charge.

By Afp 2 days ago

Same old story as Europe dominates quarter-finals

World Cup expansion to 48 teams has offered more of a chance to other continents, but a glance at the quarter-final line-up tells a familiar tale.

By Afp 3 days ago

Messi World Cup magic masks familiar penalty frailty

Lionel Messi once retired from international football after blasting a penalty into the American sky to lose a Copa America final 10 years ago.

By Afp 3 days ago

Mbappe strikes again as France beat Morocco to reach World Cup semi-finals

Kylian Mbappe recovered from having a first-half penalty saved to score a magnificent opener that set France on their way to a 2-0 win over Morocco in their World Cup quarter-final

By Afp 3 days ago

Morocco coach Ouahbi vows team will come back stronger after World Cup exit

Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi promised that his team will bounce back from their World Cup quarter-final exit against France

By Afp 3 days ago

Migrants pick up pieces back home after fleeing South Africa

"We came back with nothing," said Assani, among some 15 people who have returned to the village in Salima district, 120 kilometres (75 miles) east of the capital Lilongwe.

By Afp 3 days ago

One million women and girls lose access to support amid aid cuts: UN

In a fresh report, the UN Women agency decried a collapse of women's organisations at a time when needs are soaring.

By Afp 3 days ago

Landslides kill 15 in Philippines as biggest typhoon in decades nears Taiwan

Two landslides triggered by heavy rains driven by Bavi killed at least 15 people and left six others missing on the Philippines' southern island of Mindanao, authorities said.

By Afp 3 days ago

Hundreds welcome Salah's Egypt home after best World Cup run

Hundreds of euphoric supporters welcomed home Egypt's national football team on Friday after the country's best-ever performance at the World Cup

By Afp 2 days ago

Spain aim for World Cup date with France by beating Belgium

European champions Spain are on a World Cup collision course with Kylian Mbappe's France if they can beat Belgium in a quarter-final on Friday.

By Afp 2 days ago

Amorim hails 'ambitious' AC Milan, promises to learn Italian

Former Man United coach Ruben Amorim embraced the challenge ahead of him in taking on the AC Milan hot-seat when he held his first press conference.

By Afp 4 days ago

Mexico appoint Rafael Marquez as new coach after World Cup exit

Former Mexico and Barcelona defender Rafael Marquez was named the country's new head coach after Javier Aguirre stepped down following the co-host's elimination from the World Cup.

By Afp 4 days ago

France lose appeal against Olise booking at World Cup

France coach Didier Deschamps revealed Wednesday that an appeal against a yellow card shown to Michael Olise in the World Cup last-16 win over Paraguay had been rejected by FIFA.

By Afp 4 days ago

Taiwan warns of 'destructive' winds as typhoon nears

Taiwan's weather forecaster warned on Thursday of "destructive" winds as the biggest typhoon in years swept towards the island after pounding US Pacific territories.

By Afp 4 days ago

UN urges immediate end to fighting in eastern DR Congo

The United Nations called Thursday for an immediate end to fighting in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo between the armed forces and the M23 militia.

By Afp 4 days ago

New US, Iran fighting erupts ahead of Khamenei burial

New fighting erupted between the US and Iran hours ahead of the burial of longtime supreme leader Ali Khamenei on Thursday, with Tehran targeting US allies in the region.

By Afp 4 days ago

Ebola outbreak is 'fastest growing ever' as 600 die

"We need to surge our response, and surging our response means financial resources, human resources," Wessam said. "We are urging all partners and donors to fast-track the disbursement of resources."

By Afp 3 days ago

World Bank demands anti-corruption reforms in Kenya

"Every shilling lost to weak controls, to corruption, to poor procurement means a shilling not to going to schools, roads or health clinics," Qimiao Fan, the World Bank's director for Kenya, said.

By Afp 3 days ago

Burnham on course to become UK PM with Labour nominations underway

"It is all starting to feel very real," Burnham said in a social media video posted shortly after the process opened on Thursday morning.

By Afp 3 days ago

US to guide Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon zones, lead new talks: officials

"The first pilot zone will launch in a matter of days, and further pilot zones are being mapped out and planned," the official said on condition of anonymity.

By Afp 3 days ago