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World Cup fever hits Venice Beach, where Ronaldinho, Chicharito and Kylian Mbappe helped build a global soccer hotspot



On any given Sunday afternoon, the soundtrack of Venice Beach isn’t the crash of waves or the rattle of skateboard wheels.

It’s the thud of a soccer ball against concrete.

At 4 p.m. every Sunday, some of the best street soccer players in Los Angeles gather on the famed Venice Beach courts, turning a patch of asphalt steps from the Pacific Ocean into one of the most vibrant soccer scenes in America.

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe plays street soccer in Venice Beach, Calif. ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. VBFC/Gio Garcia

The growing attention is the focus of Barrios del Mundial (“World Cup Neighborhoods”), a new three-part English-language documentary series from content creator Gio Garcia that debuted June 10 on Instagram and TikTok.

And now, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup bringing eight matches to Los Angeles this summer, the spotlight on Venice Beach has never been brighter.

The series argues something many local players have believed for years: Venice Beach is more than a court. It’s a cultural institution.

Episode 1, “Venice Beach: El Barrio,” explores how the courts became a melting pot where soccer traditions from around the globe collide. The episode highlights the venue’s international reputation, a reputation built through appearances by stars such as Ronaldinho, Kylian Mbappé, Javier “Chicharito” Hernández and Diego Costa.

Episode 2, focuses on local organizer Eyoel, whose mission is simple: if you show up, you play. The story captures the inclusive spirit that has made Venice Beach a soccer home for players of every background.

The final episode, arriving June 24, shifts beyond the game itself. Food sizzles on grills, samba mixes with reggaetón and conversations move effortlessly between English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Brazilian soccer legend Ronaldhino surprises fans in Venice Beach, Calif. with
a Nike briefcase ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. VBFC/Gio Garcia)

The World Cup may unite the globe every four years, but in Venice Beach, that sense of connection happens every Sunday.

The World Cup energy isn’t confined to the Venice Beach courts. This weekend, U.S. soccer will bring the game directly onto the sand with a free beach soccer doubleheader featuring the U.S. men’s and women’s beach soccer national teams against Trinidad & Tobago.

Together these events reinforce a message that has become central to both the World Cup and Venice Beach’s soccer culture: the game belongs to everyone.

As Los Angeles embraces its role as a World Cup host city, initiatives like these ensure the tournament’s legacy reaches far beyond the stadium walls and into the communities that have been growing the sport for generations.

Athletes compete in a street soccer tournament every
Sunday in Venice Beach, Calif. VBFC/Gio Garcia

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World Cup 2026: Iran to lodge complaint to Fifa over travel restrictions


Iran’s involvement in the World Cup has been plagued with uncertainty, linked to the war in the Middle East and related security concerns.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino visited the Iran team in the dressing room following the game against New Zealand as tensions continue.

Multiple “integral” members of their backroom staff were denied entry visas for the US while the FFIRI called on Fifa to “uphold the principles of neutrality, fairness, and established regulations” after their allocation of tickets was revoked on the eve of the tournament.

“The Iranian national football team agreed to these terms,” a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson told the BBC when asked for a response to Ghalenoei’s comments.

Iran, who switched their base for the World Cup from Arizona in the US to Tijuana in Mexico amid the conflict in the Middle East, have two group games remaining and both are in the US.

They face Belgium in Los Angeles on 21 June (20:00 BST) and Egypt in Seattle on 27 June (04:00 BST).

Iran said they “needed to arrive in each host city two days before every match and return to its base camp the day after the game in order to achieve optimal technical and physical preparation” but “this request was not approved” for their game against New Zealand.

“The same situation has now been repeated ahead of Iran’s second match against Belgium,” added the FFIRI.

“Given that the game will be played at 12:00pm local time in Los Angeles, the Football Federation of Iran requested that the team be allowed to travel to Los Angeles two days before the match.

“The aim was to provide sufficient time for players to adapt to the match conditions, complete their final training session, and finalise preparations.

“Despite the technical reasons presented by the federation, the request was once again denied.”

The presidents of the US and Iran have signed an initial peace deal aiming to end the war but Andrew Giuliani, the executive director of the White House Fifa Task Force, said that Iran knew the situation they faced when it came to their matches.

“The team will be allowed to come in, match day minus one, so the day before the match,” Giuliani told CBS News.

“They’ll be asked to leave the day that the match wraps up, so the evening of the match. And they’ll be able to do that again in Los Angeles.”



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How the Tartan Army captured the heart of Boston



An estimated 50,000 Scotland fans have visited the city and won new friends in the period surrounding Scotland’s two group stage matches.



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US-Iran talks postponed as Vance pulls out of Switzerland trip



Eighteen people and four IDF soldiers are also killed in clashes in Lebanon, despite a truce meant to be in place in the country.



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TSA warns World Cup fans to avoid packing ranch dressing in carry-on luggage



The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is issuing a serious warning to international World Cup visitors: Don’t pack ranch dressing in your carry-on luggage.

As the World Cup brings millions of international visitors to the United States, many fans are trying out American staples — and, apparently, rushing to take them back home with them.

One European wrote on X, “Why did no one tell me ranch sauce is like crack? EUROPE WE NEED RANCH ASAP.”

The enthusiasm hasn’t gone unnoticed by U.S. officials.

On June 16 on Instagram, the TSA alluded to international travelers transporting bottles of ranch salad dressing through airport security.

TSA is warning World Cup visitors to pack ranch dressing in checked bags. SNS Group via Getty Images

“If you’re visiting for a very large sporting event & you happen to discover RANCH while you’re here … please pack it in your CHECKED BAG on the way home,” the post read.

The post added, “Days since the last airport ranch incident: 0.”

On X, the TSA issued a similar warning and shared a photo of assorted oversized liquids — including a bottle of ranch dressing — next to a sign reminding travelers of the agency’s 3.4-ounce liquid rule.

Ranch dressing has become an unexpected favorite among international World Cup visitors. JHVEPhoto – stock.adobe.com

Many Americans got a kick out of the TSA’s ranch warning.

“We should tell them about Chick-fil-A sauce that you can buy in large bottles, too!” one person said.

“Powdered ranch, guys! Powdered ranch,” another Instagram user said.

One traveler had to leave their ranch behind after packing it in a carry-on bag. TSA
TSA joked on social media about World Cup tourists trying to bring ranch dressing home. TSA

A third person said, “This is the most American thing I’ve read today! God Bless America.”

Others were stunned that the ranch dressing wasn’t available abroad.

“Ranch in Europe is rare?! Poor Europeans,” one person said.

“Who’s going to start the ranch pipeline to Europe? Instant business opportunity.”

Fox News Digital reached out to the TSA for comment.

The ranch craze is just one example of how international visitors have embraced American culture during the World Cup.

Earlier this week, Norwegian soccer fans went viral for performing synchronized “Viking rows” on Boston escalators.

Also in Boston, Scottish World Cup supporters impressed locals after reportedly drinking several bars dry.



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Four IDF soldiers killed by Hezbollah drone strike in Lebanon



Four Israel Defense Forces soldiers were killed overnight during fighting in Southern Lebanon, the military announced on Friday, in what appears to have been a Hezbollah drone strike targeting a tank.

The IDF identified one of the slain men as Lt. Col. Dor Gedalia Ben Simhon, 32, from Kibbutz Beit HaShita, commander of the 52nd “The Breachers” Battalion in the 401st “Iron Tracks” Brigade.

The names of the three other soldiers killed in the attack have not yet been cleared for publication. Their families have been notified.

The IDF identified one of the slain men as Lt. Col. Dor Gedalia Ben Simhon, 32, from Kibbutz Beit HaShita, commander of the 52nd “The Breachers” Battalion in the 401st “Iron Tracks” Brigade. IDF

According to initial reports, the soldiers were killed when an explosive drone struck the battalion commander’s tank.

The incident marked a significant escalation along the northern border and underscored continuing tensions despite the ceasefire arrangements between Israel and Lebanon.

The attack was one of the most serious Hezbollah violations of the ceasefire in recent months, military sources said.

Israeli officials said the drone strike on the battalion commander’s tank left the IDF with no choice but to respond forcefully against Hezbollah infrastructure in Southern Lebanon.

Following the attack, the IDF launched extensive strikes across Southern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah positions and infrastructure.

Israeli Merkava tanks drive along a road next to destroyed buildings on June 17, 2026. AFP via Getty Images

The incident also appeared to have broader diplomatic repercussions.

Iran canceled a planned delegation trip to Switzerland for talks related to the recently signed US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding, reportedly citing Israeli military operations in Lebanon as a violation of the MoU.

The cancellation came after the White House announced that US Vice President JD Vance had postponed his own trip to Switzerland, where technical talks on implementing the agreement had been expected to begin.

An IDF tank crosses through southern Lebanon on June 18, 2026. AP Photo/Ariel Schalit

The IDF has not yet released additional details about the circumstances of the attack or the identities of the other three soldiers.

Ben Simhon is the latest senior officer to fall during Israel’s ongoing military operations against Hezbollah in Southern Lebanon.

The military said further information would be released as it becomes available.



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World Cup 2026: Scotland’s totems must turn up to thwart dynamic Morocco


Despite winning all of these games, Scotland’s opponents don’t tend to score many goals, which is a surprise. In Diaz and Saibari and the left-sided midfielder, Bilal El Khannouss, they have hugely dynamic attackers.

And, in Achraf Hakimi, they have one of the best right-backs in the world, if not the absolute best. Hakimi is the heart of it. Born in Spain to a street vendor father and a mother who was a cleaner, he has spoken often about how his upbringing shaped him.

In February, the Paris St-Germain defender said he is set to face trial after an allegation of rape was made against him. Hakimi vehemently denies all charges.

Hakimi is a magnificent footballer, at his best when going forward, an explosive force down the right for Morocco, a Serie A winner with Inter, twice a Champions League winner with PSG, a World Cup semi-finalist with his country four years ago.

Morocco are a team drawn from the diaspora. Of the starting line-up that drew with Brazil, their goalkeeper was born in Canada, two of their defenders hail from Spain, another from France and another from the Netherlands.

Neil El Aynaoui, the midfielder, was born in France, Bouaddi and Saibari in Spain, El Khannouss in Belgium. In the rest of the squad there are another nine players who originated in Spain, Belgium, France and the Netherlands. Clearly, though, they are Moroccan to the core of their beings.

They represent a ferocious test for Scotland – and also an opportunity. Only a handful of Clarke’s team produced their best stuff against Haiti and none of them are hiding from that.

Scott McTominay was one of them. Maybe still feeling the impact of a tummy bug or, perhaps, weighed down a touch by the burden on his shoulders, the talisman was not all that talismanic.

He ran his heart out – with all nations having played one game, he ranked sixth overall in terms of kilometres covered – but he wasn’t the influence he can be. Nor was John McGinn, despite his goal.

It didn’t matter on the day, but it will matter against Morocco. Scotland’s totems need to turn up.

Clarke is likely to drop a striker and bring in an extra midfielder to cope with Morocco’s energy and class, to stifle while also retaining the capacity to strike out on their own. This can’t be backs-to-the-wall for 90 minutes.

Everything screams ‘the biggest test of their international lives’, but, also, everything we know about this Scotland team tells us that they are up for a fight. They go again.



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Newscast – Burnham Wins in Makerfield – So What Happens Now?


Available for over a year

Today, Labour’s Andy Burnham wins the Makerfield by election – so how could we see a challenge to Keir Starmer as Labour Party leader?

Burnham won almost 25,000 votes, beating Reform UK’s Robert Kenyon by more than 9,000 votes. In his victory speech Andy Burnham said “Everyone knows that politics isn’t working, and has previously said he woudl seek to enter any Labour leadership contest.

So what happens now?

Adam and Chris are joined by Kevin Fitzpatrick political reporter for Radio Manchester and Luke Tryl Director of More in Common.

You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say “Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers.

You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscord

Get in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.

New episodes released every day. If you’re in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd

Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Jack Maclaren. The social producer was Jem Westgate and Beth Pritchard. The technical producer was Antonio Fernandes. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

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What Long Island HS hoop players are learning from Knicks’ title run


The Knicks just made their hoop dreams a reality.

New York’s heroes in orange and blue are inspiring an entire generation of players ready to take the game to new heights at their Long Island high school gyms next fall, as these teens learned that anything is possible from the 2026 NBA champs.

“The Knicks had to wait a long time, but it came, and I feel like for anybody, you just take that into your own life,” Sachem North forward Jacob Steffens told The Post of snapping the 53-year drought.

“We haven’t made a long playoff run in a long time, we haven’t won our league in 20 years, so I think it could just keep going after it,” added his teammate, guard Sean Galvan.

Greenport guard and all-county star Troy Myers is taking in a lot of the Knicks’ recipe for success that he’ll bring to the Porters next year.

“Nobody on their team has egos; everybody plays together. I just love how they all bond together, even in tough times,” said Myers, who recently moved from North Carolina and fell in love with the Knicks. “When games get tougher, we all just have to stay together. … When we get down, we just can’t let ourselves be down about it. We’ve had to keep going and just keep pushing.”

Delaney Walters of New York state Catholic league champion St. Mary’s High School learned something similar from Jalen Brunson’s bunch as the Lady Gaels aim to win it all again.

“A big thing about them this year was just never giving up. … They definitely didn’t sulk when something didn’t go right, like they just kept their head up and they just kept playing,” the guard said.


Matt Grande (11), of the Nassau title-winning South Side Cyclones, attended the Knicks ticker-tape parade with friends.
Matt Grande (11), of the Nassau title-winning South Side Cyclones,
attended the Knicks ticker-tape parade with friends. Photo courtesy of Matt Grande

“They taught me when things aren’t going how I plan them to go on the court, or if my shots aren’t falling, not to keep my head down, just keep my head up, and just go for the next play,” she added.

Other champs, like Matt Grande (right, at the parade Thursday) of the Nassau title-winning South Side Cyclones, relate to being counted out prematurely after their star guard, John Pericolosi, got injured midyear.

“The Knicks are an underdog story because they were just so bad for so long, I feel like that’s kind of the same way with us,” said the guard, who was all smiles at the parade Thursday.

“Everybody wants to win again. I feel like that was with the Knicks, too — the last guy on the bench to Brunson and the starters encouraging each other … that’s a big role we saw with the Knicks to bring to our gym.”



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Traitors star says he lost life savings to a scam



The former contestant of BBC show The Traitors is speaking out about falling victim to the scam.



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