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OpenAI rolls out GPT-5.6 family with restricted access amid White House timing clash

OpenAI has released its GPT-5.6 series of AI models, a three-tier lineup named Sol, Terra, and Luna, but access is heavily limited for most users, according to Indianexpress.com. The launch comes less than 24 hours after reports that the Trump administration had requested OpenAI stagger its rollout, as noted by The Verge. Sol serves as the flagship model, delivering top performance in cybersecurity, biology, and agentic benchmarks, per Hacker News. Terra is positioned as a balanced, everyday-work model that matches GPT-5.5 performance at half the cost, while Luna offers strong capability at the lowest price point, Hacker News reported. Indianexpress.com noted that the models are named after celestial bodies and that access restrictions are likely tied to safety concerns, infrastructure constraints, or strategic deployment decisions. "The GPT-5.6 Sol launch features OpenAI's most robust safety stack to date." The safety enhancements include protections for high-risk activities, sensitive cyber requests, and repeated misuse, following extensive pressure-testing and hardening against real-world attacks, according to Hacker News. The Verge also highlighted the models' strengths in coding, cybersecurity, biology, and long-horizon agentic AI tasks, as well as competitive pricing amid ongoing US AI regulatory discussions. Indianexpress.com emphasized that the restricted rollout makes the new models unavailable to most users. The timing of the release, just hours after the Trump administration's request for a staggered deployment, adds a layer of political tension to what OpenAI frames as a commitment to broad access, according to Hacker News.

4 sources · 28 Jun

US export curbs spur Asian rivals to Anthropic as Chinese and Japanese firms unveil competing AI models

Asian AI startups are rushing to fill the gap left by U.S. export restrictions on Anthropic's advanced models, releasing their own competing systems. Chinese cybersecurity firm 360 unveiled Tulongfeng, a model it claims can match Anthropic's Mythos, while Tokyo-based Sakana AI launched Fugu, which it says is comparable to Anthropic's Fable 5 and Mythos Preview. These moves signal a rapid shift in the AI landscape as non-American developers seize the opportunity created by the Trump Administration's ban on exporting Anthropic's frontier AI to most of the world, TechCrunch reported. "Fugu stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Anthropic's Fable 5 and Mythos Preview," Sakana AI said, according to TechCrunch. The Japanese startup's confidence underscores a growing wave of Asian innovation that U.S. policy may be accelerating rather than containing. By targeting the exact tier of AI that is now off-limits to foreign buyers, these new models directly challenge the assumption that export controls can preserve American dominance in the field. TechCrunch noted that the developments suggest U.S. export restrictions "may be driving Asian competitors to build their own frontier AI capabilities, potentially costing American AI labs access to a massive market." If Asian buyers previously reliant on Anthropic's models now turn to local alternatives, the long-term commercial impact on U.S. AI companies could be significant, even if the technology gap remains narrow for now. The emergence of Tulongfeng and Fugu represents just the beginning of what could become a sustained wave of rival systems. With both Chinese and Japanese players entering the fray, the global AI market is fragmenting along regulatory lines, and American firms may find themselves locked out of one of the world's fastest-growing technology economies.

2 sources · 28 Jun

Elon Musk Gives Banned Armie Hammer Film a 48-Hour Run on X

Elon Musk made the indie action film 'Citizen Vigilante' available to stream on X for 48 hours, granting his roughly 240 million followers a brief window to watch Armie Hammer's onscreen comeback. Deadline reported that Musk uploaded the film after director Uwe Boll announced the limited engagement on the platform, while Variety noted that the movie had premiered in theaters and on demand a week earlier. 'Citizen Vigilante' was banned in Germany for its violent and anti-migrant content, according to Variety. The film, written and directed by Uwe Boll, follows Hammer's character on a violent mission across Europe. The Hollywood Reporter described the movie as one of Hammer's first indie projects since he was dropped by his agency following sexual misconduct allegations in 2021. "Though removed from both accounts, the movie has been reposted by other X users." Despite Musk and Boll taking down the post, the film has continued circulating on the platform through reposts from other accounts, The Hollywood Reporter observed, highlighting how quickly content can spread beyond an original uploader's control. "Musk uploaded the full film after Boll announced the limited engagement on the platform." The decision to bring a banned, controversial film to a massive audience underscores the platform's hands-off approach to content moderation, as Deadline reported that Musk personally facilitated the brief streaming window. Looking ahead, Boll has indicated that a sequel is in the works, according to The Hollywood Reporter, though it remains unclear whether Musk will again serve as distributor for what is shaping up to be an unconventional comeback vehicle for Hammer.

4 sources · 28 Jun

Netflix and CD Projekt Red confirm Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 arriving in 2026, new director attached

A sequel to the acclaimed anime series Cyberpunk: Edgerunners has been officially confirmed, with CD Projekt Red and Netflix announcing the project during a panel at Anime Expo 2025. The new season, reportedly titled Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2, is slated for a Fall 2026 release and will be directed by Kai Ikarashi, as reported by Bleeding Cool. The announcement follows a cryptic teaser from CD Projekt Red earlier in the week, which showed a damaged USB drive labeled "Edgerunners SZN 2" and promised a larger reveal, according to Polygon. "The announcement came via a brief social media post showing a damaged USB drive labeled 'Edgerunners SZN 2,' with a promise of a bigger reveal next week." The tease turned out to be a precursor to the full reveal at the convention, where the panel featured original director Hiroyuki Imaishi, writer and producer Bartosz Sztybor, and voice actors Emi Lo and Zach Aguilar. Bleeding Cool reported that key art and initial details were shared during the event, though specific plot points remain under wraps. The original series, which debuted on Netflix in 2022 and was produced by Studio Trigger, was widely praised for its emotional storytelling and striking animation, set in the dark, dystopian world of Cyberpunk 2077. With Kai Ikarashi taking over the director's chair, the sequel is expected to continue the gritty, high-stakes tone of its predecessor. Polygon noted that the original series was "critically acclaimed," and Bleeding Cool confirmed that the new season will likely build on that foundation. Fans can expect more details to emerge as the Fall 2026 release window approaches, with CD Projekt Red and Netflix likely to share additional information in the coming months. "The sequel to the acclaimed anime series will be directed by Kai Ikarashi, with key art and initial details revealed at Anime Expo 2025." While specifics about the story and returning characters are still scarce, the confirmation of a sequel marks a significant expansion of the Cyberpunk 2077 universe in animation. Both Polygon and Bleeding Cool indicate that the project is now officially in development, giving fans a concrete timeline to anticipate after years of speculation.

2 sources · 28 Jun

Bungie's Destiny and Marathon Teams Face Deep Cuts as Sony CEO Cites Necessary Restructuring

PlayStation CEO Hermen Hulst has confirmed sweeping layoffs at Bungie, affecting most of the Destiny team and some Marathon team members, as well as Sony Interactive Entertainment support staff who work with the studio. Insider Gaming reported that Hulst sent a memo to employees describing the cuts as "necessary" without providing an exact headcount. The layoffs represent a significant downsizing for the developer, which Sony acquired in 2022. "It's a difficult and painful decision, and one we explored multiple alternatives to before arriving at this conclusion." According to IGN, the restructuring follows the end of new content for Destiny 2 and "lackluster player numbers" ahead of Marathon's upcoming launch. Hulst told staff that the company aligned resources with long-term goals, though other possibilities were exhausted first. Sony Interactive Entertainment's own announcement echoed this language, framing the move as "difficult but necessary" for the studio's future. The layoffs extend beyond Bungie's core teams. Sony's official statement noted that SIE support teams that serve Bungie are also affected, as reported on the company's website. This suggests the cuts are part of a broader cost-saving push within the PlayStation division, rather than a single-studio issue. Industry watchers will note the contrast between Hulst's language of aligning resources for long-term goals and the reality of hundreds of staff being let go. Bungie once prided itself on independence, but the layoffs underscore the pressures even major developers face in a shifting market. Without an exact number from Sony, affected employees are left waiting for clarity on the scale of the reduction.

3 sources · 28 Jun

GTA 6's Boxed Copies Will Require a Download: No Disc Found Inside

Rockstar Games has confirmed that physical boxed copies of Grand Theft Auto 6 will not contain a playable disc. Instead, customers who purchase a "physical edition" will find only a digital download code inside the box, according to multiple outlets including VGC and IGN. The announcement arrived alongside details on pricing and availability, with the standard edition set at $79.99 (or $80) and an Ultimate edition at $100, as VGC reported. Pre-orders open on June 25, and the game launches on November 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, with a pre-load period beginning November 12. "the physical version of GTA 6 will contain only a download code inside the box rather than an actual game disc, sparking debate about whether this marks the end of physical video game media." Polygon noted that this move effectively confirms the game will have a very large file size, likely exceeding 150 GB. The digital-only approach in a boxed product follows an industry trend where major AAA titles increasingly ship physical boxes containing only download codes, as Polygon reported. This has led some observers to view the decision as a significant moment for physical media, according to IGN. A separate report from Polish outlet ppe.pl, cited by Insider Gaming, claims that a true physical disc release of GTA 6 may arrive approximately one month after the initial launch, in December 2026. Insider Gaming noted that ppe.pl has a mixed track record but has accurately leaked other physical game release announcements through a backend source. If accurate, this would mean players seeking a genuine disc could wait until well after the November 19 launch date. For now, however, the only way to play GTA 6 at launch will be through digital download, whether obtained via a code in a box or directly from the PlayStation or Xbox stores. The game's $79.99 price point, reported by Pure Xbox, adds to the conversation about cost versus physical ownership. As Rockstar pushes forward with a download-only model, the industry continues to watch whether this marks a shift in consumer expectations for physical media, as IGN suggested.

6 sources · 28 Jun

Under White House pressure, OpenAI curtails GPT-5.6 rollout to select enterprise partners

OpenAI is delaying the broad public release of its next-generation model, GPT-5.6, after a request from the Trump administration citing security concerns. According to The Verge and TechCrunch, the model will initially be available only to a small group of enterprise customers, with the U.S. government approving access on a case-by-case basis. Chain Affairs reported that this signals growing government scrutiny over advanced AI systems and marks a new phase in the U.S. debate on AI regulation. CEO Sam Altman disclosed the restricted deployment during an internal company Q&A, according to multiple outlets. The Decoder reported that Altman stated the government "asked" OpenAI to limit access, and that access would be granted on a "customer by customer" basis. Altman indicated this is not the preferred long-term model for access control, The Decoder added, raising concerns about a de facto licensing regime for AI models, especially after the forced takedown of Anthropic's Fable. TechCrunch reported that Altman told staff if the limited preview goes well, a broader public release could follow in a couple of weeks. The move follows the Trump administration's executive order calling for voluntary AI model review, particularly around cybersecurity, as The Decoder noted. This intensifying government oversight leaves OpenAI's broader ambitions for GPT-5.6 in a holding pattern, tied to federal approval rather than market demand. Chain Affairs described the development as a new phase in the U.S. debate on AI regulation, with the White House directly shaping deployment timelines. For now, only select partners will get access, with the company hoping for a wider release soon. The restricted rollout underscores the growing tension between rapid AI advancement and the government's push for guardrails.

4 sources · 28 Jun

Double earthquakes leave 235 dead, millions impacted in Venezuela amid frantic rescue efforts

A pair of devastating earthquakes in Venezuela has killed at least 235 people and trapped many others under collapsed buildings, with international rescue teams racing to find survivors. The quakes have created a humanitarian crisis that officials fear could affect up to 6.8 million people, according to the UN migration agency (IOM), cited by UN News. Rescuers are facing desperate conditions on the ground. UN News reported that in some areas "rescuers are digging with bare hands" to reach those still trapped. The scale of the disaster has prompted a wave of international support: Al Jazeera noted that aid and rescue teams are "pouring in from across the Americas, including Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, El Salvador, Cuba, and the United States, as well as the United Nations." The search continues as hospitals fill with the injured. The human toll extends far beyond the confirmed dead. Over 41,000 people have been reported missing through an online portal, according to UN News. And for those who survived, the trauma is far from over: UN News quoted aid agencies saying that "survivors remain terrified to re-enter damaged homes and structures," leaving many in need of shelter, food, and medical care. Rescue operations remain ongoing, Al Jazeera reported, as international teams work alongside local responders. Massive humanitarian needs persist across the country, with UN News emphasizing that the full scale of the crisis is still unfolding as the search for the missing and the dead continues.

2 sources · 28 Jun

Trump Pledges 100% Tariff Against Nations with Digital Services Taxes on US Companies

President Donald Trump threatened to impose a 100% tariff on any country that enacts a digital services tax targeting U.S. companies, according to obd2reader.store. In a Truth Social post, Trump stated the tariff would override existing trade deals, signaling a hardline stance on foreign taxes aimed at American tech giants. Deadline reported that the threat targets European countries in particular, but it remains unclear what legal authority Trump would use to enforce such tariffs. "It remains unclear what legal authority Trump would use to enact such tariffs, especially following a Supreme Court decision earlier this year that struck down his previous sweeping global tariffs." This legal ambiguity could complicate any attempt to impose the penalty, as past tariff actions have faced judicial pushback. The threat is not entirely new. obd2reader.store noted that Trump previously retaliated against similar taxes, including threatening to halt trade talks with Canada, which led Ottawa to scrap its proposed digital services tax. Independent.ie added that Trump specifically called out the UK, demanding it drop its 2% digital services tax on American social media companies or face the 100% tariff. "The threat, which Trump said would supersede Britain's existing trade deal, risks escalating transatlantic tensions already strained by the Iran conflict." Independent.ie also reported that the move presents a challenge for Keir Starmer's likely successor, Andy Burnham, whom Trump has described as 'extremely liberal.' According to Deadline, the tariff threat appears to be a defense of major U.S. technology firms that have opposed these European digital taxes, underscoring the administration's willingness to use trade leverage to protect American corporate interests abroad.

3 sources · 28 Jun

Love Island USA ejects contestant Alannah Keyser after resurfaced video shows her lip-syncing racial slur

Peacock has removed Love Island USA Season 8 contestant Alannah Keyser from the villa after a video resurfaced of her lip-syncing to a song while using a racial slur. The decision was announced during the June 25 episode, according to TVLine. Keyser had appeared on the show as a bombshell during the Casa Amor twist shortly before her departure. This marks the second time this season a contestant has been ejected for using the n-word. Vulture reported that Vasana Montgomery was removed earlier this year for similar behavior. The recurring issue has drawn attention to the show's pre-screening process. The resurfaced posts included a video of Keyser singing along to Roddy Ricch's song 'The Box' and repeating lyrics containing the slur, as well as a Snapchat screenshot and an Instagram comment with the same slur, according to Deadline. Variety reported that the videos were originally posted to private accounts and only circulated after Keyser appeared on the show, meaning they were not accessible during Peacock's vetting process. Following her removal, Keyser apologized via TikTok. Deadline reported that she stated she does not support racism and apologized to anyone offended by the video. The show's narrator, Iain Stirling, confirmed her departure during the episode without providing details on the reason, according to Vulture.

5 sources · 28 Jun

House of the Dragon Season 3 Opens with Major Battle and Character Deaths

HBO's House of the Dragon kicked off its third season on June 21, plunging viewers straight into the Targaryen civil war with the long-awaited Battle of the Gullet. According to Decider, the premiere featured the deaths of Prince Jacaerys and Lord Corlys Velaryon, two pivotal figures in the conflict. The episode also set key character movements in motion, including Alicent convincing Aemond to fly to Harrenhal and Daemon linking up with Riverlands forces. "The season opens with the Battle of the Gullet amid the Targaryen civil war." That opening salvo, as reported by Deadline, establishes the stakes for the eight-episode run, which will air weekly on Sunday nights through August 9. The A.V. Club highlighted the season three premiere as the lead feature in its weekly TV roundup, underscoring its status as a major programming event. "The Season 3 premiere featured the Battle of the Gullet, the deaths of Prince Jacaerys and Lord Corlys Velaryon, and key character movements." With the series now deep into the Dance of the Dragons, the premiere's casualties and alliances set the stage for the weeks ahead. Viewers can catch each new episode on HBO as the story of the fractured Targaryen dynasty continues to unfold.

4 sources · 28 Jun

Prime Video Expands Barry's Bay With Second Season of Romantic Drama 'Every Year After'

Prime Video has renewed the romantic drama series "Every Year After" for a second season, TVLine reported. The show, set in the fictional town of Barry's Bay, follows a group of friends reuniting annually, and the renewal comes after the first season's performance on the streaming platform. Season 2 will expand the Barry's Bay universe and follow author Fortune's novel 'One Golden Summer,' continuing storylines and characters from the first season, according to The Hollywood Reporter. This marks a deeper dive into the source material that inspired the series. "Amy B. Harris returns as showrunner, with the author Fortune serving as executive producer alongside Lindsey Liberatore, Amy Rardin, John Stephens, and Grace Gilroy." The returning creative team ensures continuity for the romantic drama, which has already built a dedicated audience on Prime Video. Harris's leadership, combined with the author's direct involvement, suggests Season 2 will stay true to the novel's tone while expanding the narrative world. Fans can expect more of the annual reunions and emotional arcs that defined the first season, now with a broader canvas to explore. No premiere date for Season 2 has been announced yet by Prime Video.

2 sources · 28 Jun

Toy Story 5 Nears $300 Million Domestic as Supergirl Opens Behind in Box Office Showdown

Disney and Pixar's 'Toy Story 5' held firmly at the top of the domestic box office in its second weekend, while DC Studios' 'Supergirl' debuted in second place, according to multiple reports. The Hollywood Reporter estimated that 'Toy Story 5' earned $72.5 million over the frame, pushing its North American total toward $300 million after a record-breaking opening. Variety reported that 'Supergirl' earned $7.8 million in previews globally, with a projected $47 million to $50 million debut weekend, but it fell short of unseating the toy franchise. "record-breaking $160 million opening as 2026's biggest debut" 'Supergirl,' starring Milly Alcock as Superman's cousin, opened with $18 million on its first Friday, per Variety, while 'Toy Story 5' took in $21 million on its second Friday from 4,425 screens, according to Hollywood Outbreak. Deadline noted that 'Supergirl' is the second DC Studios production under James Gunn and Peter Safran, following last summer's 'Superman,' which opened to $125 million domestically. The film's projected opening of $40 million to $50 million compares to previous DC releases like 'The Flash,' which opened to $55 million. "the shifting attention of younger audiences ('iPad kids')" Vulture framed 'Supergirl's' challenge as competing against established toy-based franchises and the changing viewing habits of younger audiences, a dynamic that continues to benefit 'Toy Story 5.' The Pixar sequel has now grossed roughly $300 million domestically after two weekends, a stronghold that underscores the enduring appeal of its brand. Final box office numbers for the weekend are still pending, but the early figures confirm 'Toy Story 5' as the dominant title of the spring and another win for Disney's animated slate.

6 sources · 28 Jun

Deposition Collapse Triggers Arrest Bid for CAA Co-Founder

Michael Ovitz, the co-founder of talent agency CAA, abruptly ended a deposition on June 1 when lawyers questioned him about his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein, prompting actress Julia Ormond's legal team to seek a bench warrant for his arrest. The deposition was part of Ormond's lawsuit against CAA, which alleges the agency set her up to be sexually assaulted by Harvey Weinstein in December 1995. According to Variety, Ovitz stormed out of the deposition after being asked about his relationship with Epstein. Hollywood Reporter noted that Ormond's attorneys had been trying to depose Ovitz for more than a year before obtaining a court order. When the questioning turned to Epstein, Ovitz refused to answer further and walked out. The outlet reported that Ovitz stated he would not discuss Epstein at all, cutting the session short. In response, Ormond's legal team filed a motion seeking a court order to arrest Ovitz for failing to comply with the deposition. Hollywood Reporter described the move as a request for a bench warrant, escalating the legal battle between the actress and the powerful former agent. Ormond's lawsuit, filed in 2023, accuses CAA of negligence and breach of fiduciary duty, claiming the agency knew about Weinstein's history of sexual misconduct but did nothing to protect her. The deposition of Ovitz, who led CAA during the 1990s, was seen as critical to proving that the agency facilitated the encounter with Weinstein. The connection between Ovitz and Epstein has drawn scrutiny, with Variety reporting that the questioning focused on Ovitz's continued association with Epstein after Epstein's conviction for sex crimes. The walkout has added a new dimension to the case, as Ormond's team now argues that Ovitz's refusal to testify should have legal consequences.

2 sources · 28 Jun

Gunn and Safran Meet Ellison on Superman Sequel Set as Merger Prep Begins

DC Studios co-heads James Gunn and Peter Safran have met with Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison on the Atlanta set of the upcoming Superman sequel, 'Man of Tomorrow.' The meeting, which took place amid ongoing merger talks between Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount Skydance, signals early coordination between the studio's leadership and its potential new owner, according to Bleeding Cool and The Hollywood Reporter. "DC Studios' James Gunn and Peter Safran have met with Paramount-Skydance head David Ellison, as confirmed by Supergirl EP Lars P. Winther." Bleeding Cool reported that the meeting was confirmed by Supergirl executive producer Lars P. Winther, underscoring the high-level nature of the discussion as the merger landscape shifts. The outlet noted that Paramount Skydance emerged as a buyer over Netflix in the bidding for Warner Bros. Discovery, placing Ellison in a pivotal position regarding the future of DC's film slate. "Ellison visited the Atlanta set of 'Man of Tomorrow' (the Superman sequel) and has reportedly been open to the current DC slate direction." The Hollywood Reporter added that Ellison has reportedly been receptive to the direction Gunn and Safran have set for the DC Universe, suggesting a smooth transition if the merger proceeds. The visit indicates that Ellison is taking a hands-on approach to understanding the superhero property's creative momentum before any formal ownership change. As the merger talks advance, the meeting positions Ellison as an engaged potential steward of DC Studios. With Gunn and Safran already laying out a multi-year slate, early alignment with Skydance could help avoid the creative disruptions that often accompany corporate takeovers, according to analysts cited by both outlets.

2 sources · 28 Jun

Bellingham leads England past Panama to secure Group L top spot

England clinched first place in World Cup Group L with a 2-0 victory over Panama, powered by a goal and an assist from Jude Bellingham and a Harry Kane strike. The result ensured Thomas Tuchel's side advanced as group winners, while Croatia edged Ghana 2-1 to take second place, according to telegraaf.nl. Goal.com reported that Bellingham delivered a standout performance, scoring one and setting up another, but noted that England's display was otherwise lackluster. Tuchel made five changes to the lineup following a disappointing draw against Ghana. As Goal.com put it, "Thomas Tuchel's side delivered an otherwise uninspiring display" despite the win. In the other Group L match, Croatia secured a narrow 2-1 victory over Ghana. Telegraaf.nl noted that Ghana's goal came from Derrick Luckassen, who is the brother of Brian Brobbey, but it was not enough to prevent Croatia from advancing alongside England. Telegraaf.nl also teased a surprising achievement by Cape Verde at the tournament, suggesting the small nation has caught the attention of the international press with its performance. Further details on that story are yet to emerge.

2 sources · 28 Jun

Messi becomes all-time World Cup top scorer as Argentina advances

Lionel Messi has broken the all-time World Cup scoring record (men's and women's) with his 17th goal in Argentina's 2-0 victory over Austria, according to multiple outlets including n.pr and FourFourTwo. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner added another goal in stoppage time to seal the win, sending the defending champions into the round of 32. Messi began the tournament three goals behind Miroslav Klose's previous record of 16, but quickly equaled and surpassed it with a hat-trick against Algeria before the landmark goal against Austria, as reported by Sport Bible. However, the record-breaking moment was not without controversy. Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel claimed that the goal should have been disallowed due to an alleged foul by Alexis Mac Allister in the buildup, according to the Mirror. "Messi's record-breaking goal should have been disallowed" Schmeichel's comments stand at odds with the general celebration of Messi's achievement, which included a gracious acknowledgment from the former record holder himself. Klose sent a heartfelt message to the Argentine legend, Sport Bible reported. Messi reflected on the record and his team's performance, suggesting his penalty miss earlier in the match may have helped the squad. According to Goal.com, Messi praised the special bond within the Argentina squad and with their traveling supporters as they pursue a second consecutive world title in his sixth World Cup appearance. "the special bond within the Argentina squad and with their traveling supporters" That bond was on full display as Argentina advanced with a perfect group stage record. AP News reported on a different match, describing Messi's continued record extension. The outlet noted that Messi became the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup games, extending his all-time scoring record with his 19th goal. The 39-year-old scored on a free kick in the 80th minute of Argentina's group stage finale against Jordan, splitting two defenders into the left corner of the net. He now has 123 international goals and 72 career free-kick goals, according to AP News. With this record, Messi has cemented his legacy as one of soccer's greatest players, having scored all five of Argentina's unanswered goals across their matches against Algeria and Austria, as FourFourTwo highlighted. The Argentine captain continues to defy age and expectations, breaking records just before his 39th birthday.

6 sources · 28 Jun

Iran captain and coach slam FIFA leadership over 'disastrous' World Cup logistics and broken promises

Iran captain Mehdi Taremi and coach Amir Ghalenoei have publicly criticized FIFA and President Gianni Infantino over what they describe as severe logistical failures at the World Cup, including unresolved visa issues and poor travel arrangements. According to Goal, both men expressed frustration that FIFA had broken promises and failed to address problems that have persisted since the tournament began. "The tournament's logistical setup as a 'disaster.'" The New York Times reported that Taremi specifically cited difficulties with travel between Seattle and the team's base camp in Tijuana, Mexico. Iran originally planned to be based in Tucson, Arizona but moved their camp to Mexico in late May, a shift that added complexity to an already strained schedule. Goal added that key staff members faced unresolved visa issues, a problem that Taremi and Ghalenoei said showed unfair treatment from the sport's governing body. The coach joined Taremi in accusing FIFA of indifference to the team's struggles. After a third group stage draw left Iran waiting on other results, the team's logistical burdens only grew more apparent. Taremi's blistering remarks underscore the gap between FIFA's promises of smooth operations and the realities faced by some participating nations.

2 sources · 28 Jun