FIFA announced plans to sell off stakes in its football competitions, including the World Cup, to private investors associated with US President Donald Trump, which Infantino characterizes as democratisation of football but which has met criticism from fans, politicians and regional governing bodies. The plan would distribute $40m in funding to FIFA member associations, with a deadline of 19 September for federations to accept in order to access an initial $20m.
29 July 2026 · Joy Online →
A drone struck a U.S.-owned gas storage tanker at Egypt's port of Damietta, causing a fire that spread to another vessel, according to British maritime security firm Ambrey. The incident occurred amid escalating tensions as the United States and Saudi Arabia struck Iran-backed groups in Iraq and oil prices spiked sharply.
29 July 2026 · Joy Online →
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has written to all 211 member associations offering $40m in exchange for backing his plan to sell stakes in major competitions like the World Cup through a new commercial subsidiary. The plan, which could raise $10bn and has drawn quick condemnation from multiple regions, sets a 19 September deadline for nations to accept and receive an initial $20m.
29 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Three sources familiar with the deal told Reuters that Iran is expected to receive within weeks a first shipment of up to 400 Chinese-made shoulder-fired air-defence missile launchers, valued at $60-70 million, as it rebuilds its defences after war with the United States and Israel.
29 July 2026 · Joy Online →
US President Donald Trump held separate meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington, described by the White House as "positive and productive." Zelensky said Trump agreed to grant Ukraine licences for domestic production of Patriot interceptor missiles, which Kyiv says are needed to defend against Russian drone and ballistic missile attacks.
29 July 2026 · Joy Online →
The US Senate voted 51 to 47 to confirm Jay Clayton as director of national intelligence, replacing acting DNI Bill Pulte, whose original appointment faced backlash for his lack of intelligence experience. Clayton, a former US attorney for the Southern District of New York and securities regulator, succeeds Tulsi Gabbard.
29 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Saudi Arabia and the US have carried out strikes against Iran-backed militias in Iraq in response to over 30 IRGC-directed aerial drone attacks in the last 72 hours, escalating Middle East tensions after Iran launched missiles at US forces.
29 July 2026 · Joy Online →
FIFA's proposal to create a commercial subsidiary to run major competitions including the World Cup and sell stakes to external investors has prompted UEFA's 55 member associations to call an emergency meeting to discuss a potential plan of action, including the possibility of a boycott.
29 July 2026 · Joy Online →
President Donald Trump said his separate meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were positive, with both leaders in Washington for a memorial service. Trump discussed various topics with each leader without providing specifics, though tensions preceded the Netanyahu meeting over leaked details of his planned talking points on Iran.
29 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Iran launched multiple ballistic missiles in an attempted surprise attack on US forces in the Middle East on Tuesday, with the US military saying all missiles were successfully intercepted. The strike broke a three-day lull in hostilities between the two countries, which had been intended to restart negotiations.
29 July 2026 · Joy Online →