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The World Cup 2026 Wallchart The Guardian has released a printable wallchart for the 2026 World Cup, which will feature 48 teams competing across the USA, Mexico, and Canada. How to Use the Wallchart Users can print out and fill in the wallchart to follow the tournament. World Cup 2026 Details 48 teams will participate in the tournament. The tournament will be hosted across the USA, Mexico, and Canada. Additional Resources For more information and coverage, visit The Guardian's World Cup 2026 section.

The New Zealand national football team, the All Whites, have secured a place at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Ranked 85th, they face a daunting Group G line‑up of Belgium, Egypt and Iran, but a professional‑era squad and a seasoned coach give them a realistic shot at reaching the knockout stage for the first time. All Whites' Road to the 2026 World Cup After winning Oceania’s sole qualifying spot, New Zealand entered the tournament with a markedly different profile from the part‑time side that appeared in South Africa 2010. Coach Darren Bazeley emphasises possession‑based football, a style that served them well in qualifiers but will be tested against higher‑rated opponents. Group G fixtures: 15 June vs Iran (Los Angeles), 21 June vs Egypt (Vancouver), 26 June vs Belgium (Vancouver). Recent warm‑up results: 2‑0 loss to Finland, 4‑1 victory over Chile – the latter marking New Zealand’s first win against a South American nation. Key squad notes: Chris Wood (captain, 89 caps, 45 goals) returning from a serious knee injury; Eli Just (26‑year‑old attacking midfielder) highlighted as a breakout talent. Key Numbers Shaping New Zealand's Chances FIFA ranking: New Zealand 85th – the lowest among qualifiers. Opponents' rankings: Belgium 9th, Egypt 29th, Iran 21st. Recent form: 10 friendlies since qualification – 1 draw, 7 losses, 2 wins (including the Chile win). Defensive record in OFC qualifiers: 14 wins, 1 draw, 4 goals conceded, 64 goals scored. Chris Wood: 45 international goals; his fitness is a decisive factor according to commentator Paul Ifill. What Qualification Means for New Zealand Football Qualifying for a third World Cup marks the culmination of a decade‑long professionalisation drive. The tournament offers a platform to showcase the growing depth of New Zealand talent, attract higher‑profile overseas contracts, and inspire grassroots participation across the country. Success would also narrow the historic gap between New Zealand and other Oceania nations, reinforcing the All Whites as the region’s benchmark. Projected Path Through Group G and Beyond Analysts suggest that a disciplined defensive setup combined with swift counter‑attacks could earn New Zealand a point against Iran and a potential upset versus Egypt. A win or draw against Belgium appears unlikely, but a narrow loss would still leave the team in contention for a third‑place finish and a possible advancement on goal difference. Best‑case scenario: 1 win (vs Iran), 1 draw (vs Egypt), finish 3rd, advance on goal difference. Most‑likely scenario: 1 point (draw vs Iran), finish 4th, exit at group stage. Key variables: Wood’s fitness, midfield cohesion (Joe Bell, Eli Just), and Bazeley’s tactical flexibility. Regardless of the outcome, the All Whites’ participation will be a milestone for New Zealand football, offering valuable experience that could fuel future World Cup cycles.

StrictlyVC Los Angeles is positioning itself as a critical nexus for the intersection of defense technology, artificial intelligence, and venture capital. Scheduled for Thursday, June 18, 2026, at The Aerospace Corporation Campus in El Segundo, the event promises to dissect the strategic shifts driving the next generation of hard tech and national security innovation. Key Sessions: Bridging the Gap Between Software and Hardware Ethan Thornton (founder of Mach Industries) will lead a discussion on "Built for a New Era of Defense Technology," focusing on how autonomy and manufacturing are reshaping national security. Delian Asparouhov (Founders Fund) and Saif Khawaja (Shinkei Systems) will explore the rise of "Physical AI," examining how robotics and automation are creating tangible value beyond the digital realm. Carter Reum (co-founder and partner at M13) will analyze how AI is driving long-term durability in industries, moving investors away from short-term hype. The Capital Flow Trend: From Software to Hard Tech While specific financial figures are not yet disclosed, the agenda reveals a clear market signal: capital is aggressively pivoting toward "hard tech." The inclusion of defense contractors and robotics experts alongside traditional venture capitalists indicates a measurable shift in portfolio allocation. Investors are no longer satisfied with pure software margins; they are seeking the tangible, high-barrier-to-entry opportunities presented by physical AI and defense manufacturing. Why Los Angeles is Becoming the Defense Tech Capital The choice of The Aerospace Corporation Campus in El Segundo is not coincidental. This location underscores the deepening ties between Southern California's entertainment and tech sectors and the federal defense industrial base. The event highlights a regional transformation where the "creative class" is increasingly applying its expertise to national security challenges, blurring the lines between Silicon Valley innovation and Pentagon requirements. The Future Outlook: Long-Term Durability in a Volatile Market Based on the speakers' focus on "long-term durability," the prediction for the coming year is a consolidation of the tech sector. Startups that can demonstrate resilience and tangible utility—rather than just viral growth—will attract the lion's share of funding. The era of speculative software bubbles is ending, replaced by a demand for companies like Mach Industries and Shinkei Systems that are built to withstand geopolitical and economic shifts.

The Lead The $850m Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, designed by Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects, is a monumental complex featuring a 70-meter-high granite tower with a unique, angular design inspired by Brâncuși and a rock from Ethiopia. The Event Details The center, which includes a forum, library, and various art commissions, reflects Obama's values and legacy. The design process was highly influenced by Obama himself, who wanted to create an 'iconic' structure. The complex features a stately granite plaza and an undulating landscape. The Design Inspiration The design of the center was inspired by various elements, including a rock from Ethiopia and the works of Romanian sculptor Brâncuși. The tower's facade features a sun-shading screen with words from Obama's speech commemorating the 50th anniversary of the marches from Selma to Montgomery. The Impact Analysis The center is seen as a symbol of hope, justice, and equality, reflecting the values championed by Obama. However, its design has also drawn comparisons to a 'Klingon prison' and a flak tower, sparking debate about its aesthetic and functional implications. The Future Outlook As the first presidential library to be built during a president's lifetime, the Obama Presidential Center sets a new standard for such structures. Its impact on the surrounding community and its role as a cultural and educational hub remain to be seen.

Jack White’s ‘These Thoughts May Disappear’ Opens at Newport Street GalleryThe former White Stripes frontman debuted his first solo visual‑art show at Damien Hirst’s Newport Street Gallery on 4 June 2026. The exhibition, titled These Thoughts May Disappear, pairs White’s custom‑designed amplifiers with a series of brightly coloured installations that reference De Stijl, American folk motifs and Hirst‑style readymades.Conceptual Ambitions Meet Rock‑Star AestheticsWhite enlisted fellow high‑profile artists – Ai Weiwei inscribed an amp with the F‑word, while Hirst contributed a rotting‑cow‑head amp and a floating ping‑pong ball. The catalogue, a luxurious hardback, features an interview by renowned curator Hans Ulrich Obrist. Despite the star‑studded collaborations, critics describe the works as “glossy, decorative japes” that fail to engage the deeper musical heritage White often cites.Exhibition Metrics and Catalogue HighlightsOpening date: 4 June 2026Closing date: 13 September 2026Catalogue: hardback, includes interview with Hans Ulrich ObristKey collaborators: Damien Hirst, Ai WeiweiNotable pieces: custom amp with F‑word buttons, De Stijl‑inspired sofa prototypes, pallet installations echoing Jasper JohnsWhat the Show Signals for the Music‑Art CrossoverThe exhibition underscores a growing trend of musicians leveraging gallery space to extend their brand, yet it also highlights the risk of “art‑rock” projects that prioritize spectacle over substance. While White’s musical legacy – from the iconic Seven Nation Army riff to his $300,000 acquisition of an Elvis acetate – remains influential, the art world’s reception suggests a gap between rock credibility and contemporary curatorial standards.Looking Ahead: White’s Next Creative MoveGiven the lukewarm critical response, White may pivot back toward music‑centric experiences, perhaps integrating live performance with immersive installations. For Damien Hirst, the episode could prompt a reassessment of celebrity‑driven exhibitions at Newport Street, reinforcing the need for curatorial rigor when high‑profile collaborations are on display.

The Revival of a Maligned Masterpiece When Steve Hanley joined Manchester post-punk group the Fall, he expected to be playing bass guitar, not the pope on the London stage. But as a cast member of Mark E Smith's 1986 play 'Hey! Luciani: The Life and Codex of John Paul I', Hanley donned a full pope suit with seven layers of cassocks and took center stage. The Turbulent History of 'Hey! Luciani' In December 1986, 'Hey! Luciani' ran for two weeks at Hammersmith's Riverside Studios. Smith, the Fall's iconoclastic vocalist and lyricist who died in 2018, described it as 'a cross between Shakespeare and The Prisoner'. However, critics were less than impressed, with the Guardian deriding it as a 'thoroughness of Smith's failure'. The Data Behind the Reboot The original play was written on beer mats and delivered to Riverside in a shoe box. The play's thesis was allegedly based on David Yallop's 1984 bestseller 'In God's Name', which alleged Pope John Paul I's assassination. The 1986 production featured non-professional actors, including performance artist Leigh Bowery. The Impact of 'Hey! Luciani' on the Art World 'Hey! Luciani' is a classic example of postmodern storytelling, with convoluted narratives and the erasure of differences between high and low art. Graham Duff, the director of the reboot, believes that the play's cryptic nature is intentional, highlighting the Vatican's bureaucracy and the power struggles within. The Future of 'Hey! Luciani' If the June performance is successful, Duff hopes that his version might get picked up by one of Manchester's bigger arts institutions. For Hanley, the bassist who played the pope in the original production, the evening's success will be measured by his ability to avoid getting arrested.

Teen Promoter’s Bold Bet Fuels the Köln Concert LegendThe film follows Vera Brandes (Mala Emde), an 18‑year‑old Cologne jazz promoter who convinces the reclusive virtuoso Keith Jarrett (John Magaro) to perform at the Köln Opera House in 1975. Her daring DM10,000 deposit and frantic scramble to repair a sub‑standard rehearsal piano set the stage for what becomes an iconic live recording.The Narrative Engine: Vera’s Orchestration of a Historic ImprovisationJarrett, battling depression and chronic back pain, is coaxed out of a self‑imposed hiatus by Vera’s relentless determination. The screenplay intersperses fourth‑wall‑breaking lectures—reminiscent of The Big Short—to explain the mechanics of jazz improvisation, while the teen’s brother’s mantra, “Improvise!”, underscores the film’s thematic core.Financial Stakes and Production ContextDeposit required from Vera: DM10,000Release date in UK and Irish cinemas: 5 June 2026Key cast: John Magaro, Mala Emde, Ulrich Tukur, Michael ChernusThe modest budget details are not disclosed, but the narrative emphasizes the personal financial risk taken by a teenage promoter to secure a performance that would later become a seminal jazz album.Cultural Resonance: Reviving Experimental Jazz for Modern AudiencesBy avoiding sentimental clichés and focusing on the gritty logistics of staging the concert, *Köln 75* re‑introduces the 1975 Köln Concert to a new generation. The film’s limited use of the actual music—replaced by alternative tracks due to copyright—highlights the tension between artistic representation and legal constraints, while still delivering a “fizzy” and engaging drama.Looking Ahead: Influence on Future Jazz Biopics and Festival ProgrammingThe review suggests that the film could spark renewed interest in jazz‑centric storytelling and inspire festivals to program more historically grounded music events. As the story centers on improvisation both on‑stage and behind the scenes, it may encourage filmmakers to experiment with meta‑narratives that educate while entertaining.

The Cancellation of the Friendly Match A pre-World Cup friendly involving the Democratic Republic of Congo has been cancelled by the mayor of the Spanish town hosting the football match over health concerns regarding the Ebola outbreak in the African country. “I have signed the decree banning the holding of the June 9 match between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Chile,” said Juan Franco, mayor of La Linea de la Concepcion in southern Spain. Health Concerns and Precautions Franco said it was a “precautionary measure” and he was following recommendations by the Andalusia regional government’s health service. The mayor of La Linea, which has a population of 65,000 and is close to the border with Gibraltar, added that the head of the municipality’s medical service had also advised against holding the match. “A report by the head of the mayoralty’s health service of La Linea advised categorically against hosting the match given the health risks which might arise,” he said. DR Congo's World Cup Preparations The DR Congo – who have qualified for their first World Cup since they featured in the 1974 edition as Zaire – are set to play a friendly against Denmark in Liege, Belgium, on Wednesday. The team cancelled a planned pre-World Cup training camp at home after the country was hit by an Ebola outbreak last month, and players have been based in Belgium instead. Ebola Outbreak and World Cup Protocols The outbreak of the highly contagious haemorrhagic fever was declared in eastern DR Congo in mid-May. US authorities said on May 22 that Congo’s squad must isolate for 21 days before they would be allowed into the United States for the World Cup, which runs from June 11 to July 19 and is being co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico. DR Congo’s players plan to be based during the tournament in Houston, Texas in the US, where they will play their first Group K match on June 17 against Portugal.

The Miraculous Everest RescueIn a remarkable turn of events, a Sherpa guide has been found alive on Mount Everest after being reported missing for six days. The rescue operation, conducted in treacherous conditions at extreme altitudes, has brought relief to mountaineering communities worldwide. The missing individual was discovered in a relatively sheltered location, having survived on minimal resources while enduring freezing temperatures and potential altitude sickness.The High-Stakes Recovery OperationThe rescue mission involved coordinated efforts from multiple teams, including local guides, helicopter services, and international mountaineering experts. Search teams had been combing the dangerous terrain around the death zone, typically above 8,000 meters, where oxygen levels are critically low. The successful location of the missing Sherpa demonstrates both the effectiveness of modern search techniques and the resilience of experienced high-altitude workers.Economic and Safety Implications for Everest TourismThe incident highlights the ongoing risks faced by Sherpas and other support staff in the Everest tourism industry. With thousands of climbers attempting to summit Everest each year, the economic benefits for Nepal and local communities are substantial. However, this rescue operation may prompt renewed discussions about safety protocols, insurance requirements, and the ethical considerations of commercializing extreme adventures in the Himalayas.Future Safety Measures for High-Altitude OperationsIn the aftermath of this incident, mountaineering organizations and Nepalese authorities are likely to review and enhance safety measures for high-altitude operations. This could include improved tracking systems for guides and porters, mandatory rest periods, and enhanced emergency response protocols. The successful rescue may also lead to increased investment in search and rescue capabilities in the Everest region, potentially creating new opportunities for technological innovation in extreme environment operations.