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Italy and Northern Ireland are set to clash in a pivotal World Cup 2026 qualifier, with both teams eager to reassert their presence on the global football stage. For Italy, it's about regaining their footing after consecutive World Cup failures in 2018 and 2022, while Northern Ireland aims to return to the tournament for the first time in four decades.Gennaro Gattuso, Italy's coach, emphasized the significance of the match, stating, 'This is the most important game of my coaching career so far.' Italy's players, including Mateo Retegui, are equally determined, with Retegui asserting, 'Now is the time to show everyone exactly who we are.'Northern Ireland's manager, Michael O'Neill, faces challenges with a depleted squad, particularly the absence of Conor Bradley and Dan Ballard. Despite these setbacks, O'Neill remains optimistic, highlighting the team's youthful energy and lack of fear.The match, set to take place at Atalanta's Bergamo Stadium, promises to be intense. Gattuso noted Northern Ireland's direct playing style, saying, 'They typically 'toss the ball into the box' and thrive on latching on to second balls.' A win for Italy would likely seal their spot in the World Cup, while a loss could spell the end of O'Neill's tenure as Northern Ireland's manager.As both teams prepare for the crucial encounter, the pressure is palpable. Italy's four-time World Cup wins and football-crazed nation add to the weight of expectation. Will Italy overcome their recent struggles and secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup, or will Northern Ireland pull off a surprise?

The traditional cold war diplomacy of brinkmanship, characterized by carefully balanced standoffs and rules-based international order, has given way to a world in freefall. This shift is exemplified by the ever-widening conflict in the Gulf where strategic objectives remain as unclear as the potential endpoint of hostilities.Approaching a month since the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran, the stated objectives of removing the country's nuclear threat and destroying its ballistic missile capability appear increasingly disconnected from the disproportionate impact on civilians and neighboring Gulf nations. Despite these consequences, the Iranian regime's willingness to escalate the conflict shows no signs of diminishing.The Guardian Weekly's coverage examines this critical juncture through multiple perspectives. Patrick Wintour recounts the pivotal week when global tensions reached a tipping point, while Richard Partington analyzes the long-term economic implications of a prolonged conflict, from oil price fluctuations to inflationary pressures and economic growth impacts. From South Lebanon, William Christou reports on healthcare professionals caught in the crossfire of Israeli airstrikes, highlighting the human cost of the escalating violence.Emma Graham-Harrison provides insight from Jerusalem, examining Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's strategy of attempting to rehabilitate his image through what he frames as destruction of an 'axis of evil.' Meanwhile, Simon Tisdall poses a critical question: when US President Donald Trump eventually seeks to halt the conflict, will any parties be willing to heed his calls for de-escalation?Beyond the primary geopolitical focus, this week's Guardian Weekly edition explores several significant developments across different sectors. The UK political landscape features an examination of the upcoming local elections, where voter sentiment appears increasingly focused on rejecting established parties rather than actively supporting alternatives. The scientific section explores innovative approaches to addressing snoring disorders through CPAP machines, while the culture section features an in-depth interview with Dave Grohl discussing Foo Fighters, personal challenges, and grief following the loss of bandmate Taylor Hawkins.In sports, the publication celebrates the remarkable achievement of British athletes Keely Hodgkinson, Georgia Hunter Bell, and Molly Caudery, who each secured gold medals at the world indoor athletics championships in Poland, showcasing British excellence in track and field events.

The UK's ambition in quantum computing is being backed by sustained investment in people and fundamental science, with a focus on building a strong foundation for the sector. UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has been instrumental in supporting hundreds of academics and building the infrastructure needed for the industry to thrive.In the last 10 years, UKRI's councils have made significant investments in physics research, including support for 100 PhDs in quantum technology launched in 2024, quantum computing industrial doctorate awards, and funding 14 early-career fellows in the last 18 months.The investment is paying off, with the quantum sector showing promising growth and potential to create 100,000 jobs in the next 20 years. The government has signalled its recognition of the opportunities in quantum computing with a further £1bn procurement programme, making the UK one of the most exciting and well-supported places in the world for quantum computing researchers, companies, and students.Prof Charlotte Deane, UK Research and Innovation, highlights that the UK's advantageous position in quantum has emerged through sustained long-term public investment into fundamental physics research projects, and the best people, infrastructure, and partnerships.

Photographer Peter van Agtmael captured a striking image during his first trip to Iraq 20 years ago, which has become a defining moment in his career. The photograph shows a dejected soldier sitting in a domestic living room, highlighting the incongruity of war in everyday life.Van Agtmael, who was 25 at the time, had been embedded with the US military for six weeks. He wanted to move beyond traditional war photography, which often focuses on violence and horror, and explore the human side of conflict. This image, he says, crystallized his understanding of the US military's role in the Middle East and the absurdity of war.The photograph shows a soldier in a mundane setting, which could be anywhere in the world. Van Agtmael notes that this juxtaposition of war and domesticity reveals the complexity of human nature and the proximity of war to everyday life. He believes that war is part of the human soul and that it's essential to acknowledge this reality.Van Agtmael's experience in Iraq was formative, and he reflects on the failures of the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. He questions the effectiveness of externally created regime change and the long-term impact of military interventions.As a war photographer, van Agtmael has grappled with the moral complexities of his work. He believes that thoughtful documentation of human violence can have a moral impact, but also acknowledges the challenges of being a witness to extreme violence.Now a father, van Agtmael has shifted his focus away from war photography. He reflects on the changing nature of his work and the importance of finding new purpose in life.

Matt Brittin, the new director general of the BBC, is no stranger to high-pressure roles. A former Google executive and Doctor Who enthusiast, Brittin has made a significant career shift from big tech to broadcasting.As he takes on the top job at the BBC, Brittin will have to navigate treacherous waters, including the corporation's shift towards digital platforms, major political challenges, and difficult financial decisions. The BBC is facing a significant savings programme running into the hundreds of millions, as the licence fee has eroded in value.Brittin's background in big tech has raised questions about his ability to lead the BBC, with some insiders expressing concerns about his lack of broadcasting experience. However, his supporters argue that his operational leadership skills and ability to perform in a public sphere make him well-suited for the role.One of the biggest challenges facing Brittin is the crises that never seem to be far from the director general's desk. He will have to deal with partisan hostility over the BBC's funding and coverage, as well as regulatory challenges in the online content space.Despite these challenges, Brittin has expressed his commitment to the role and his desire to make a positive impact on the BBC. With his background in business strategy and experience in the tech industry, Brittin may be well-equipped to tackle the challenges facing the corporation.

Legendary footballer John Toshack, known for his illustrious career with Liverpool FC and the Wales national team, has been diagnosed with dementia, according to his son Cameron. Toshack, 77, enjoyed a celebrated playing career with Liverpool from 1970 to 1978, scoring over 100 goals and securing nine major trophies, including three league titles, two UEFA Cups, an FA Cup, and a European Cup. He also earned 40 caps for Wales. After retiring as a player, Toshack transitioned into management, leading Swansea City from the fourth division to the top tier and later managing prestigious clubs such as Real Sociedad, Real Madrid, and his national team, Wales. Notably, he won La Liga with Real Madrid in 1990, scoring a record 107 goals that season. Cameron Toshack shared that his father's condition varies, with short-term memory loss being a significant challenge. However, he added that John Toshack's long-term memory remains sharp, particularly when recalling his football career. For instance, he can vividly recall details about specific matches and tactical decisions from his time at Real Madrid. Toshack's legacy in football extends beyond his playing and managerial career. As Wales manager during his second tenure from 2004 to 2010, he gave debuts to future stars like Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale, who played crucial roles in Wales' success, including their semi-final appearance in Euro 2016.

Billy Idol: A Postpunk Icon's Life and Times are celebrated in a new documentary, Billy Idol Should Be Dead, directed by Swedish filmmaker Jonas Åkerlund. The film offers a nostalgic look back at Idol's career, from his early days in punk and new wave to his rise to fame in the US.With a mix of humor and sympathy, the documentary examines Idol's outrageous excesses, including his struggles with drug abuse and near-fatal accidents. Idol's life was marked by a series of close calls, including a near-fatal overdose in 1984 and a second episode in the late 80s where he collapsed in a Bangkok hotel lift, much to the horror of Mel Gibson and his family.The film also explores Idol's impact on music and pop culture, comparing him to Elvis Presley and Eddie Cochran. Idol's distinctive snarl-sneer and charismatic stage presence made him a big name, particularly on MTV, which was eager for content and drawn to his self-destructive bad-boy image.At 70, Idol looks back on his life with a cheerfully gravelly voice, recalling his experiences with a mix of humor and reflection. The documentary is a nostalgic tribute to a music legend and a celebration of his enduring legacy.Billy Idol Should Be Dead is set to air on Sky Arts on March 26.

A garden log pile is a surprisingly vibrant ecosystem, teeming with life. The pile, composed of various tree species like apple, walnut, and oak, attracts a diverse range of insects and fungi. The diversity of logs supports a greater variety of life, with different species inhabiting different parts of the pile.The log pile is home to frogs, wrens, and other animals, and even supports the growth of fungi like jelly ear. The arrangement of the wood also plays a crucial role in attracting different species, with buried wood attracting stag beetles and wood at height attracting wasp beetles.The author of the article, Kate Bradbury, carefully dismantles the log pile to make room for a hedgehog box, uncovering a variety of creatures like beetles, springtails, and centipedes in the process. The log pile is then rebuilt, with softer logs on the soil and drier ones around the box, creating a new home for a female hedgehog and other animals.

Apple is aggressively expanding its revenue streams by integrating advertising into its flagship Maps application and consolidating its disparate business tools into a single, unified platform. The tech giant announced that it will begin allowing advertisers to target customers on Apple Maps in the U.S. and Canada this summer, marking a significant shift in its monetization strategy. Simultaneously, Apple is rebranding its suite of business services under the umbrella of Apple Business, aiming to streamline operations for enterprises and compete directly with Google Workspace.The Blue Halo: Apple Maps Enters the Ad EraThe introduction of ads into Apple Maps represents a calculated move to diversify revenue without disrupting the user experience. Unlike the cluttered interfaces of competitors, Apple has implemented strict visual and functional constraints. Users will only see one ad per search result, distinguished by a small blue halo around the map pin and a clear label as a "Sponsored" place.Privacy-First Approach: Apple emphasizes that ad data is not associated with the user's Apple ID, ensuring that personal data remains on the device and is not shared with third parties.Auction-Based Model: Advertisers will utilize a standard bidding system, paying only for desired outcomes like views or taps, similar to the App Store's advertising model.Targeting Capabilities: Businesses can customize campaigns, scheduling ads for specific times or targeting precise locations, though the primary entry point requires an existing Apple Maps listing.Monetizing the Ecosystem: Financial ImplicationsBringing ads to one of Apple's most used first-party applications offers a low-risk opportunity to generate substantial revenue. As consumers have become accustomed to seeing ads in Google Maps, Apple is well-positioned to capture a significant share of the local search market. Industry analysts predict this move could add billions to Apple's bottom line as its advertising business continues its global expansion.Competition with Google Workspace IntensifiesThe launch of Apple Business serves as a direct counter to Google's dominance in the enterprise software space. By combining previously separate tools—Apple Business Connect, Apple Business Essentials, and Apple Business Manager—into one portal, Apple simplifies the administrative burden for companies.Unified Suite: Businesses now have access to a centralized directory, email, calendar, and device management tools under one domain.Cost-Effective for SMBs: Small businesses can utilize free tools like MDM (Mobile Device Management) and "Blueprints" for preconfigured setups, while larger enterprises can leverage advanced APIs.Pricing Structure: U.S. businesses can purchase upgraded iCloud storage starting at $0.99 per user per month, with AppleCare+ for Business available as an add-on.Future Outlook: A Unified Business EcosystemWith the new suite launching in 200 countries by April 2026, Apple is signaling its intent to become a holistic player in the enterprise sector. The combination of privacy-focused advertising and a streamlined, integrated business suite positions Apple to challenge incumbents by offering a seamless ecosystem that prioritizes user privacy and ease of management. As Apple continues to integrate hardware, software, and services, the boundary between consumer tech and enterprise solutions is blurring, creating a formidable competitive landscape for Google and Microsoft.