Trending Middle East

The build-up to Sunday's World Cup final has been overshadowed by two controversies from the semi-final between Argentina and England.

Several Argentina players displayed a banner reading "Las Malvinas son Argentinas", which means "the Falklands are Argentinian", after the final whistle. Fifa's stadium code prohibits political messages and the governing body's disciplinary committee is reviewing the incident. But Argentina's place in final against Spain is not at risk.

England midfielder Jude Bellingham also faces possible disciplinary action after slapping Argentina substitute Valentin Barco on the back of the head after the South American team's semi-final triumph. Fifa has yet to decide whether to charge Bellingham and a ban could rule him out of Saturday's third-place play-off against France.

Meanwhile, Spain's Lamine Yamal and Pedro Porro trained separately on Thursday as a precaution, but are both expected to be available for the final.

US President Donald Trump is to attend the showpiece match at MetLife Stadium and, alongside Fifa president Gianni Infantino, will present the trophy after the final whistle.

The Golden Boot race is level heading into the decisive final weekend. Argentina's Lionel Messi and France striker Kylian Mbappe are both on eight goals, with Messi ahead on assists as the tiebreaker.

Mina Rzouki presents Trending Middle East's World Cup round-up, a daily bonus series from The National for the duration of the tournament.

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, the regional war reaches occupied UAE territory after US forces strike Iranian military positions on Greater Tunb. The UAE island was seized by Tehran in 1971. Washington says the operation struck coastal defence systems and other military infrastructure to weaken Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Jordan and Kuwait report intercepting renewed Iranian attacks.

We also examine Washington’s approval of nearly $2.5 billion in new military equipment sales to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

In Rome, Lebanon and Israel make progress in their US-backed negotiations, agreeing to advance the plan for pilot security zones in southern Lebanon while technical talks continue.

We also look at new US transparency rules that could force Gulf family offices investing in activist campaigns on Wall Street to reveal their identities for the first time.

And Dubai’s Museum of the Future prepares for its biggest transformation since opening, with every major exhibition set to be replaced before a relaunch in early 2027.

Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

Argentina are in the World Cup final after beating England 2-1 in Atlanta, scoring twice in the final minutes in another example of the late comebacks that have defined their tournament.

Anthony Gordon gave England the lead in the 55th minute, but Thomas Tuchel's decision to drop deep and protect the lead proved costly. From Gordon's goal until Argentina's equaliser, England had only 12 per cent possession. Enzo Fernandez made it 1-1 with a long-range strike in the 85th minute before Lionel Messi created the winner in stoppage time, crossing for Lautaro Martinez to head in.

Argentina face Spain in Sunday's World Cup final at New York New Jersey Stadium. Kick off is 11pm in the UAE.

Tuchel accepted responsibility for England's approach, saying the team were not active enough. Harry Kane acknowledged England struggled to keep the ball after scoring, repeating a pattern from previous tournaments.

In Paris, police made 98 arrests following disorder after France's semi-final defeat by Spain, which coincided with Bastille Day. The third-place play-off against England will be Didier Deschamps' final match as France coach after 14 years. He won the World Cup in 2018 and has reached three consecutive semi-finals. Zinedine Zidane is widely expected to replace him.

The third-place play-off is in Miami on Saturday local time, kicking off at 1am on Sunday in the UAE.

Mina Rzouki presents Trending Middle East's World Cup round-up, a daily bonus series from The National for the duration of the tournament.

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, the conflict between the US and Iran shows no sign of easing as they exchange another round of strikes. The latest American attacks targeted Iran's military infrastructure near the Strait of Hormuz, while Tehran launched strikes on US-linked sites in Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait.

We also examine the growing effects of the escalation on global shipping as only a handful of vessels sail through the strait. UAE Minister of State Lana Nusseibeh tells The National that diplomacy remains the best path to reopening one of the world's most important trade routes.

We also look at efforts to reduce the region's reliance on the waterway, as the US backs plans to revive the Iraq-Syria oil pipeline and President Donald Trump signals major energy deals with Baghdad.

In Rome, Lebanese and Israeli negotiators take part in US-backed talks aimed at implementing last month's ceasefire. Disagreements over "pilot zones" in southern Lebanon remain at the centre of discussions.

And Abu Dhabi's 2PointZero strengthens its global energy ambitions with a $2.25 billion acquisition of a major US natural gas company, expanding its presence in one of the world's largest energy markets.

Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

Spain are in the World Cup final after beating France 2-0 in Dallas – producing one of the most complete performances of the tournament to reach the showpiece.

Mikel Oyarzabal converted a penalty in the 22nd minute after Lamine Yamal was fouled by Lucas Digne, before Pedro Porro added a second goal in the second half. But the wider story was how Spain neutralised France's attack. Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola managed only three shots on target between them. Spain's midfield, anchored by Rodri, was dominant throughout.

France head coach Didier Deschamps faces questions about his tactical choices after starting four attackers against a Spain side built to dominate possession.

Mbappe said France failed to press high as planned. Rayan Cherki was more direct, saying France were beaten technically, tactically and in the duels. Deschamps is due to step down after the tournament. Spain are to face England or Argentina in Sunday's final at MetLife Stadium.

Tonight, England face Argentina at 11pm UAE time in Atlanta. The match carries the weight of history, from Diego Maradona's "Hand of God" goal in 1986 to David Beckham's red card in 1998. Argentina's team have been filmed singing about the Malvinas and Maradona, as well as Lionel Messi, who is playing in what is expected to be his final World Cup.

In other news, Fifa is expected to wait until after the tournament to decide whether to take action against coaches and players who criticised referees. England manager Thomas Tuchel, Switzerland player Manuel Akanji and Egypt coach Hossam Hassan have all made remarks about officials during the tournament.

Meanwhile, the World Cup final half-time show is expected to run for 20 to 25 minutes, with Madonna, Shakira, BTS, Justin Bieber and Burna Boy among the names linked to the performance.

Mina Rzouki presents Trending Middle East's World Cup round-up, a daily bonus series from The National for the duration of the tournament.

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, hostilities across the Gulf escalate again after Iranian missiles strike two UAE supertankers in the Strait of Hormuz, killing one sailor and injuring eight. The attacks follow a third consecutive night of US strikes on Iran, while President Donald Trump proposes a 20 per cent transit charge for vessels using the strait under US protection.

We look at the wider impact on travel, as the UK updates its advice for visitors to the UAE, while airports across the Emirates continue operating with only limited disruption despite the latest military escalation.

In Yemen, Saudi Arabia comes under renewed attack from Houthi rebels, with ballistic missiles intercepted after explosions at Sanaa International Airport, prompting UN calls to avoid a return to full-scale conflict.

Lebanese and Israeli delegations are also due to meet in Rome for the latest round of US-backed negotiations, with the future of southern Lebanon and Israel's proposed withdrawal from pilot zones at the centre of discussions.

And the European Union launches an €883.6 million ($1,000) recovery initiative for Gaza, bringing together 15 international partners to restore essential services and support reconstruction as the Palestinian Authority presses ahead with governance reforms.

Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans

For the first time since Fifa introduced its world rankings, the top four teams have all reached the semi-finals. France, Argentina, Spain and England were kept apart by a new seeding system and it has delivered a semi-final line-up regarded as the strongest in World Cup history.

France face Spain tonight at 11pm UAE time in Arlington, Texas. France striker Kylian Mbappe is fit and expected to start, but Spain have conceded only one goal in seven matches. The Golden Boot race adds another layer of intrigue to the match, with the two sides carrying the tournament's most dangerous attacks.

England face Argentina tomorrow at 11pm in Atlanta, Georgia. Argentina will wear their navy blue away kit, a decision Argentinian media have linked to superstition after famous wins over England in 1986 and 1998. England are seeking a first World Cup title since 1966, while Argentina are chasing back-to-back titles – the last team to manage that feat were Brazil in 1958 and 1962.

Mina Rzouki presents Trending Middle East's World Cup round-up, a daily bonus series from The National for the duration of the tournament.

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, Iran launches missile and drone attacks across Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait and Oman following waves of US strikes inside Iran. Gulf countries activate warnings and defences as Washington says its operation targeted Iranian military infrastructure to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

We also turn to Qatar, as the country prepares to receive regional and international leaders following the death of former emir Sheikh Hamad. Four days of national mourning have been declared as a mark of respect for the leader credited with transforming the country into a global diplomatic and economic power.

Meanwhile, the EU is divided over whether to restrict trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, with officials debating legal options that could shape the bloc's policy in the months ahead.

Elsewhere in the Middle East, the UAE and Egypt reaffirm their strategic partnership after talks between President Sheikh Mohamed and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi in El Alamein, focusing on regional security and humanitarian support for Gaza.

And Dubai approves a Dh2 billion ($544.5 million) road project featuring new bridges, tunnels and cycling infrastructure to ease congestion and improve connectivity for hundreds of thousands of residents by 2028.

Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

The World Cup semi-finals are set after a weekend that produced drama, controversy and tragedy in equal measure.

Spain beat Belgium 2-1 in Los Angeles, with Mikel Merino scoring a late winner. That goal came after Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois went off injured and his replacement Senne Lammens spilled a shot from distance.

England beat Norway 2-1 after extra time in Miami, with Jude Bellingham scoring both goals for his team.

Argentina beat Switzerland 3-1 after extra time in Kansas City. Alexis Mac Allister struck first then Switzerland equalised in the second half through Dan Ndoye, before Breel Embolo was controversially sent off following a VAR review under the mistaken identity protocol. The referee had initially booked Leandro Paredes, before VAR identified the foul as a dive by Embolo, who received his second yellow card of the game. Switzerland were furious, with captain Granit Xhaka saying the decision changed the game.

The weekend's most sobering news was the death of South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams at the age of 25, just weeks after playing at the World Cup.

France face Spain tomorrow at 11pm UAE time. England face Argentina on Wednesday, also at 11pm.

Mina Rzouki presents Trending Middle East's World Cup round-up, a daily bonus series from The National for the duration of the tournament.

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, more explosions are reported across southern Iran as regional mediators work to revive negotiations between the US and Tehran.

We also look at the next phase of the US-backed agreement between Lebanon and Israel, with the first "pilot security zone" expected to be established within days, before talks are held in Rome. But Israeli leaders insist the country's forces will remain in southern Lebanon for "as long as necessary".

The Palestinian Authority announces the first legislative elections in two decades, with voting scheduled for November and a series of electoral reforms aimed at broadening representation.

In Iraq, investigators uncover millions of dollars hidden in a drainage pit as the country's anti-corruption campaign expands. The discovery adds to a growing list of cash, gold and property seizures.

And in Dubai, the Metro Blue Line reaches a major construction milestone after completing its first phase of tunnelling. The Dh20.5 billion ($5.6 billion) project is expected to transform transport across the emirate when it opens in 2029.

Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.