The tournament organisers have issued a statement ahead of the final batch of last-16 fixtures

FIFA has been told it should postpone the World Cup last-16 match between France and Paraguay on Saturday, with the game set to be played in sweltering conditions that could pose a threat to life.

A heatwave has hit eastern and central areas of the United States and is expected to continue over the weekend, with the tournament organisers already forced into making changes to its Fan Festival event in Philadelphia due to the dangerous and potentially record-breaking temperatures expected.

France and Paraguay will face each other in the city at 5pm on Saturday, with the head index – which includes humidity – expected to be between 37C and 46C at the uncovered Philadelphia Stadium.

Under FIFA’s current heat guidelines, any match could be postponed if the wet bulb temperature – accounting for heat and humidity – reaches 32C.

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With rising concerns for the safety of players, officials and fans, the governing body has been urged to postpone the match and delay kick-off until the evening, when temperatures will be slightly cooler.

One critic added that playing the fixture as it stands puts those involved at “unnecessary risk”, with a postponement of just a few hours making conditions “considerably more playable”.

Director of the Heat Lab at the University of California, Bahart Venkat, told the Associated Press: “When you’re exerting yourself on a particularly hot day, the likelihood of experiencing heat related illness or even death is much higher.”

He added that players’ decision-making could also be negatively impacted by the sweltering temperatures.

This year’s World Cup matches have featured mandatory three-minute hydration breaks midway through each half.

While they have been criticised for disrupting the flow of games, they have remained in force to protect players from extreme heat illness.

In a statement, FIFA said it was taking proactive steps to protect fans heading to Saturday’s match in Philadelphia, such as setting up cooling tents and making water readily available.

“FIFA is committed to protecting the health and safety of all players, referees, fans, volunteers and staff through a tiered heat mitigation model,” a spokesperson told The Philadelphia Inquirer.

“Through close collaboration with the City of Philadelphia, medical experts and emergency authorities, FIFA remains committed to delivering a safe, resilient and memorable tournament experience for everyone involved.”

It comes as England’s match against Mexico on Sunday was almost brought forward by six hours amid concerns over storms and fan safety.

What is 2026’s song of the summer?

There’s no easy answer. Algorithmic division is certainly a factor in why there isn’t an obvious pick this year. Where have the songs like “Despacito” in 2017 or “Old Town Road” in 2019 gone? Last year, some even wondered if Alex Warren’s “Ordinary” — a ballad, not a banger — qualified, a departure from the usual up-tempo, feel-good hits.

Whatever your summer mood or flavor, The Associated Press has found a song to soundtrack the season, collected in a Spotify playlist.

Biggest song of the year and therefore the default song of the summer: “Choosin’ Texas,” Ella Langley

Ella Langley broke out just last year with the throwback, spoken-word track “You Look Like You Love Me,” featuring Riley Green, but it’s her breakup banger “Choosin’ Texas” that has made her a crossover country star. Not only has it spent more time at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 than any other song this year, it also has some of the most distinctive lyrics of the year. “He always loved ‘Amarillo By Morning,’” she sings in a particularly melancholic verse, referencing the George Strait classic. “I should’ve taken that as a warnin’.” Indeed.

Past champion: “Luther,” Kendrick Lamar and SZA (2025)

Song of the summer for when you lose the beef but still have fight left in ya: “Janice STFU,” Drake

For the better part of 2025, Drake mostly made headlines for his feud with Kendrick Lamar. It’s safe to say he lost that war, but he’s clearly not going anywhere; he’s still one of the most streamed artists of all time. “Janice STFU” is the undeniable hit off May’s “Iceman,” with its familiar Lykke Li interpolation and moody production.

Past champion: “Nokia,” Drake (2025)

Song of the summer that shares a title with a film: “Midnight Sun (Girls Trip),” Zara Larsson and PinkPantheress

It’s the title of a 2018 romantic drama starring Bella Thorne and a term used to describe regions around the Arctic Circle. But in 2026, the phrase “Midnight Sun” belongs to Swedish pop star Zara Larsson. It’s the title of her last album and lead single, the inescapable Eurodance-pop “Midnight Sun,” with an elastic vocal performance. Last month, she released “Midnight Sun: Girls Trip,” a collection of remixes featuring everyone from Shakira and Robyn to Kehlani and rapper JT and, of course, PinkPantheress.

Past champion: “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” Deep Blue Something (1995)

Song of the summer for high-energy It Girls: “DANCE…,” Slayyyter

She’s the “Wor$t Girl in America,” if her cheeky album title is to be believed, but also one of pop’s great new provocateurs. At the album’s center is her buzzy electro-pop opus “DANCE…,” perfect for those who’ve been patiently awaiting her mainstream rise — and those who need a good excuse to hit the dance floor.

Past champion: “Bad Girls,” Donna Summer (1979)

Song of the summer for the throwback crowd: “I Just Might,” Bruno Mars

Earlier this year, hitmaker Bruno Mars returned with his first new album in 10 years, anchored by the feel-good, disco-pop-soul single “I Just Might.” The throwback tune is a funky reprieve from slow or boring days — and one that will be heard on wedding dance floors for the foreseeable future.

Past champion: “Red Red Wine,” UB40 (1983)

Song of the summer that arrived at the beginning of the year: “Dracula (Jennie Remix)”, Tame Impala and Jennie

There’s a long tradition of the song of the summer arriving at the top of the year — looking at you, “drivers license” and “Boy’s a Liar PT. 2.” This year, the title goes to Tame Impala’s “Dracula” — particularly the remix with Blackpink’s Jennie. “Run from the sunlight, Dracula,” they harmonize, in a vocal melody inescapable on TikTok and in the real world.

Past champion: “NUEVAYoL,” Bad Bunny (2025)

Song of the summer for those looking for a club classic: “Chévere (premium_remix),” by Aria Vega and Ryan Castro

A club-ready contender for song of the summer should be easy, breezy and amorous. Such is the case of Aria Vega and Ryan Castro’s “Chévere (premium_remix),” where reimagined, romantic reggaeton is perfect for a house party or finding the love of your life. Ideally both.

Past champion: “Break My Soul,” Beyoncé (2022)

Song of the summer for people who know the power of a good bridge: “The Cure,” Olivia Rodrigo

In the lead up to her career-best album, “You seem pretty sad for a girl so in love,” Olivia Rodrigo released “The Cure.” It marked a giant step forward for the young songwriter, with dreamy guitars, orchestral strings and most impactful of all: its explosive bridge.

Past champion: “Hollaback Girl,” Gwen Stefani (2005)

Song of the summer for people who love music, fashion and film in equal measure: “SS26,” Charli xcx

So long, “BRAT.” The contemporary pop landscape’s preeminent party girl is in for a bummer of a summer. “SS26,” one of the first tracks released from Charli xcx’s forthcoming “Music, Fashion, Film,” is shockingly minimalistic, with little more than distorted guitar riffs and production that sounds like a simple Casio keyboard preset. It’s rock music, as she’s promised — but done her own way.

Past champion: “Rhinestone Cowboy,” Glen Campbell (1975)

Song for people who live like it’s summer year-round: “E85,” Don Toliver

“On the highway with my significant lover (I love),” the singer-songwriter-rapper Don Toliver declares with ease in the chorus of “E85.” “High octane, more fuel for your consumption.” If there is an image more primed for the hot summer months than rolling down the freeway on a trip with a loved one, we have yet to see it.

Past champion: “Mi Gente,” J Balvin and Willy William (2017)

Song of the summer for seaside dreamers: “Swim,” BTS

The game-changing K-pop boy band BTS returned after a nearly four-year musical hiatus with “ARIRANG.” The comeback was led by “Swim,” a reserved, alt-pop track that brings a kind of intimacy to their stadium-sized output. The “Swim” here is metaphorical — as is the “dive” in its chorus — of having a crush, but the aquatic language works in conjuring dreamy, poolside imagery, too.

Past champion: “Waterfalls,” TLC (1995)

Song of the summer for the yearners: “Raindance,” Dave ft. Tems

British rapper Dave and Nigerian singer Tems team up for the Afroswing single “Raindance,” a sweet, sexy song about wanting to lock things down. “Hold me close, don’t tell me goodnight / Are you down to get me?” the pair dreamily duet on the second verse. “Tell me when you’re ready, I’m ready.”

Past champion: “Nineteen,” Tegan and Sara (2007)

Song of the summer for the sports crowd: “Dai Dai,” Shakira and Burna Boy

This summer is all about soccer, so, of course, we had to include one of the official songs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup: “Dai Dai.” The Colombian superstar Shakira and Afrobeats icon Burna Boy team up on an energetic, undeniably global pop track. It exists at the intersection of all their strengths: Afrobeats and Latin rhythms, separate, complementary verses and a strong chorus about unity.

Past champion: “The Final Countdown,” Europe (1986)

Song of the summer for those ready to stop feuding and enjoy life again: “Horses & Divorces,” Kacey Musgraves and Miranda Lambert

Look, there’s no shortage of great songs from Kacey Musgraves’ latest album, “Middle of Nowhere.” A case could be made to include “Mexico Honey” or “Dry Spell” here, but what about a song with norteño accordions and slide guitar that doubles as a cheeky punchline to a fight? The capital-c country “Horses & Divorces” brings musicians’ feud to an end over a shared love of drinking and Willie Nelson. What could be sweeter?

Past champion: “Girl, so confusing,” Charli xcx and Lorde (2024)

The space will feature a café and wellness space

Plans have been approved for a former chapel to become a “vibrant community hub”. Back in May, Mr D Daly submitted plans to turn the former Masonic Hall in The Crescent, Wisbech into a community space.

The plans proposed that the building would include a health and wellbeing centre and a café, and it would also be used as a community space and for events. The applicant said the Crescent Wellness Club would bring a “historic building back into use”.

They also said the space would provide a “welcoming and inclusive environment supporting physical, mental and emotional wellbeing, alongside community and creative use”. The wellness space will offer mental health and wellbeing workshops, therapy and group support sessions.

The basement area will also be used for yoga, Pilates, reformer Pilates and sound healing. Fenland District Council has now approved the plans.

Before approval, there was a mix of objections and support for the application. A resident in Lerowe Road objected to the plans as they said there was “no provisions made for wheelchair access”.

The Wisbech Society said they “welcomed” the plans, but they did raise some concerns. One of these concern was about a potential “nuisance” to neighbours.

A spokesperson for the society said: “The design and access statement notes long operational hours of 7am to 9pm with a café in operation from 8am to 5pm with a capacity for 50.

“Also, an estimate of a possible 208 users at one time. We wish the enterprise well, but this will have a significant impact on neighbouring residents in this prime location in Wisbech.

“We wish to have assurance that all measures will be taken to alleviate any disturbance; including use of on street parking and noise.”

Another resident in Union Place was in support of the plans. They said: “It is refreshing to see a large public building and period property being restored and put to use in the community when so many others in town are derelict and slowly going to ruin.”

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The sell-out event, which was due to take place in Northallerton, had to be moved to Harrogate to accommodate the significant demand from Conservative supporters.

Consistently named as the most popular Party Leader in Britain, Kemi Badenoch’s favourability ratings have been constantly increasing according to opinion polls, the Conservative Party says.

Ms Badenoch addressed Party Members at the Pavilions of Harrogate within the Great Yorkshire Showground to set out the Conservatives’ vision for the country on both local and national levels.

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Kemi Badenoch slams Reform and Labour over Linton-on-Ouse

Yorkshire Conservatives’ Regional Chair, George Jabbour, said: “Hosting such a successful event has been a thrilling experience.

“The demand to attend the lunch with our Party Leader was so high that we had to move the venue from Northallerton to Harrogate so we can accept as many requests as possible.

“Even with this much larger venue, we had a long waiting list. It just goes to show how interested people are in listening to what the most popular Party Leader in Britain has to say.”

Conservative-run North Yorkshire and East Rising of Yorkshire Councils are facing all out elections in May 2027.  In addition, voters in a number of local authorities in West and South Yorkshire will be heading to the polls at the same time.

Earlier today, as previously reported, Kemi Badenoch visited Twisted Automotive in Thirsk, where she toured the car factory, which adapts Land Rover and Range Rover vehicles to a much-higher specification.

Accompanied by Thirsk and Malton MP Kevin Hollinrake, Ms Badenoch also held a business roundtable session with a group of local businesspeople, including celebrity chef Tommy Banks, before giving media interviews, including to The Press.

The coffee house on Darlington Retail Park, Yarm Road, was closed for nearly two weeks while refurbishments were carried out.

The shop was closed from June 12 to 25.

Costa Darlington Yarm Road reopen after closing for refurbishments. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

A Costa Coffee spokesperson said: “We’re delighted to welcome customers back to our Darlington Drive Thru store following its recent refurbishment.

“The refreshed store features a new look and feel, including updated décor, an improved layout and a new counter, creating an even better experience for customers to enjoy.”

The Costa store announced that they had re-opened on their social media accounts alongside pictures showcasing their new look.

The caption said: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to all of our loyal customers for your patience and support while our shop was closed for refurbishment.

“We truly appreciate everyone who has waited for us to reopen, and we’re so excited to welcome you back into our fresh new store.

“Whether you’re a familiar face or visiting us for the first time, we can’t wait to serve you and share our brand new Costa with you.”

The store is open seven days a week.

The Briton added that he was “very surprised” by the pace of Ferrari.

“They have been on the back foot with the PU [power unit] and energy management and today they look the best,” he said. “We’ve always known they have a great chassis. Some things are not quite making sense. Ferrari have had the upper hand all day.”

Russell’s comment about things “not quite making sense” may be a veiled reference to Ferrari’s recent spate of upgrades. Both Russell and Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff have spoken recently about the number and speed of upgrades emanating from Maranello, with Wolff seemingly questioning whether it was possible within the budget cap.

Fred Vasseur, the Ferrari team principal, admitted he had been unimpressed with those comments. “I found it quite ironic from Toto, coming from Toto and Mercedes,” he said in Friday’s press conference.

“When Red Bull is developing, or when Mercedes is developing, they are geniuses. When we are developing, we are cheating. I think you have to calm down with this. We didn’t bring more parts than Red Bull or another one. I don’t know if it was a joke, but…”

Silverstone’s fans will not care if it means another British Grand Prix win for Lewis Hamilton this weekend.

Kazaliou Balde’s parents started worrying about him when as a small child he avoided eye contact and had difficulty communicating.

First, the family in the West African nation of Guinea turned to a traditional healer who suggested protective amulets. Then, as the boy dragged himself along the ground instead of walking, they took him to a hospital in the capital, Conakry, where he was diagnosed with autism — something the family had never heard of before.

Neither had their neighbors. Some of them made rude comments about the child.

“Some suggested that I take him to the bush and throw him away,” said his mother, Kadiatou Diallo, a 55-year-old trader.

Misconceptions are common around children with autism in parts of Africa that lack reliable data, awareness and government support. Some mistakenly attribute autism to evil spirits. Experts say the misconceptions have often delayed diagnosis and brought stigma for children and their families.

Autism is a complex developmental condition now known as autism spectrum disorder that affects people in different ways. It can include delays in language, learning or social and emotional skills. For some people, profound autism means being nonverbal and having intellectual disabilities, but the majority of people experience milder effects.

Guinea’s government does not keep records around autism. The World Health Organization says about one in 127 people worldwide had autism in 2021, but it notes that the prevalence in many low- and middle-income countries remains unknown.

Diallo decided to stand up for her son and seek better care. She said she has four children but loves him especially “because I’ve suffered so much with him.”

There is little support for autism in Guinea

In Guinea, a nation of about 15 million people, only a few schools cater to children with autism and they can cost up to $300 per month. Not many families can afford it in a country where the minimum wage is 550,000 Guinea francs ($63) a month, and where 43.7% of citizens live below the poverty line, according to the World Bank.

“In Guinea, the care for autism is very poor,” said Dr. Alhassane Cherif, a psychologist and clinician in Conakry. “Private organizations and nonprofits are the only ones addressing this disorder and training staff to try to identify children.”

Balde first attended both private and public schools, but none fit him. His teachers did not introduce him to writing and reading, his mother said, recalling their comments that her son “has no provision for school.”

“I refused to consider these negative judgments. I refused to take him out of school,” Diallo said.

She said her late husband “went to every corner of the country” looking for assistance for their son before dying in a road accident.

The solution appeared in their own hometown.

In 2023, Balde enrolled in the newly opened Salim Foundation for Children with Autism, a rare free school for children with autism. The school’s authorities were conducting an outreach program when they learned of Balde and visited his family.

The school teaches him and 14 other students in a large house with three teachers. It has toys in bright colors and pictures of animals on the walls.

The school, registered with Guinea’s educational authorities but not receiving government funding, is the brainchild of Mariam Aisha Barry, a social worker and philanthropist who said her daughter with autism was her inspiration.

At the school, children are taught basic things like identifying objects and assembling toys as well as everyday skills such as operating a TV remote.

Last year, the school organized what it called the country’s first international seminar on autism.

“Our mission is to break the stigma surrounding autism through awareness-raising, family training and advocacy for better care. These children deserve acceptance, understanding, education and unconditional love,” Barry said.

Still, the now-15-year-old Balde has had to spend his life outside school away from many community members because they still attribute his condition to an unknown “evil” and want him shunned.

“I categorically refused,” his mother said.

A teacher says many other children are kept hidden

Studies on autism are often conducted in high-income countries, with less attention to places like Guinea. That makes it difficult to identify risk factors or plan effective intervention strategies, experts say.

Sub-Saharan Africa is “critically understudied” in autism research, according to a 2023 study in the Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, which said the region’s “rich genetic diversity” could improve understanding of autism globally.

The gap has kept many parents from seeking help.

“We have 15 autistic children here, but there are several hundred in this city. Some parents hide them in their homes to avoid mockery and stigmatization,” said Hassanatou Diallo, advocacy officer at the Salim school.

Balde’s mother said that despite the challenges, she will not give up on her son’s education.

“My most ardent wish is that he knows how to read and write,” she said. ___

For more on Africa and development: https://apnews.com/hub/africa-pulse

The Associated Press receives financial support for global health and development coverage in Africa from the Gates Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

Need to know

England have been at the centre of a World Cup controversy ahead of facing Mexico, which even saw the BBC comment on accusations they were involved in FIFA discussions

Here is everything you need to know about what happened in the World Cup overnight following some England vs Mexico kick-off time chaos…

1. In the last few hours, England arrived in Mexico and were greeted by boos and shouting from the co-host nation’s supporters. It was not quite the level of atmosphere they will face at the Azteca, but it was certainly a hostile welcome ahead of their last-16 tie.
2. The Three Lions had been hoping the location of their hotel would remain unknown, but it has seemingly been leaked almost immediately.
3. The BBC, meanwhile, have been forced to deny they were involved in any talks to have the kick-off time changed of England and Mexico’s match. A spokesperson for the broadcaster confirmed that they were ‘not involved in these discussions’ after reports in Mexico claimed they were.
4. FIFA held an emergency meeting over bringing the clash forward by six hours to a new time of 12pm in Mexico (7pm BST). Both England and Mexico were against the proposed alteration with FIFA later performing a U-turn on their potential plan.
5. Though there are thunderstorms forecasted, The Athletic have claimed that FIFA’s talks to change the kick-off time centred around fan safety, with those in attendance more likely to be involved in pre-game drinking and post-match gatherings if it were played in the evening.
6. All of the last-32 matches have now taken place, with Colombia and Argentina the final two to confirm their spot. The Three Lions could face either of these teams in the semi-final, but will first have to get past one of Brazil or Norway, assuming they beat Mexico.
7. The latter beat Ecuador in convincing fashion to get to this point, but the South American nation are still far from pleased over their treatment ahead of that clash. They have since released a new statement demanding a “detailed investigation,” issuing a clear warning to England about the disruption they might face.
8. Paraguay’s surprise win over Germany was very nearly overshadowed by Cape Verde in the early hours of Saturday morning. They took Argentina to extra-time courtesy of two stunning strikes before an unfortunate own goal eliminated them.
9. Lionel Messi was key in two of his side’s goals and he was extremely complimentary of Cape Verde both on and off the pitch. Following one of his interviews, the footballing icon was more than happy to pose with some players from the national team that had pushed Argentina to the absolute limit.
10. He stated to Tyc Sports: “They asked for my jersey, everything… On the field, they kick the crap out of me, ha.” And that statement was certainly proven as being the case with Messi fouled five times in the game.
11. Earlier in the day, Argentina discovered they would be facing Egypt, assuming they advanced, with Mohamed Salah scoring in their penalty shoot-out victory. When the final spot-kick was converted, he showed his true colours by shaking hands with several Australian players before joining the celebrations.
12. READ MORE: England route to World Cup final clearer as Thomas Tuchel handed worst-case scenario