Ranking the World Cup 2026 groups: Which teams are favourites to progress?
The first stage of the 2026 World Cup 2026 features 12 groups. We’ve ranked them and picked the favourites to advance.
![Hanin Muhammad, 40, pictured with her son in Baghdad, is pleading for a safe return to her six other children who are currently displaced in Gaza. [Courtesy of Hanin Muhammad]](/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/WhatsApp-Image-2026-06-01-at-5.46.25-PM-1780388717.jpeg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
![A Spanish study finds that "Datura" still possesses the potential for further geographic expansion [File: Harry Rose Wikimedia Commons]](/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Datura_stramonium_fruit5_14501090659-1779970020.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
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Modest fashion’s global turn
From Instagram to Paris catwalks, modest fashion is booming as the global Muslim market heads toward $433bn by 2028.
From: NewsFeed
Iraq’s new PM Ali al-Zaidi formally takes over
Iraq’s new prime minister Ali al‑Zaidi has formally taken office in Baghdad, pledging reforms.
Published On 17 May 2026
EXPLAINER
US charges alleged Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah suspect – What we know
The US Justice Department has arrested and charged an Iraqi national and senior commander of an Iran-backed armed group
Iraq’s parliament approves new Ali al-Zaidi government
PM sworn in and 14 ministers approved in new government though parliament fails to reach consensus on several posts.
Why Trump decided to back Iraq’s prime minister-designate, Ali al-Zaidi
Support from Washington is conditional on clear progress in curbing pro-Iran militia activity.
EXPLAINER
A secret Israeli base in Iraq? What we know
Israeli troops reportedly used this base to launch attacks against Iran during the war.
From: NewsFeed
Report alleges Israel operated covert outpost in Iraq during war on Iran
According to The Wall Street Journal, Israel operated a military base in the Iraq during the US-Israeli war on Iran.
Published On 12 May 2026
Former Qatar PM: Netanyahu using Iran war to reshape Middle East
Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim warns Strait of Hormuz crisis is most dangerous fallout of war on Iran, calls for ‘Gulf NATO’.
![Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani [Screengrab/Al Jazeera]](/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-11-at-12.12.57-PM-1778491421.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
US sanctions Iraqi minister accused of aiding Iran oil sales
US sanctions target Iraq’s deputy oil minister for allegedly aiding Iran in bypassing restrictions on oil exports.
EXPLAINER
Why has the US sanctioned Iraq’s deputy oil minister for helping Iran?
The US accuses Ali Maarij al-Bahadly of helping Iran avoid sanctions and export its oil through Iraq.
