World Cup shock for Argentina: Defender Leonardo Balerdi has been ruled out of the 2026 squad with a right-leg soleus muscle injury, leaving Argentina without a replacement ahead of friendlies and Group J matches vs Algeria, Austria and Jordan. Austria in the spotlight: Betting previews for Group J put Austria as a likely second-place qualifier behind Argentina, setting up a tight race for the knockout spots. Diplomacy and flags: Slovenia’s new pro-Israel PM Janez Janša removed a Palestinian flag from the government palace, prompting a flag dispute with President Nataša Pirc Musar and renewed tensions over Gaza policy. Schengen travel rules: The European Commission urged Germany and others to start phasing out internal Schengen border checks, arguing conditions now allow a gradual return to normal passport-free movement. Nuclear safety row in Vienna: Iran used an IAEA Board meeting in Vienna to demand “zero tolerance” for attacks on nuclear facilities, condemning strikes as a threat to the non-proliferation framework. Austrian-linked tragedy: Four Austrian nationals died in a small plane crash near Medulin in Croatia; authorities are investigating the cause. EU pay transparency deadline: Cyprus is among countries missing the EU pay transparency directive deadline, with many states still delayed or without draft laws.