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Summer came too early to Europe's most important rice growing region and weeds are taking over Sharon Angoli's parched paddies in Italy's Pavia province.

Japan beat Italy 27-10 to make an impressive start to their Nations Championship campaign in Tokyo on Saturday, with coach Eddie Jones absent through suspension.

Ukraine's army on Saturday dismissed Russian claims to have seized the eastern stronghold of Kostyantynivka, saying the situation was "difficult" but that troops were defending the town.

German auto supplier Continental announced Saturday a four-billion-euro ($4.6-billion) deal to sell a division to a US investment group, the latest move in a major restructuring.

Jihadists and their separatist Tuareg allies hit Mali with fresh coordinated attacks Saturday, striking multiple towns and a prison, according to the army, residents and security sources.

Pope Leo XIV on Saturday pressed Europe to do more to protect and integrate migrants as he visited Italy's Lampedusa island, a major port of call for those risking the perilous crossing from Africa.

Cam Roigard and Will Jordan scored two tries each as New Zealand held on to edge an under-strength France 34-32 in a thriller in Christchurch on Saturday to open the inaugural Nations Championship.

Thousands of demonstrators flooded a German city on Saturday, blocking major roads and disrupting public transport, in a bid to shut down the annual congress of the far-right AfD party.

Pope Leo XIV on Saturday visited Italy's Lampedusa island, a major port of call for migrants risking the perilous crossing from Africa, in a stark message to US and EU leaders.

France are bracing for furnace-like temperatures when they face Paraguay in Philadelphia in the World Cup's last 16 on Saturday as co-hosts Canada prepare for a daunting date with African giants Morocco in Houston.

Pope Leo XIV on Saturday visits Italy's Lampedusa island, a major port of call for migrants risking the perilous crossing from Africa, in a stark message to US and EU leaders.

Australia goalkeeper Patrick Beach had no idea he was going to be taken off for the World Cup penalty shootout with Egypt Friday as coach Tony Popovic came under fire for the baffling decision.

America turns 250 on Saturday -- a landmark birthday that coincides with a time of deep national division and a president determined to seize the festive center stage.

Along the highway from Ankara airport to the city centre, municipal workers have been planting flowers and installing giant billboards to shield views of dilapidated homes and poorer neighbourhoods.

Applause erupted, drums began to beat and car horns honked: Cape Verde's narrow loss to Argentina was cause for celebration early Saturday in Praia as the Blue Sharks' World Cup dream run came to a sad but brilliant end.

US President Donald Trump lashed out Friday at what he called a fresh threat against the country's identity, taking aim at domestic "radicals and extremists" on the eve of America's 250th birthday.

The last 32 of the World Cup produced some memorable matches and poignant moments.

Wimbledon organisers were clear: there would be no broadcasting of World Cup matches on the tennis site's screens. Yet the football is everywhere, from fans' phones to player press conferences.

Wasteful Colombia saw off toothless Ghana 1-0 on Friday to become the final team to qualify for the World Cup last 16.

Funeral ceremonies for Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei officially began on Saturday, state television reported, an event drawing thousands and intended to serve as a show of strength to the Islamic republic's foes.

Cape Verde are an example for other small nations to follow, said defender Pico Lopes, after the islanders came close to pulling off one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history against Argentina on Friday.

President Donald Trump was at Mount Rushmore Friday to kick off America's 250th birthday celebrations with a speech delivered at the foot of the iconic monument with its giant carved heads of four of his legendary predecessors.

Huge crowds gathered to pay their final respects to Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei on Saturday at the start of marathon funeral ceremonies intended to serve as a show of strength to the Islamic republic's foes.

Costa Rican scientists may have discovered a new species of ghost shark in Pacific waters near Cabo Blanco and Cano Island.

German police are bracing to guard an annual congress of the far-right AfD party this weekend against tens of thousands of antifascist demonstrators who are determined to shut it down.

Holders Argentina survived a monumental scare before defeating Cape Verde 3-2 in extra-time to keep their World Cup dream alive on Friday as Egypt beat Australia to reach the last 16.

Argentina were given a huge scare before ending Cape Verde's fairytale run as Lionel Messi netted his 20th World Cup goal in a 3-2 win after extra-time to reach the last 16.

Huge crowds of Iranians were expected to pay their final respects to supreme leader Ali Khamenei on Saturday at the start of marathon funeral ceremonies intended to serve as a show of strength to the Islamic republic's foes.

England's World Cup last-16 match against Mexico will kick off at its originally scheduled time on Sunday following discussions over possibly bringing the start of the game forward due to storms, a source close to the arrangements said Friday.

US pop queen Taylor Swift and NFL star Travis Kelce officially married Friday at a lavish wedding that drew a galaxy of fashion-draped A-list celebrities in New York, sealing a union that has triggered frenzied global attention.

Four bags of IV fluid hang from the ceiling of a McDonald's converted into a clinic in the aftermath of the two earthquakes in Venezuela, where thousands are flocking to makeshift health centers in the disaster's epicenter.

Newly minted 110m hurdles world record holder Ja'Kobe Tharp says the "sky's the limit" as he prepares to return to Hayward Field in Saturday's Eugene Diamond League athletics meeting.