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FRANCE 24 journalists remember their most memorable World Cup moments
France 24 •

FRANCE 24 journalists remember their most memorable World Cup moments

 They can be happy or sad. From 2022, or before. But in any case, they evoke noise, chants, and unforgettable emotions. We asked a few journalists from FRANCE 24 to tell us their most memorable World Cup moments. And you, what are your most extraordinary World Cup memories?

Race for critical minerals: The social and environmental trade-off
France 24 •

Race for critical minerals: The social and environmental trade-off

What are the social and environmental costs of the race for critical minerals? Minerals like cobalt, lithium, and nickel are crucial for the development of new technology, including clean energy. But mining and refining them can be hugely polluting and water intensive – with a risk of deforestation, water contamination, and health problems for local communities. Studies suggest that about half of ...

Is it football? Is it soccer? 'C'est le pied!'

Is it football? Is it soccer? 'C'est le pied!'

France 24 •

With the frenzy for the World Cup underway, we take a closer look at the debate over what to call the world's most popular sport: football or soccer? We explore the origins of both terms and discover that while the French may call it “le foot” rather than “le pied”, the language is full of expressions inspired by feet.

Israel denies entry to French reporter, broadcaster slams ‘obstacle to press freedom’

Israel denies entry to French reporter, broadcaster slams ‘obstacle to press freedom’

France 24 •

Israeli authorities on Thursday denied entry to French reporter Alice Froussard, who covers the Israeli-Palestinian conflict for FRANCE 24's sister station Radio France Internationale (RFI) and Radio France. Froussard was deported hours after landing at Tel Aviv airport, said Israeli officials. RFI has condemned the ban as "an obstacle to press freedom".

FIFA World Cup: Politics and business threaten football ‘spirit’, expert says

FIFA World Cup: Politics and business threaten football ‘spirit’, expert says

France 24 •

As the World Cup kicks off, many are asking whether the beautiful game is still as beautiful as it once was. The build-up to the tournament has been beset by geopolitical crises, visa problems, environmental concerns, and fears that business interests have taken over. So is a celebration of the sport itself still possible? In Perspective, we spoke to David Webber, Senior Lecturer in Sports Busines...

FIFA World Cup: Politics and business threaten football ‘spirit’, expert says

FIFA World Cup: Politics and business threaten football ‘spirit’, expert says

France 24 •

As the World Cup kicks off, many are asking whether the beautiful game is still as beautiful as it once was. The build-up to the tournament has been beset by geopolitical crises, visa problems, environmental concerns, and fears that business interests have taken over. So is a celebration of the sport itself still possible? In Perspective, we spoke to David Webber, Senior Lecturer in Sports Busines...

Mélissa Laveaux on music, mortality and identity

Mélissa Laveaux on music, mortality and identity

France 24 •

With a sensual voice that contrasts with the strength of her lyrics, Mélissa Laveaux creates music that blends her Haitian and Canadian heritage with themes of history, sexuality, and the dark humour she brings to questions of life and death. She joins us in the studio to discuss her latest album, “At My Softest, I Am Most Dangerous”, and her exploration of Voodoo traditions and beliefs surroundin...

Why Russian trucks in Ukraine are covered in ‘zebra’ camouflage

Why Russian trucks in Ukraine are covered in ‘zebra’ camouflage

France 24 •

Images shared by military bloggers show Russian forces using black-and-white striped camouflage on their trucks. The technique aims to deceive the AI recognition systems of Ukrainian drones, underscoring the constant adaptation of tactics in the conflict.

World Cup opens with Mexico-South Africa rematch on pitch that shaped Pelé, Maradona legends

World Cup opens with Mexico-South Africa rematch on pitch that shaped Pelé, Maradona legends

France 24 •

Mexico City’s storied Azteca Stadium has been the stage for some of the most iconic moments in World Cup history, from Pelé’s third title to Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal. The hallowed venue hosts the 2026 World Cup opener between Mexico and South Africa on Thursday, a throwback to the 2010 curtain-raiser in Johannesburg – and a rematch between coaches who faced off as players in the same stadium ...

France’s villages: Life beyond the postcard

France’s villages: Life beyond the postcard

France 24 •

This week, we step away from the headlines and out of the city to focus on French villages. There is a deeply rooted romantic image of village life: a stone church, a sleepy square, a small café. But what is life really like in French villages today? Like in many countries, rural France has seen populations decline, and many residents say daily life can be challenging. While some villages rely on ...

French Vendée Globe champion Charlie Dalin dies at 42

French Vendée Globe champion Charlie Dalin dies at 42

France 24 •

France's Charlie Dalin has died from cancer at the age of 42, his family announced on Thursday, one year after he sailed to a spectacular victory in the Vendée Globe. Dalin won the round-the-world race weeks after being diagnosed with a rare form of gastrointestinal cancer.

2026 World Cup: France team arrives on US soil

2026 World Cup: France team arrives on US soil

France 24 •

🇫🇷 ⚽ France's national team has arrived in Boston for the World Cup, where players were welcomed by fans outside their hotel. France will play its opening match against Senegal on June 16 in New Jersey.

Pope casts flowers in sea in tribute to drowned migrants during Canary Islands visit

Pope casts flowers in sea in tribute to drowned migrants during Canary Islands visit

France 24 •

Pope Leo XIV on Thursday visited Spain's Canary Islands, the once-notorious centre of the European migration debate, where he threw a bouquet of flowers in the sea in tribute to the migrants who perished trying to reach the Atlantic archipelago. The pontiff made a plea for "human dignity" and condemned leaders, including Christians, who turn them away with "indifference". 

Taiwan says Chinese vessels entered disputed waters in South China Sea

Taiwan says Chinese vessels entered disputed waters in South China Sea

France 24 •

Taiwan said that Chinese vessels "openly intruded" on disputed waters around Itu Aba island in the South China Sea on Thursday, staying for 15 minutes before the Taiwanese coast guard expelled them. The island is claimed by Taiwan, China, the Philippines and Vietnam.

World Cup 2026: Immigrant fans, workers face ICE fears

World Cup 2026: Immigrant fans, workers face ICE fears

France 24 •

The 2026 World Cup kicks off today in Mexico City, but for some, FIFA matches carry painful memories. FRANCE 24 spoke to an immigrant family whose father was detained by ICE at a football match at the MetLife stadium in New Jersey, where eight World Cup fixtures are set to take place over the coming month. The New Jersey State Police has insisted that immigrant football fans are safe to attend mat...

US and Iran exchange fire for a second day, undermining shaky ceasefire

US and Iran exchange fire for a second day, undermining shaky ceasefire

France 24 •

The United States and Iran traded air ​attacks for a second straight day on Thursday, with President Donald Trump vowing further strikes if Tehran does not immediately agree to a peace deal. The escalation in hostilities began this week with Monday's downing of a US Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz, which sparked a series of tit-for-tat attacks across Iran and on US bases around the reg...

War in the Middle East: Three Indian sailors dead after US hit ship off Oman

War in the Middle East: Three Indian sailors dead after US hit ship off Oman

France 24 •

Three Indian sailors on a commercial vessel hit by the United States off the coast of Oman are dead, New Delhi's shipping minister said Thursday. India's foreign ministry summoned a top US diplomat in New Delhi after the US attack on Wednesday on MT Settebello to lodge "a strong protest". It was the second reported US attack on a merchant vessel with predominately Indian crew this week.

Police blast water cannons at Belfast protesters as unrest flares again

Police blast water cannons at Belfast protesters as unrest flares again

France 24 •

Police blasted water cannons Wednesday at protesters in Northern Ireland who set small fires and hurled bricks, rocks and bottles at them during a second night of violence over a brutal stabbing on a Belfast street. Demonstrators wearing masks tore bricks from the walls outside homes and smashed sidewalks with sledgehammers to toss at riot police. In one place, the unruly crowd used sections of a ...

Biggest World Cup in history to kick off in Mexico

Biggest World Cup in history to kick off in Mexico

France 24 •

The Men's Football World Cup will kick off on Thursday, with the opening match taking place in Mexico City. The 2026 edition of the tournament is set to be the biggest yet, spanning three countries and including a record-breaking 48 teams. But the tournament has also been mired by controversy, not least over sky high ticket prices – which some accuse FIFA of having artificially inflated.

Celebrations clash with social tensions in Mexico on the eve of the World Cup

Celebrations clash with social tensions in Mexico on the eve of the World Cup

France 24 •

Escalating protests and social tensions in Mexico's capital threaten to derail FIFA World Cup celebrations on the eve of the opening ceremony as protesters effectively block off access to the plaza set to host the country's main fan celebrations. Mexico jointly hosts the soccer tournament with the US and Canada and kicks off festivities Thursday with a star-studded event, even as some critics say ...

World Cup 2026: Trump and Infantino, a bromance scrutinised and criticised

World Cup 2026: Trump and Infantino, a bromance scrutinised and criticised

France 24 •

FIFA President Gianni Infantino poke with reporters during a rare question-and-answer session on the eve of the opening match of an expanded 48-nation, 104-game World Cup tournament. He defended record ticket prices, said FIFA was powerless to get the US government to admit a Somali referee, and praised his ability to get Iran's national soccer team into the United States. FRANCE 24's Internationa...