
The United States men's national team, already qualified as Group D winners, lost 3-2 to Turkey in a World Cup match. Coach Mauricio Pochettino made nine changes to the lineup, prioritizing player management ahead of their last-32 meeting against Bosnia-Herzegovina. Auston Trusty scored early for the US, but Arda Guler equalized for Turkey. Turkey then took the lead through Baris Alper Yilmaz. Sebastian Berhalter scored to level the match for the US in the second half. Kaan Ayhan scored a late winner for Turkey in stoppage time. Pochettino stated that the loss would not derail the team's momentum, emphasizing the importance of balancing priorities for the upcoming knockout stage.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.

Nigerian singer David Adeleke, known as Davido, has released his first single of 2026, titled "I Know Who I Be." The song features South African artistes Jazzwrld and GL_Ceejay, marking Davido's first collaboration with Jazzwrld. Davido announced the release on his social media pages on Friday, and the track is now available on major streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music. This release signifies Davido's return to new music this year after a period of fewer solo releases.
Must ReadTroops from Operation HADIN KAI rescued 53 civilians and recovered eight vehicles after dismantling a suspected ISWAP/JAS roadblock along the Buratai鈥揔amuya road in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State. The Nigerian Army announced the operation, which occurred on Wednesday, June 24, via a statement on its X handle by Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, Capt. Mohammed Goni. Troops deployed at Dutse Kura observed terrorists blocking the highway through surveillance cameras, prompting a Quick Reaction Force to engage the insurgents. The rescued individuals and recovered items were moved to Buratai town, where the civilians are undergoing documentation and medical evaluations. Borno State continues to be a focal point for Nigeria's insurgency, which began in 2009. This rescue follows other recent successes for Operation Hadin Kai, including the killing of 27 terrorists earlier this month.
Must ReadRafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency IAEA, stated on Friday that a "very strong" verification system is necessary in Iran following the Middle East conflict to prevent the country from developing nuclear weapons. His remarks come as the United States and Iran negotiate a broader agreement to end the war, with Tehran's nuclear program being a key point of contention. Grossi emphasized that while Iran has declared no intention to develop nuclear weapons, intentions are not sufficient, and a robust verification system must be implemented as soon as practicable. He also mentioned that the IAEA has just begun talks with Iran regarding its uranium stockpile, following a preliminary agreement with the United States, and expects this work to accelerate soon. Iran has consistently denied seeking an atomic bomb, asserting its right to a full-scale civilian nuclear program. Last July, Iran suspended cooperation with the IAEA after a law passed by its parliament following last year's 12-day war with Israel.