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World Cup 26: Mexico beats South Africa in opener SEOUL, June 12 (AJP) - SEOUL, June 12 (AJP) — The 2026 FIFA World Cup opened in Mexico City on Thursday with a lavish ceremony blending Mexican cultural imagery, global pop performances and the increasingly commercial face of the expanded 48-team tournament. Shakira and Burna Boy performed “Dai Dai,” the official song of the tournament, while the broader opening lineup included J Balvin, Maná, Los Ángeles Azules, Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, Lila Downs and Tyla. The ceremony highlighted pre-Hispanic themes and Mexico’s football heritage, with Estadio Azteca returning to the global stage after hosting matches at the 1970 and 1986 World Cups. The spectacle also showed how heavily commercialized this World Cup has become. One striking example around the tournament has been Labubu, the monster character from Chinese toy company Pop Mart, which has been turned into official FIFA World Cup merchandise. The collaboration, described in Chinese state media as FIFA’s first partnership with a designer toy intellectual property for official World Cup merchandise, underlined the growing visibility of Chinese consumer brands around global sports events. Outside the stadium, the celebratory mood was more complicated. Mexico City opened the tournament amid protests by teachers and other civic groups, while many local residents criticized high ticket prices and public spending on World Cup-related beautification projects. The opening match then delivered an equally dramatic start on the pitch, as Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 in a chaotic Group A curtain-raiser marked by three red cards. Julián Quiñones scored the first goal of the tournament in the ninth minute, punishing a South African defensive error before sliding the ball past goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. Raúl Jiménez doubled the lead in the 67th minute with a header from Roberto Alvarado’s cross, giving the co-hosts a winning start. The match spiraled into disciplinary drama after halftime. South Africa midfielder Sphephelo “Yaya” Sithole was sent off shortly after the restart for bringing down Brian Gutiérrez near the edge of the penalty area. Substitute Themba Zwane was also shown a red card in the 84th minute after raising his hand toward Alvarado following a challenge. Mexico defender César Montes was dismissed in stoppage time after fouling Khuliso Mudau as South Africa broke forward, leaving the match to finish with Mexico on 10 men and South Africa on nine. Teboho Mokoena received the first yellow card of the tournament in the 17th minute, according to live match reports. The three dismissals made the opener one of the most unusual first matches in World Cup history. A World Cup opening match had last seen multiple red cards in 1990, when Cameroon had André Kana-Biyik and Benjamin Massing sent off in a shock 1-0 win over defending champion Argentina in Milan. No previous World Cup opener is widely recorded as having produced three red cards, making Thursday’s match a likely first. For Mexico, the night ended with three points and a powerful start to a group that also includes South Korea and the Czech Republic. South Korea will open its Group A campaign against the Czech Republic at Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan, near Guadalajara, Mexico. The match kicks off at 8 p.m. Thursday local time, or 11 a.m. Friday in South Korea. 2026-06-12 06:34:10 -
U.S. Stocks Surge After Trump Cancels Iran Airstrikes U.S. stocks surged on June 11, as President Donald Trump canceled planned airstrikes on Iran, easing fears of escalating tensions in the Middle East. On the New York Stock Exchange, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed up 1.9% at 50,848.75. The S&P 500 rose 1.8% to finish at 7,394.30, while the Nasdaq Composite jumped 2.5% to close at 25,809.66. The Russell 2000 index, which tracks small-cap stocks, also saw a significant increase, rising 3.0% to 2,921.03. According to the Associated Press, this marked the strongest gain for the New York stock market in the past two months. Investor sentiment improved rapidly following Trump's announcement. He stated on Truth Social that the planned strikes and bombings were canceled due to discussions with Iran being approved at the highest levels. As expectations for reduced tensions in the Middle East grew, international oil prices fell, contributing to a rebound in technology and semiconductor stocks. Reuters reported that the buying momentum in tech stocks and hopes for peace in the region drove the market's rise. Among individual stocks, semiconductor shares saw notable gains. Intel surged by 10% during trading, while Nvidia and Micron rose by approximately 1% and 2%, respectively. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index climbed over 4%. However, Oracle's stock plummeted after its capital expenditure forecast for fiscal year 2027 exceeded market expectations. Additionally, excitement surrounding SpaceX's initial public offering (IPO) fueled risk appetite among investors. SpaceX set its offering price at $135 per share, aiming to raise $75 billion, which would make it the largest IPO in history. Despite the positive market movement, inflation concerns remain. The U.S. Department of Labor reported that the Producer Price Index (PPI) rose by 1.1% from the previous month and 6.5% year-over-year in May, exceeding market expectations, driven by rising energy prices. While inflation indicators were strong, the market reacted more significantly to the easing of Middle Eastern tensions and the rebound in tech stocks. Investors are closely watching the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting scheduled for June 16-17, anticipating signals regarding the Federal Reserve's interest rate path.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-12 06:30:00 -
SpaceX Sets IPO Price at $135, Aiming for $75 Billion in Funding SpaceX has set its initial public offering (IPO) price at $135 per share and will begin trading on the Nasdaq on June 12. According to the Financial Times and the Associated Press, SpaceX plans to sell approximately 555.6 million shares, aiming to raise $75 billion. This pricing values the company at around $1.77 trillion. The scale of this IPO surpasses the previous record set by Saudi Arabia's state-owned oil company, Aramco, which raised $29.4 billion in 2019. SpaceX is expected to become one of the most valuable publicly traded companies immediately after its listing. Unlike typical IPOs, SpaceX did not provide a preliminary price range but fixed the share price at $135. Reuters reported that this approach, which effectively confirmed the IPO price during investor presentations, breaks Wall Street norms. The funds raised will be used to expand the Starlink satellite network, develop next-generation rockets, and build AI-related space data centers. The company will be listed under the ticker symbol 'SPCX' on Nasdaq and Nasdaq Texas. Even after the IPO, CEO Elon Musk will maintain significant control. The Associated Press reported that Musk will hold 82.4% of the voting rights through dual-class shares post-IPO. Baly Equity Partners is also considered a major shareholder, with the Wall Street Journal reporting that it holds a 6.7% stake in SpaceX.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-12 06:27:00 -
Netanyahu and Trump Discuss Conditions for Israel-Iran Agreement Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss the ceasefire memorandum (MOU) being pursued by the U.S. and Iran. The Prime Minister's Office announced on June 11 that "President Trump spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu today, and both sides exchanged views on the MOU with Iran." The office clarified that Israel is not a party to the MOU. However, Netanyahu expressed gratitude for Trump's assurances that the final agreement would include the removal of Iran's enriched uranium, dismantling of uranium enrichment infrastructure, restrictions on missile production, and cessation of support for regional proxy forces. Earlier, Trump stated at a White House event that a "great agreement regarding war with Iran has been reached," adding that only final adjustments to the document remain. He mentioned that the agreement could be finalized in a matter of days, with a signing ceremony potentially taking place in Europe this weekend. Trump noted, "As soon as the agreement is signed, the Strait of Hormuz will be opened," emphasizing that the core of the agreement is Iran's commitment not to possess nuclear weapons. However, reports from Iran indicate that the agreement has not yet been approved. The semi-official Fars News Agency cited sources familiar with the Iranian negotiating team, stating that no draft related to the initial MOU with the U.S. has been approved.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-12 06:21:00 -
Trump Claims Iran Peace Agreement Near, Iranian Media Reports No Approval Yet Donald Trump, President of the United States, stated that a peace agreement with Iran is in its final stages, but Iranian sources reported that no agreement has been approved yet. On June 11, the semi-official Iranian news agency Fars quoted sources familiar with the Iranian negotiating team, saying, "No text has been approved regarding the initial memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the United States." Earlier, Trump announced on Truth Social that discussions with Iran had reached the highest leadership level for approval and that he had canceled planned strikes and bombings on Iran scheduled for that evening. During an event in the Oval Office, Trump reiterated, "We have a great agreement regarding the war with Iran, and only final adjustments to the document remain." He added that the agreement could be finalized within days, with a signing ceremony potentially taking place in Europe over the weekend. Trump indicated that the Strait of Hormuz would be opened immediately upon signing the agreement and emphasized that a key aspect of the deal is Iran's commitment not to possess nuclear weapons. Fars reported that Iran has not yet provided a final response. However, it noted that the U.S. had recently withdrawn additional demands and reverted to the draft that had been nearing completion two weeks prior. According to the agency, the negotiating teams from both countries had nearly finalized the initial MOU draft about two weeks ago, pending final approval from their respective governments. Negotiations stalled after Trump requested additional details, leading Iran to refuse to consider new texts. Amid military tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and southern Iran, as well as instability along the Lebanon front, negotiations were temporarily put on hold. Qatar later intervened as a mediator, and discussions returned to the original draft after the U.S. withdrew its additional clauses. Reuters also reported that while both sides have reached a political understanding, further discussions are needed regarding the release of frozen Iranian oil imports abroad and issues related to Iran's nuclear program.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-12 06:15:00 -
Trump Announces Finalization of Iran Peace Agreement, Signing Possible This Weekend in Europe Donald Trump, the President of the United States, announced that the peace agreement with Iran has reached the final document coordination stage, with a signing ceremony potentially taking place in Europe this weekend. During a proclamation signing ceremony in the Oval Office on June 11, Trump stated, "We have just reached a tremendous agreement regarding the war with Iran. We are only in the final coordination phase of the document." He added, "It will be finalized in the coming days, and the signing ceremony will likely occur this weekend in Europe." While Trump mentioned he would not attend the signing, he confirmed that Vice President JD Vance would be present. He also noted that he has been in discussions with leaders from Israel and Gulf nations and plans to speak with the President of Turkey. Trump indicated that the Strait of Hormuz would be opened immediately upon signing the agreement. He emphasized, "The most important aspect is that Iran will never possess nuclear weapons," asserting that Iran will not purchase or develop nuclear weapons in any form. Earlier that day, Trump hinted at the possibility of additional attacks on Iran via his social media platform, Truth Social. However, he later announced that the planned airstrikes and bombings scheduled for that evening had been canceled due to approval from Iran's highest leadership level. This marks a shift towards diplomatic solutions following military clashes between the U.S. and Iran. However, Iran has yet to officially confirm its acceptance of the agreement. Reuters reported that while both sides have reached a political understanding, further discussions are needed regarding the release of frozen Iranian oil imports abroad and issues related to Iran's nuclear program. The Associated Press also noted that Iran has not officially confirmed its acceptance of the terms of the peace agreement with the U.S. Trump has previously claimed that agreements with Iran were imminent, but those efforts did not materialize. When asked what makes this situation different, he replied, "Iran has suffered significant damage from U.S. military attacks, and they want the agreement more than I do."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-12 06:09:00 -
World Cup 2026: Messi, Ronaldo, and Son Heung-min Aim for Historic Records 12th, the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off in North America, showcasing the 'Last Dance' of veteran stars. This term refers to the moment when aging sports icons pour all their abilities into what could be their final tournament. Lionel Messi of Argentina and Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal, who have dominated world soccer for over 20 years, are set to challenge records in their sixth World Cup. Born in 1987, Messi has played in five World Cups since the 2006 tournament in Germany and aims to become the first player to appear in six consecutive World Cups. Messi is also pursuing the record for most goals in World Cup history. He has scored 13 goals in 26 matches across five tournaments, placing him tied for fourth all-time with Just Fontaine of France. Above him are Gerd Müller of Germany (14 goals), Ronaldo of Brazil (15 goals), and Miroslav Klose of Germany (16 goals). If Messi scores three more goals in this tournament, he will tie for first place; four goals will make him the sole record holder. The possibility is strong, as Messi has shown he is still at the top of his game, winning the MLS MVP award for two consecutive years while playing for Inter Miami. Last season, he led the league with 35 goals and 21 assists, and he currently ranks second in both categories this season with 12 goals and 7 assists. Ronaldo, born in 1985, is also pursuing a new milestone by scoring in six consecutive World Cups. Like Messi, he has participated in five World Cups since 2006, scoring eight goals in 22 matches. He is the only player in World Cup history to score in five consecutive tournaments. Additionally, Ronaldo is targeting the elusive World Cup title. He won the Euro 2016 but has only reached the semifinals in the World Cup, finishing fourth in the 2006 tournament. Should Argentina (Group J) and Portugal (Group K) both advance as group winners, a historic first matchup between the two stars in the knockout stage could occur in the quarterfinals. For South Korean captain Son Heung-min, this tournament holds special significance. He aims to lead South Korea to its first back-to-back Round of 16 appearances after participating in four consecutive World Cups since the 2014 tournament in Brazil. Having joined Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer, he has adapted well to his new environment. He is also on the verge of breaking several records. With 56 goals in 144 international matches, he is just two goals shy of matching the all-time record set by former coach Cha Bum-kun (58 goals). Furthermore, if he scores one more goal in the tournament, he will surpass Park Ji-sung and Ahn Jung-hwan (both with three goals) to become the all-time leading scorer for South Korean players in World Cup history. In a recent FIFA interview, Son emphasized, "This could be my last World Cup. My dream is to make the impossible possible. I want to create the most wonderful journey possible." Luka Modric, the 1985-born 'midfield general' from Croatia, will also take the field for his fifth World Cup. After leading his team to a runner-up finish in the 2018 Russia tournament and a third-place finish in the 2022 Qatar tournament, he recently underwent surgery for multiple fractures in his left cheekbone. Despite needing to wear a protective mask, he is determined to compete. Other seasoned players, including Neymar (Brazil), Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium), Manuel Neuer (Germany), and Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico), are also ready to make their final mark on the tournament.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-12 06:03:00 -
Korea-Kyrgyzstan Trade and Investment Cooperation Committee Launched The South Korean government has established its first Trade and Investment Cooperation Committee with Kyrgyzstan, focusing on enhancing collaboration in critical minerals, digital transformation, and investment. This initiative aims to strengthen supply chains and economic cooperation ahead of the upcoming Korea-Central Asia summit in September. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced that Bae Jun-hyung, Director of the Trade Cooperation Bureau, held the inaugural meeting of the Korea-Kyrgyzstan Trade and Investment Cooperation Committee on June 12 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, with Mederbek Tumunov, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce. This committee is the first regular consultative body established under a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between the two countries in December of last year. The discussions covered a wide range of economic cooperation topics, including trade, investment, official development assistance (ODA), critical minerals, industrial cooperation, and improving the business environment. Both sides noted the rapid growth in trade volume, which has surged from $113 million in 2021 to $1.789 billion in 2024, and reached approximately $3.48 billion last year. They agreed to strengthen cooperation to ensure that the increasing trade leads to expanded investment and industrial collaboration. In particular, they plan to utilize the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) office set to open in Bishkek later this year to support local market entry for South Korean companies and facilitate exchanges between businesses. In the area of development cooperation, the ministry reviewed the outcomes of a textile industry technology guidance project and discussed the direction of a digital transformation technology guidance project set to begin this year. The government aims to support the digitalization of Kyrgyzstan's transportation infrastructure and textile and apparel industry while expanding technological cooperation between the two countries. Critical minerals cooperation was also a key agenda item. The two sides identified the potential for collaboration on mineral resources in Kyrgyzstan, including antimony and tungsten, and agreed to explore possibilities for information sharing and cooperation in development and processing technologies. Following the committee meeting, Director Bae visited the Kyrgyz Geological Survey to meet with Deputy Director Tinchbek Uulu Ryskul and further discuss cooperation on critical mineral supply chains. They agreed to continue collaboration in areas such as mineral resource information exchange and enhancing exploration capabilities, focusing on antimony, tungsten, and rare earth elements. Bae also attended a support council for companies entering Kyrgyzstan at the South Korean embassy, where he listened to the business challenges and suggestions from South Korean firms. The government plans to actively utilize channels for discussions with local authorities to ensure that companies can operate their businesses smoothly. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy aims to solidify the cooperation tasks identified during this visit and prepare tangible outcomes ahead of the Korea-Central Asia summit scheduled for September. Bae stated, "Kyrgyzstan is an important economic cooperation partner where trade with us is rapidly expanding in Central Asia. We will strive to achieve practical cooperation results in various fields, including trade, investment, critical minerals, and ODA."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-12 06:03:00 -
South Korea and Morocco Begin CEPA Negotiations to Strengthen Economic Ties Yeo Han-goo, the head of South Korea's Trade Negotiation Bureau, visited Morocco and agreed to establish a working group to initiate negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two countries. The South Korean government aims to expand economic cooperation with Morocco, a key hub in North Africa, to enhance its companies' access to the African market.The Ministry of Trade announced that Yeo met with Omar Hjira, Morocco's Minister of Trade, on June 11 and 12 to discuss ways to boost trade and investment and expand economic cooperation.Both sides agreed to create a director-level working group to clarify the CEPA negotiations, coordinating the agenda and scope to facilitate prompt discussions.CEPA is a trade agreement that builds on a free trade agreement (FTA) while allowing flexibility in the level of openness and including cooperation in various fields such as investment and industrial collaboration.Morocco is strategically located as a gateway connecting Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa, and it is one of the African countries that has signed free trade agreements with major economies like the United States and the European Union. The South Korean government views Morocco as a strategic base for its companies to enter the North African and European markets and is pushing for expanded cooperation.During the meeting, Yeo reviewed the progress of major projects by South Korean companies, including the establishment of a local factory for electric trains by Hyundai Rotem and an investment project for a lithium refinery by LG Energy Solution. He also requested support and cooperation from the Moroccan government to ensure the smooth progress of these projects.The two sides exchanged views on the potential for expanding cooperation in various industrial sectors, including shipbuilding and defense.Yeo held a meeting with South Korean companies operating in Morocco to listen to their challenges related to customs, logistics, clearance, and taxation. The Ministry of Trade plans to actively address the issues raised by these companies through bilateral consultation channels.Additionally, considering the recent increase in interest and demand for Korean cosmetics in Morocco, Yeo visited a local specialty store for Korean cosmetics to assess the distribution and sales status of K-beauty products and identify any challenges. The government is also looking for ways to support South Korean companies in expanding their presence in the local market.Yeo stated, "Morocco is an important gateway for our companies to enter the African market, and we will strengthen cooperation between the two governments to support stable trade and investment activities for our businesses."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-12 06:03:00 -
K-Pop Takes Center Stage at 2026 North America World Cup The 2026 FIFA North America World Cup will prominently feature K-Pop both inside and outside the stadiums. From the official cheer song for the national team to performances at the opening ceremony and halftime show of the final, K-Pop artists are set to play a significant role in the tournament's musical content.The first release is the official cheer song for the South Korean national soccer team. The group TWS launched their official cheer song, "Dream With U," on June 11. The song conveys the message, "If we believe in miracles together, miracles will begin," and will be used in various settings to support the team's success during the World Cup.As ambassadors for the Korea Football Association, TWS expressed, "We hope the positive energy of TWS through this song will empower both the players and the public."Lisa from BLACKPINK will perform at the opening ceremony. She is set to take the stage in Los Angeles alongside global pop stars like Katy Perry. This marks the first time a K-Pop girl group member will deliver a live performance at a World Cup opening ceremony. Recently, Lisa was also featured on the World Cup official album track "Goals," alongside artists Anita and Lema.BTS will headline the halftime show of the final. According to an official announcement from FIFA and Global Citizen, BTS will be a co-headliner for the first-ever halftime show at a World Cup final. They will share the stage with icons like Madonna and Shakira, with stage curation by Coldplay's Chris Martin. Following Jungkook's participation in the official soundtrack "Dreamers" and the opening ceremony at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, the entire BTS group will now perform on this iconic stage.BTS stated through their agency Big Hit Music, "It is a great honor to perform on such a meaningful stage that brings the world together. We believe music is a universal language that conveys hope and unity. It is even more meaningful to share this message with global audiences through this World Cup and contribute to expanding educational opportunities for children."This World Cup is also enhancing the entertainment value beyond the matches. The opening ceremony and halftime show are key events that capture the attention of global viewers. With the participation of K-Pop artists who have massive global fanbases, interest is expected to grow not only among soccer fans but also music enthusiasts.With K-Pop artists involved from the cheer song to the final stage, the buzz generated both inside and outside the stadium is anticipated to be a highlight of this tournament.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-12 06:03:00