Maria Ortega

Carlos Alcaraz's participation in the 2026 US Open remains uncertain after he missed the French Open and Wimbledon while recovering from right-wrist tenosynovitis. Stephen Smith, founder and CEO of Kitman Labs, says he would be surprised to see Alcaraz compete because New York's heat and humidity, hard courts and potentially lengthy best-of-five matches create significant risks for a player following a cautious rehabilitation plan. Alcaraz has gradually reduced his wrist support and made a public appearance in New Jersey, but no confirmed comeback decision has been reported.

Marta Zacharia says a cardiac arrest during surgery while she was pregnant led to a near-death experience in which she left her body, entered a tunnel and saw a light. After a miscarriage, she and her husband chose adoption, and Zacharia says the experience convinced her that another plane of existence follows death, leaving her unafraid of dying despite wanting to see her grandchildren grow up. Neurologist Pablo Bagnati and research published in Resuscitation are cited regarding reports of consciousness during cardiac arrest, although the scientific findings do not establish the existence of an afterlife.

The Argentine Football Association has designated July 15 as National Football Teams Day, partly commemorating Argentina’s 2–1 World Cup semi-final victory over England. The decision follows celebrations featuring a handmade banner proclaiming that the Falklands, known in Argentina as the Malvinas, belong to Argentina. FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings over alleged discriminatory chants, gestures, misconduct, security and protocol failures, and inappropriate messages. The banner is reportedly being preserved and is expected to be given to Argentine veterans of the 1982 Falklands conflict.

A 79-year-old Spanish woman known as Carmen won €35,000 in the ONCE daily lottery but was prevented from collecting it because she had been secretly registered on Spain’s gambling self-exclusion list in 2012. Her late husband allegedly forged her signature and applied for the ban because he objected to her going to bingo. ONCE says Spanish law prevents it from paying the prize unless the registration is officially or judicially annulled. Carmen is taking the case to the High Court of Justice of Madrid to have the ban removed and claim her winnings.

Mattia Maestri, an Italian boy who ate raw-milk Due Laghi cheese contaminated with E. coli at age four in 2017, has died at 13 after spending nine years in an irreversible vegetative state. The infection caused hemolytic uremic syndrome, blindness, frequent seizures and extensive medical needs. Two dairy workers were convicted of causing grievous bodily harm, while the family’s lawyers have filed a further complaint alleging aggravated negligent homicide. Mattia’s father, Giovanni Battista Maestri, has campaigned against the risks of unpasteurized dairy and presented a related book to the Italian Parliament.

An unnamed Ohio man won about £272,000 on the Millionaire Blowout scratch card game and later won an additional £13,600 after tax on another card, bringing his total to nearly £286,000. He plans to use the money for a holiday, a new car, gifts for his children and savings. The story also recalls former $28 million winner Timothy Schultz’s warnings about requests for money from strangers, and notes the record $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot won by Edwin Castro, alongside the game’s expansion into the UK.

Benidorm police arrested a 50-year-old Icelandic man on suspicion of fraud after he allegedly spent 10 days eating and staying at venues without paying, accumulating about €1,500 in bills. Police said officers had been called to multiple locations before making the arrest. The report also highlights resident Frank’s warnings about a petition-and-donation scam targeting tourists along Benidorm’s beachfront.

A premature infant in Sao Paulo who had been declared dead after a prolonged resuscitation attempt was later found alive by a funeral worker who noticed movement and sounds inside the body bag. The baby, Noah Gabriel da Cruz Santos, was returned to the neonatal unit for intensive care. His mother expressed gratitude and described the experience as a miracle, while the hospital stated that proper protocols had been followed.

Argentina’s post–World Cup return was marked by discord as 11 players, including Lionel Messi, did not join the main squad’s parade in Buenos Aires following their defeat to Spain. The team faced criticism for on‑field misconduct during the final, with several players involved in controversial incidents. Manager Lionel Scaloni and 15 players participated in the official welcome ceremony, while others remained in the United States. Messi flew separately to Rosario to rest before rejoining Inter Miami, drawing significant attention from fans on arrival.

Spain’s World Cup–winning squad will receive large bonuses of about €754,700 each, but high income tax rates in Spain and varying tax obligations abroad significantly reduce their payouts. Players based in Spain face marginal tax rates up to 49.5 percent, while those playing in other countries are subject to foreign tax laws and double‑taxation treaties. Spain’s treasury is set to collect roughly £5 million from the bonuses, despite the historic nature of the team’s victory.

FIFA has increased the 2026 World Cup winners’ prize to £37 million, nearly £6 million more than Argentina earned in 2022, with Spain and Argentina set to contest the final. Spain’s players could receive about £17 million collectively under their federation’s agreement, far exceeding payouts from Euro 2024. A total of £741 million will be distributed across all 48 participating teams. England, eliminated in the semi-finals, now target third place against France as pressure mounts on manager Thomas Tuchel, who insists he remains committed to leading the squad into Euro 2028.