AGP Executive Report

World Cup 2026 (Round of 32): The knockout stage wraps up with today’s key games, including Australia vs Egypt and Argentina vs Cape Verde, plus Colombia vs Ghana—here’s how to watch the matches for free and what to know before kickoff. Iran Funeral Watch: Iran has begun a week-long state funeral for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with Tehran’s Grand Mosalla hosting mourners and foreign delegations arriving as officials warn the US and Israel against any attack during the ceremonies. Diplomacy & Security: Reports say US officials feared Israel might target top Iranian negotiators to derail talks, while Iran’s messaging keeps escalating around the funeral period. Misinformation Alert: A viral AI-generated video claiming to show Khamenei’s funeral procession has been flagged as fake. Regional Arts & Culture: “Bilad al-Sham” returns to debate as writers unpack the term’s history and meaning. Syria Tragedy: In Damascus, mourners bury victims of a cafe blast that killed lawyers, underscoring how conflict keeps hitting cultural and civic life. Iraq Arts Scene: Iraq’s film industry is described as slowly reviving, with challenges still holding it back.

Iraqi Film Revival: Baghdad’s old movie theatres may be dusty, but director Ali al-Bayati says Iraq’s cinema is “not easy, but not impossible,” pointing to momentum from international attention like The President’s Cake. Regional Funeral Spotlight: Iran is preparing a dayslong state funeral for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with ceremonies starting in Tehran and moving to Qom, then to Iraq on July 8 (Baghdad, Najaf, Karbala), as officials say guests from 100+ countries will attend. Local Media Regulation: Iraq’s Communications and Media Commission fined three sports presenters about $11,450 total and warned them over alleged violations, including accuracy and privacy issues. Sports Culture & Fashion: Norway fans face shortages of World Cup shirts ahead of the Brazil clash, with demand outpacing deliveries. Football Governance: The Iraq Football Association dismissed U-17 coach Jose Maria Zarco and ordered internal restructuring, including a review of staff and plans around Graham Arnold’s next phase.

Funeral & Power Display: Iran is preparing a week of mass mourning for slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with huge processions planned in Tehran, Qom, Mashhad, and ceremonies in Iraq—framed by officials as a “referendum” on the Islamic Republic’s strength. Regional Media & Culture: European anti-imperialist activists, academics, journalists, and Islamic center representatives are traveling to Tehran for the funeral, including Iraqi and Turkish nationals in Europe. Iraq Anti-Corruption Spotlight: Iraq’s crackdown is intensifying amid viral claims of a $57mn cash haul and 27kg of gold from an MP’s home—though authorities have not confirmed the specific figures publicly. Press Freedom: The Iraqi Journalists Syndicate’s Al-Anbar branch rejects a report ranking the province high for press freedom violations, saying conditions are safer than claimed. World Cup Buzz (with Iraq ties): Golden Boot race headlines keep rolling as Harry Kane closes in after a late brace; meanwhile, digital readiness gaps are flagged for World Cup federation sites, with Iraq among the slowest performers. YouTube for Kids in Iraq: YouTube launches supervised kid accounts across MENA, including Iraq, adding stronger privacy and parental controls.

Iraq Governance: Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s cabinet is still incomplete nearly a month after winning parliamentary confidence, with key posts like interior and defense unresolved—raising questions about whether the government can move from a political settlement to real action, with a mid-July Washington visit framed as his first major test. Iraq Anti-Corruption: Iraq launched sweeping anti-graft raids in Baghdad’s Green Zone, arresting dozens of officials and lawmakers and seizing cash and assets, putting al-Zaidi’s reform agenda under an early spotlight. Iraq Environment & Public Health: Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani ruled dumping untreated sewage, solid waste, medical waste, or chemical pollutants into Iraqi rivers is religiously forbidden, backing state monitoring and enforcement after viral footage showed waste discharged into the Tigris. Iraq Telecom & Digital Services: Iraq moved to close Korek’s telecom case and prepare for a new national mobile operator to boost competition, while also pushing toward 5G rollout. Regional Arts/Heritage: Nimrud in Nineveh—an Assyrian capital devastated by ISIS—remains a powerful reminder of Iraq’s surviving heritage, with new reporting from the ruins highlighting surviving carvings and inscriptions. Sports (World Cup, Iraq-linked): Senegal advanced after beating Belgium in a dramatic Round of 32, while the U.S. reached the last 16 by defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina—keeping the tournament’s Iraq-connected momentum in the spotlight.

World Cup Round-of-32 Spotlight: Belgium and Senegal set for a knockout clash in Seattle on July 1, with Belgium topping Group G after draws with Egypt and Iran and a 5-1 win over New Zealand, while Senegal punched through as one of the best third-placed teams after a dramatic 5-0 rout of Iraq; the matchup is framed as a test of Belgium’s attacking choices and Senegal’s momentum. World Cup Upset Story: Mexico ended a 40-year knockout drought by beating Ecuador 2-0, with goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez sending El Tri into the Round of 16. Iraq & the Arts/Media Angle: A report on Iraq fans at the World Cup highlights how supporters in Philadelphia kept celebrating even as the team’s tournament ended, showing how sports culture travels through diaspora life. Regional Cultural-Religious News: Iran’s state funeral for late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is set for July 4-9, with a final journey passing through Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala, underscoring the cross-border religious calendar. Security & Public Life: Baghdad’s Green Zone saw a drone intercepted and shot down, with officials saying it caused no damage.

World Cup Buzz: Mexico ended a 40-year knockout drought, beating Ecuador 2-0 with Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez scoring in the first half, then pushed into the Round of 16. Weather Disruptions: Mexico–Ecuador kickoff was delayed by lightning and thunderstorms at Estadio Azteca, with FIFA confirming no hydration breaks. France vs Sweden: Kylian Mbappé struck before halftime as France moved on to the Round of 16, while his knockout scoring record kept growing. Belgium–Senegal Build-Up: Belgium enter their Round of 32 with a fully fit squad, but Senegal’s goalkeeper Édouard Mendy is ruled out with a knee injury. Iraq Anti-Corruption & Courts: Iraq’s Green Zone raids detained dozens of officials and lawmakers, and a UK court case highlighted how protest groups face legal pressure. Kurdish Equestrian Spotlight: An 8-year-old Kurdish jockey, Laniya Fakher, received UAE golden residency and arrived in Erbil with 10 purebred Arabian horses. Sports Infrastructure in Iraq: Kirkuk is pushing to finish the Olympic Stadium for the next league season, aiming to meet FIFA requirements.

Iraq’s Cultural Spotlight: Duhok is gearing up to open the Duhok Archaeological Park by late October, aiming for UNESCO World Heritage status. The 130-square-kilometer open-air project will feature the 340-kilometer-old Faida Canal with Assyrian rock reliefs and the ancient Jerwan Bridge, with excavations since 2019 and 3D laser scanning support. World Cup, With Iraq in the Mix: Round of 32 action is set for June 30–July 3, including Ivory Coast vs Norway, France vs Sweden, and Mexico vs Ecuador—plus Belgium vs Senegal on July 1. Sports & Society: A players’ union warning highlights how extreme heat and humidity affected multiple World Cup matches, pushing climate concerns into scheduling debates. Regional Security: Iran reports IRGC members killed in western border-area shootings, with authorities blaming Kurdish separatist-linked violence. Anti-Corruption in Iraq: Iraq’s crackdown continues with raids and arrests tied to senior figures, including reports of major cash and gold seizures.

World Cup Round of 32 (Iraq’s football spotlight): Ivory Coast and Norway set for a Dallas showdown on June 30, with Norway aiming to extend its knockout run after resting stars in the final group match; Erling Haaland is expected to return as the tie decides who faces Brazil or Japan next. World Cup culture & fan life: FIFA World Cup prices are drawing fresh backlash, with fans comparing steep stadium snack costs across host cities, turning popcorn into a hot-button topic. Iraq anti-corruption (governance with arts-adjacent public impact): Iraq’s crackdown continues to dominate social media and headlines, with reports of dozens of arrests and debate over whether the campaign is about real reform or political messaging. Film & regional storytelling: Doha Film Institute announced 48 Spring Grants projects, including Iraqi-supported work, while a Cineteca Nacional de las Artes program brought contemporary Arab cinema (including Iraq) to Mexican audiences. Diplomacy in the region: Iraq’s foreign minister visits Syria to deepen cooperation after the post-Assad transition.

World Cup Round of 32: Ivory Coast take on Norway in Dallas on Tuesday, with Yan Diomande set to face Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard as both sides chase a last-16 spot. World Cup Round of 32: France meet Sweden at MetLife Stadium, with Didier Deschamps expected to tweak the left side as Sweden look to spring an upset. Iraq Anti-Corruption: Muqtada al-Sadr backed Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s crackdown, calling it a “heroic reform campaign” after Baghdad’s Green Zone raids detained dozens of officials. Iraq-Iran Diplomacy: Najaf Governor Yusuf Kanawi coordinated with Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi on arrangements for Khamenei’s funeral procession, covering security and public services. Iraq Aviation: Kirkuk International Airport confirmed normal operations, saying a reported “fire” was limited to dry grass outside the perimeter. Media & Culture: Pakistan’s PEMRA suspended Geo News for 15 days over a Muharram documentary deemed offensive, after the channel apologized and removed the content. Arts & Film: Doha Film Institute announced 2026 Spring Grants, including projects from Iraq and across the MENA region. Sports & Climate: Reports highlight FIFA’s climate footprint and how extreme weather is becoming part of the World Cup conversation.

World Cup Round of 32 (France–Sweden): France head into Tuesday’s clash on a perfect Group I run, scoring 10 goals, with Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé leading the firepower. Coach Didier Deschamps is still tweaking the left side, with Lucas Digne and Bradley Barcola among the options as Sweden prepare to defend deep and hit France on set pieces. World Cup stats & records: The group stage delivered a record 215 goals, and Messi’s Golden Boot chase is heating up alongside Mbappé, Dembélé, Haaland and Vinícius Jr. Iraq–Iran diplomacy amid Gulf tensions: In Baghdad, Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi met Iraqi leaders as the US and Iran weigh de-escalation and talks over the Strait of Hormuz. Iraq anti-corruption and media rules: Iraq’s Al-Azm Alliance defended lawmakers facing corruption charges, while the CMC upheld penalties against TV host Mona Sami and analyst Issam Hussein for remarks deemed sectarian. Sports beyond football: Iraq’s presence in regional volleyball and other competitions continues, with Bahrain missing bronze in the AVC Men’s Cup. Arts & culture in the region: A dark fantasy web game, Reflection of Demon, shows how creators across the Middle East are turning local storytelling into online horror.

Green Zone Crackdown: Iraqi security forces launched large-scale anti-corruption raids in Baghdad’s fortified Green Zone, sealing entrances and detaining dozens of senior politicians and lawmakers, including Sunni Azm Alliance leader Muthanna al-Samarrai, as the Iraqi Bar Association said it will not defend corruption suspects. Regional Diplomacy Under Strain: Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi urged parties to stick to the Iran-US MoU and pushed for a new regional security framework involving Gulf states, Iran, and Iraq, as Iran also warned the Strait of Hormuz will remain under its “total oversight” and retaliatory strikes hit Bahrain and Kuwait. World Cup Spotlight: The Round of 32 is set after a dramatic group stage that saw Lionel Messi add records and multiple teams qualify, while Iraq’s World Cup run ended with elimination after group play. Media & Faith Sensitivities: Pakistan’s Geo News apologized and faced a 15-day suspension after airing a Muharram documentary criticized for “religious visualisation,” with the regulator citing risks to public peace. Tech & Community Pulse: Iraq’s communications regulator reported over 77 million phone calls and 8.5 million texts in Karbala during the first ten days of Muharram.

World Cup Knockouts Set: The 48-team 2026 World Cup has narrowed to 32 for the Round of 32, with matchups now projected and confirmed, including England’s path after topping their group and France’s strong run into the next stage. Iraq Football Update: Senegal kept Iraq’s hopes alive then ended them in Toronto, smashing 10-man Iraq 5-0; Ismaïla Sarr marked a milestone as Senegal’s all-time leading scorer. Scotland Coaching Shake-up: Steve Clarke stepped down immediately after Scotland’s elimination, ending a seven-year run that began with promise but ended with a late, painful exit. Iraq Protests: Iraq’s human rights watchdog urged PM Ali Al-Zaidi to stop arrests in Wasit after protests over power cuts, warning the crackdown echoes 2019-era violations. Iraq Culture & Tourism: Iraq nominated five villages for the UN Tourism “Best Tourism Villages for 2026” award, including three from Kurdistan Region. Arts & Heritage: An Arab Cultural Club event highlighted the “Aesthetics of Arabic Letters,” with live calligraphy lessons on rules, tools, and history. Regional Spotlight: Ashura crowds in Iraq and beyond marked mourning rituals amid heightened tensions, while the Strait of Hormuz stayed in focus as a new flashpoint.

World Cup Round-of-32 Push: Senegal crushed 10-man Iraq 5-0 in Toronto, with Pape Gueye scoring twice, while France finished Group I with a 4-1 win over Norway powered by Ousmane Dembélé’s first-half hat-trick; Iraq Football & Fans: Iraqi Shias marked Ashura in Karbala with massive mourning rituals, while the tournament’s Iraqi Shias also balanced celebration with grief; England & Argentina Updates: England’s knockout spot was confirmed ahead of Panama, and Lionel Messi was set to start on the bench for Argentina’s final group match vs Jordan; Iraq Online Shopping: Iraq’s e-commerce boom is creating jobs and convenience, but cash-on-delivery and weak protections are also fueling fraud and counterfeit listings; Ashura Security: Mumbai police foiled an alleged Muharram poison-capsule plot, seizing thousands of capsules and arresting one suspect; Regional Tensions: Iran fired drones at Bahrain and a ship was hit in the Strait of Hormuz amid US-Iran talks, while clashes in Iran’s Kurdistan province reportedly killed Iranian security personnel.

World Cup (Iraq): Senegal ended Iraq’s 2026 Group I run with a brutal 5-0 win in Toronto, after Iraq were reduced to 10 men early when Rebin Sulaka was sent off via VAR for fouling Sadio Mané. Senegal then took full control after halftime, with goals from Ismaila Sarr and a double from substitute Pape Gueye, dashing Iraq’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage. World Cup (France): Ousmane Dembélé lit up Foxborough with a first-half hat-trick as France beat Norway 4-1 to finish Group I perfect and set up the Round of 32. World Cup (Iraq fans): Iraqi supporters packed Toronto for the must-win match, but the early red card and Senegal’s second-half surge quickly flipped the mood. World Cup (sport culture): FIFA’s expanded tournament smashed the all-time attendance record, with Philadelphia playing a big role in the milestone. Regional backdrop: The Strait of Hormuz dispute stayed in the headlines as Iran and the U.S. traded warnings and strikes, adding pressure to an already tense Middle East.

World Cup Focus: Friday’s Group I finale is set for Boston Stadium as France vs. Norway decides the group winner, with Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland both on four goals and France aiming to finish top despite coach Didier Deschamps missing the match after his mother’s death. Group I Survival: In Toronto, Senegal vs. Iraq is a do-or-die clash for both sides’ hopes of reaching the Round of 32, with Senegal needing a win after losses to France and Norway and Iraq still searching for its first World Cup breakthrough. Iraq & Ashura Culture: In Karbala, authorities have launched large-scale security and health plans for Ashura as millions arrive, while coverage also revisits tatbir—a contested Shiite ritual—highlighting how different jurists treat it as worship or sin. Local Progress: Kirkuk International Airport begins its first direct flight to Trabzon, adding to a wider push to expand routes after resuming international operations. Public Finance Watch: Iraq’s new anticorruption drive is in the spotlight after authorities reported major seizures tied to an Oil Ministry-linked case.

World Cup & Iraq Focus: France’s Aurélien Tchouaméni says the squad is determined to “make Didier Deschamps proud” as the coach misses Friday’s Group I clash with Norway after his mother’s death. Group Stakes: With both France and Norway already through, the match is about finishing top and shaping the Round of 32 path. Iraq’s Next Test: Senegal face Iraq in a must-win Group I game, with Iraq still chasing a route to the knockouts. Regional Football: Duhok will host the inaugural Gulf Club Super Cup on August 13, pitting Iraq’s Duhok against Qatar’s Al Rayyan. Sports Culture: A viral Washington bakery story shows kids narrating dad’s Kurdish-rooted baklava videos—turning local food into global attention. Weather Disruptions: World Cup matches continue to be hit by severe storms, including evacuations and delays tied to lightning and tornado warnings.