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The Icelandic Nordic noir thriller follows police officer Aníta as she investigates dark secrets

Black Sands is returning for a second series on U.

The Icelandic crime thriller, which devotees of ITV’s Broadchurch ought to appreciate, resumes 14 months following the startling events of the opening season, with the small coastal town of Glerársandar still grappling with the revelation that a serial killer had been concealed in plain sight amongst its inhabitants.

Central to the new series is police officer Aníta, who is adapting to life as a new mother while wrestling with a powerful urge to return to work.

Her world is thrown into turmoil when a woman perishes in what seems to be a suspicious car crash. Driven to unearth the truth, Aníta becomes embroiled in the investigation alongside her friend and colleague Fríða, who is heading up the official police inquiry.

As the case progresses, sinister secrets from the town’s past start to surface. The investigation traces back to a former foster home with connections to Aníta’s own family, revealing decades of concealed trauma and lingering questions, reports Wales Online.

What at first appears to be a tragic accident quickly evolves into a considerably more intricate mystery, with startling revelations and devastating ramifications for those caught up in it.

Throughout the eight-part series, viewers can anticipate twists as long-buried truths emerge, relationships are put to the test, and suspicion descends upon numerous residents. As the pressure intensifies, Aníta grapples with both the investigation and her own personal demons, paving the way for a dramatic finale.

Season two of Black Sands arrives on U on 20 June, with all episodes available to stream from launch day.

Fans who have already delved into the crime thriller have offered mixed verdicts on the programme, though it has garnered acclaim from critics.

Reviewer Kelly Luchtman commented: Black Sands is a very satisfying series with fantastic acting, especially by Steinunn Ólína Thorsteinsdóttir, who has mastered the dangerous charm of Elín’s character.

“We can feel the oppressive sadness of the town, and empathize with Aníta, even if it’s her own bad decisions that are the impetus for her return. People have criticised the running time of the series and the agonising slowness of solving the crime. I agree it could have been 6 episodes instead of 8, but I still binged it.”

Black Sands series two is available to watch on U.

TIJUANA — About 150 miles from SoFi Stadium, south of the Mexican border, sits the hotel housing Iran’s World Cup team for its games at the Inglewood venue.

The entrance to the Marriott in Tijuana is barricaded, flanked by police and members of the Mexican National Guard, guns held close. No one enters without a hotel reservation or special pass.

Despite the tensions and challenges surrounding Iran’s participation in the World Cup, early Saturday morning finds the mood inside the four-star hotel relaxed, even jubilant. Several dozen fans mingle and bond over their shared excitement to see the squad’s players before they depart for their second group-stage match at SoFi.

“I wanted to come down to support Iranian soccer, and cheer for them when they exited the building and make them happy,” says Lucas Zarrabi, 13. The teen, who attended Monday’s 2-2 draw with New Zealand and has a ticket for Sunday’s match against Belgium, is one of several fans from Los Angeles who made the drive to stay with the team. Others flew in from San José and even Miami, turning up at the hotel not quite four miles from the U.S. border crossing.

Showing up is important, some said, because of what they describe as unfair conditions imposed on the team. After the outbreak of war, the Iranian team was forced to move its base camp from Tucson to Tijuana. Eleven team officials and staff members did not receive U.S. visas. The Trump administration has also denied Iran’s requests to arrive two days before matches — and mandated that the team must leave immediately after each game.

“Every little technicality is making it difficult for the team,” says Abbas Eftekhari, 65, who was born in Iran and has lived in the U.S. for more than 40 years. “I think this is going to drain them psychologically and also physically.”

Iran’s soccer federation has been vocal about the obstacles, saying it would lodge a complaint with FIFA.

“Football shouldn’t lose its power to politics,” Hedayat Mombeini, secretary-general of the Iran Football Federation, said Friday. He added that the restrictions “are certainly having a negative effect on us, but we are trying to overcome these problems with our Iranian pride.”

Since the team landed on June 7, Ali Eslami has visited the hotel gates nearly every day.

“It’s the best pleasure for me. I wished them the best luck. I told them it’s hard but they’re doing excellent things,” said Eslami, who splits his time between Southern California and Tijuana.

He was there again Friday, waiting for the players to return from afternoon training blocks away at the Estadio Caliente, home to the Liga MX’s Xolos.

“I have been in America for 50 years — this has been the most emotional thing, to see the team that I have not seen in 50 years,” he said.

Some Iran fans fear reprisal from fellow members of the diaspora for supporting the team, insisting they were in Tijuana for the love of soccer and the players, not politics. Eftekhari worries that the mood at Iran’s first match, where fans and protesters clashed, affected the players.

“As soon as they see that their countrymen have slogans against them, it also has a negative psychological effect on them. But, that’s how things are at this time,” Eftekhari says.

Just over 24 hours until Sunday’s noon kickoff, it’s not just Iranian fans contributing to the atmosphere. A group of flight attendants from China staying at the hotel embrace the excitement, donning jester hats and waving scarves colored red, white and green. And soccer fans from Tijuana are eager to show some local hospitality. Iran has diplomatic ties with Mexico, unlike with the U.S., and sought to move its group-stage matches to the country where it has an embassy.

“We love the Mexican people very much, and for us, the best situation is for our games to be held in Mexico,” Abolfazl Pasandideh, the Iranian ambassador to Mexico, said at the time.

Leonardo Ramirez Lopez, a 10-year-old soccer fanatic from Tijuana, clutches his autograph album in hopes he’ll get new signatures.

“It’s a new team that I don’t have experience with how they play,” he says. But Iran is already his third-favorite team, behind Colombia and Argentina.

After more than two hours of waiting, several dozen fans break into cheers as players finally file through the lobby. The squad smiles and waves, stopping for a few autographs. As each player leaves, he kisses a Quran, pressing his forehead against it before boarding the bus to Tijuana’s airport.

“Iran, Iran! Whoop, whoop!” fans cry, breaking into song.

Angueira writes for the Associated Press.

Coronation Street fans were left gobsmacked after discovering that Ryan Connor star Ryan Prescott previously appeared on rival soap Emmerdale

Coronation Street viewers have been left stunned after only just discovering Ryan Connor actor Ryan Prescott previously featured in rival soap Emmerdale.

On Thursday, ITV’s Instagram account posted an entertaining soap crossover feature, highlighting all the Coronation Street and Emmerdale stars who’ve graced both programmes.

While fans recognised familiar soap-hopping actors including Claire King, who portrays Kim Tate on Emmerdale and played Erica Holroyd on Corrie, alongside Chris Bisson, who plays Jai Sharma in Emmerdale and portrayed Vikram Desai in Corrie, audiences were astonished to spot a ‘forgotten’ performer.

The post featured Corrie’s Ryan Connor actor Ryan Prescott, who played Flynn Buchanan in Emmerdale back in 2011.

Throughout Flynn’s stint in the village, he briefly romanced Aaron Dingle, portrayed by Danny Miller, though Aaron remained hung up on his former boyfriend Jackson Walsh, played by Marc Silcock, reports the Daily Star.

Reacting in the comments section, soap enthusiasts were left astounded by the revelation, with some having completely forgotten Ryan’s Emmerdale appearance while others were unaware of the soap crossover altogether.

One viewer exclaimed: “Omg I forgot Ryan was in emmerdale!” to which another account responded: “Such a throwback!”.

Meanwhile, another account posted: “Wow x” with a different fan contributing shocked emojis.

Another enthusiast wrote: “The only one I remember being in another soap is Jai!” while a separate viewer commented: “Wow that’s insane to look at in the Past and the Future.”

Coronation Street’s Ryan first appeared on the ITV soap back in 2006, with the character originally played by Ben Thompson – Ryan Prescott, 37, stepped into the role in 2018. As the son of Michelle Connor (Kym Marsh), it wasn’t long before Ryan became entangled in a host of dramatic storylines.

In forthcoming scenes, Ryan heads out on a date with fellow Weatherfield resident Jodie Ramsay (Olivia Frances Brown) – who has caused quite a stir since making her soap entrance earlier this year.

According to spoilers for next week, Jodie lets slip that she’s lined up a date. When David Platt (Jack P. Shepherd) inadvertently mentions he’s due to meet Nick Tilsley (Ben Price) at the bistro, Jodie devises a cunning plan.

Jodie meets her date, Ryan, at the bistro, and when David arrives, Jodie turns on the charm in a bid to ignite David’s jealousy…

Coronation Street airs Monday to Friday at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX

A beloved Celebrity Gogglebox pair have made their return to the Channel 4 show

Celebrity Gogglebox fans were over the moon after two beloved stars made their comeback to the programme.

The Channel 4 spin-off show returned to screens on Friday (June 18) for a brand new episode, welcoming back firm favourites, such as Vernon Kay and Paddy McGuinness, Nick Grimshaw and niece Liv, and Denise Van Outen and Johnny Vaughan.

There are several new additions to the new series too, including Olivia Attwood and her mum Jennifer, Harry and Matt aka Nitro and Legend from Gladiators.

Finishing off the line-up are Strictly star George Clark and content creator Max Balegde comedian and actor, Julian Clary and actor and television presenter, Nigel Havers.

And for the latest instalment, show favourites Stephen Mangan and his sister Anita were back on the sofa – and fans were over the moon. On X, one person declared: “So glad Stephen and Anita are back!” Someone else wrote: “My favourites!” A third chimed in: “Love these two.”

Stephen is a presenter and actor who found fame playing Nathan Stern in The Split, alongside Nicola Walker, Fiona Button, Annabel Scholey, and Barry Atsma.

Beyond his acting credentials, the star also hosts Artist of the Year on Sky Arts. He also fronted the ITV game show The Fortune Hotel. Meanwhile, his sister Anita is an artist, illustrator, and designer. The brother-sister duo frequently collaborate on popular children’s books, with Anita illustrating the stories that Stephen writes

In 2023, Anita opened up about working with her brother on the books. When asked whose idea it was to work together, she told The Bath Magazine: “Mine! I’ve been an illustrator and designer for years and have wanted to work with Stephen for a long time.

“Stephen is brilliant at writing but can’t draw (his words!), so it’s a great match! I convinced him to consider it. Initially he thought we’d be doing picture books, where I did most of the work … but no, I said ‘40,000 word chapter books please!’ I got my way, mwahahahaha.”

Talking about their relationship, Anita added to the publication: “We have always been close and have been making each other laugh since we were children. Now we’re still making each other laugh – and our readers too (hopefully!). I always look forward to reading the first draft of Stephen’s books to see what drawing challenges there will be. I once told him that drawing horses is hard, so he put horses in The Fart that Changed the World, goats in The Unlikely Rise of Harry Sponge and The Great Reindeer Rescue is full of reindeer.”

Stephen added: “Well, I am the big brother – that’s what we do. I love working with Anita. It’s a treat to see how she illustrates my characters, and she always makes me laugh.”

Celebrity Gogglebox airs every Friday at 9pm on Channel 4

ITV series Fletchers’ Family Farm has been a hit with viewers since it launched in 2023

Fletchers’ Family Farm fans have declared they “can’t wait” after the stars posted an adorable video confirming what lies ahead for the show.

Former Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher’s programme – which chronicles him, his wife Liz and their children on their Peak District farm – has proven enormously popular with audiences since its 2023 debut. And earlier this month, ITV announced it had commissioned two further series, reports the Liverpool Echo.

The Fletchers have now posted a clip on Instagram featuring their daughter Marnie revealing the announcement. The nine-year-old was spotted calling enthusiastically to her dad, who was occupied feeding the sheep.

“I’ve got some news!” she shouted, but Kelvin said he couldn’t hear her.

She then attempted to inform little brother Milo, who was riding his toy bike, before calling out to her mum Liz and twin brothers Mateusz and Maximus, who are four. “What did she say?” they asked each other.

Marnie then declared: “Guys! The Fletchers are back. Series five and six, let’s go!”

Viewers were delighted by the clip, which was posted on Instagram with the caption: “WE ARE BACK! Who’s excited?!”

“Love this!” commented one individual, while another wrote: “Absolutely love this show, always lifts me up, such a lovely family.”

Another described the programme as “one of the best things on TV”.

“Excellent news,” remarked someone else, while another fan exclaimed: “Fletchers are BACK let’s gooooooooooooooooo.”

“Great news!” observed another viewer, as one admitted: “I’m that excited I almost peed my pants.”

“Wonderful wonderful news and amazing family,” gushed one delighted viewer, while another declared it was the “best show” on television.

Kelvin, who is widely recognised for his portrayal of Andy Sugden in ITV’s Emmerdale, first chronicled his agricultural journey in Kelvin’s Big Farming Adventure, before he and Liz went on to star in Fletchers’ Family Farm together.

The show has proven to be a hit with audiences keen to follow the family’s escapades on their 120-acre farm, and has now run for four successful series.

Reacting to the confirmation of two further series, Kelvin and Liz said: “We’re delighted to be returning for series five and six. What started as a simple desire to share our family’s journey has grown into something far bigger than we ever imagined.”

Fletchers’ Family Farm airs on ITV.

Spider-Man fans have been waiting years for this moment and now it’s almost here

Marvel fans have all said the same thing after an iconic character’s long awaited return in the upcoming Spider-Man film.

Just this week, an exciting trailer was released for Spider-Man Brand New Day, which will premier in cinemas on July 31. It has been teased: “The world may have forgotten Peter Parker, but he hasn’t forgotten them.”

The latest instalment takes place shortly after the events of No Way Home – the fourth of Tom Holland’s Spider-Man movies as it follows Peter Parker (Tom Holland) in a world that no longer remembers who he is.

In the clip, it appears that trouble is just around the corner though, as Spider-Man can be heard saying: “What is happening to me?

“I’m losing my mind. I am totally out of control. I’ve got to fix whatever this is right now.”

However, there is one iconic character that has stolen the show as fans were delighted to see the return of Mark Ruffalo – but more excitingly in his savage Hulk form.

The exciting trailer shows Peter seeking out DR Bruce Banner as he says: “You found a way of suppressing mutating DNA right?”

Dr Banner then replied: “If you see me with this off, then run”, showing him the device that prevents him from mutating into the Hulk. However, later scenes show his transformation into the green mutation, right in front of Spider-Man who states: “I didn’t know you could get that big.”

Seeing savage Hulk return is a delight to Marvel fans who have not seen the character in the MCU for quite some time, somewhat completing Banner’s character arc.

But now, it appears the raging monster has made a return as the trailer teases a tense head to head. Commenting on YouTube, one person wrote: “Seeing Hulk back to his normal self genuinely made me happy.”

Another penned: “no dude literally like hulk back in the original form is like breathing nice fresh air!”

A third added: “I have friends who have had two kids since I’ve been waiting for the real hulk to come back.”

A fourth replied: “Spider-Man is depressed, Hulk is angry and Punisher is itching to tell us something… PEAK.”

A fifth echoed: “Love how Spidey did not know Hulk’s true size. He has only ever encountered Professor Hulk, not OG Savage Hulk. About time we got him back!”

One person said: “Ladies and Gentlemen, It has 8 years 1 month and 22 days since we saw Hulk. Now we’re back Baby!!”

Another commented: “Normal hulk has came .This is what every Marvel fan was wishing for.”

Spider-Man Brand New Day lands in cinemas on July 31

This was not the first game where boos have been at the hydration break, and the wave of dislike for them among fans appears to be gathering momentum.

On Tuesday, during Norway’s match against Iraq in Boston, the pause in play was greeted by boos from the crowd, with the temperature a more than manageable 23C at the time.

It was goalless just before the break but Iraq conceded four minutes after play resumed, and went on to lose 4-1.

There were loud boos for the pause during Sweden’s 5-1 thrashing of Tunisia on Monday and Spain’s goalless draw with Cape Verde on the same day, with that game played in the air-conditioned Atlanta Stadium.

And after England’s win against Croatia, the first hydration break during the match between Ghana and Panama was also greeted by jeers.

The hydration breaks have effectively turned games into four quarters rather than two halves, a concern for some of those England supporters who booed the break.

“It is like the Americanisation of football here,” said one.

“It is turning the game into quarters and I don’t love it. I get why people were booing and I was one of them.”

But some supporters do think there are benefits to them.

“I think they are badly marketed,” said another fan.

“If they were not called a hydration break, and were called a relief break then everyone doesn’t miss a goal.

“I think we have to think about it in a new way, corporate [bodies] get what they want, we get what we want and everyone is happy.”

A new BBC crime and detective drama, created by Jim Cartwright, is the perfect watch for Beyond Paradise fans

Beyond Paradise fans looking for their next fix need look no further as a new BBC detective drama is on its way.

The Hairdresser Mysteries, created by Jim Cartwright, sees a star-studded cast with Bridget Jones’s Diary legend Sally Phillips, Coronation Street favourite Charlotte Jordan, Game of Thrones star Charlotte Hope, Adrian Hood and Doctors star Elisabeth Dermot Walsh.

A synopsis for the upcoming six-part show teases: “The Hairdresser Mysteries is an original, homegrown drama and a nostalgic nod to the 70’s which sees a high-end hairdresser, Lily Petal (Sally Phillips), opt out of the competitive city scene to buy a small village hairdressers at the top of a cobbled street.

“Everyone tells their hairdresser everything and soon she becomes the hub of her new village’s secrets and revelations.

“Using her own brand of uncannily developed hairdressing intuitive, empathy and understanding, Lily begins to solve the mysteries of the village.”

At the time of the show’s announcement, Will Trotter and Oliver Kent, Executive Producers for Mill Bay Media said: “We are thrilled to be making The Hairdresser Mysteries and working with renowned writer, Jim Cartwright, who has created a joyful world packed with colourful characters.

“None more so than hairdresser, Lily Petal, and we are delighted to have much-loved actor, Sally Phillips bring her to life.”

Meanwhile, Herbert L. Kloiber, CEO Night Train Media and Eccho Rights said: “We are delighted to bring The Hairdresser Mysteries to the international stage. The unique world that Jim Cartwright has created – modern but joyfully retro – and Sally Philips’ irresistible charm, create a fun drama that is both clever and comforting.

“It is exactly the kind of premium yet accessible series that we are looking to develop, offering buyers a fresh spin on the cosy crime genre that they have been crying out for.”

It comes as Charlotte Jordan, who left Coronation Street in 2025 after five years of playing Daisy Midgeley, is said to have quit her Radio 4 The Archers role for The Hairdresser Mysteries, where she plays Clary Coombs.

After leaving Corrie, Charlotte joined the radio show as Amber Gordon that June but after landing the new BBC role, she had to leave The Archers. Olivia Bernstone has taken over the role of Amber in The Archers as a result of Charlotte leaving.

A spokesperson for the show told Metro at the time: “After a brilliant performance as Amber, Charlotte Jordan is taking time to pursue other projects and so we are delighted to be welcoming Olivia Bernstone to the cast, who will play the role of Amber going forward.”

The Hairdresser Mysteries comes to BBC One and BBC iPlayer soon.

England fans have had a longer wait than most for their 2026 World Cup campaign to get under way.

On Wednesday, six days after the tournament began, the Three Lions will walk out at the Dallas Stadium for their opener against Croatia.

It is difficult to predict how many England fans will turn up, draping the St George’s Cross around the stands.

The official England Supporters’ Travel Club (ESTC) has sold its allocation of 4,022 tickets. Controversially, a few appear to be listed on Fifa’s resale site at inflated prices.

The number of fans who travel independently and the ex-pats is really an unknown.

The United Kingdom Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) told BBC Sport that between 12,000 and 15,000 England fans are expected at each group stage game.

The UKFPU added that 89,000 World Cup tickets have been purchased by fans from England.

That covers all 104 matches and there is no individual breakdown, while most fans will attend more than one fixture.

But that number does not include the supporters who have headed out to the United States without securing tickets.

Germany in 2006 was the high point, with the UKFPU estimating that 350,000 people made the short trip to watch games in stadia but mostly at fan parks.

Only 4,000 are thought to have visited Qatar four years ago, while 20,000 to 30,000 is a more usual figure.

Gaza’s football fans once watched the World Cup from the comfort of their homes. Now, displaced in schools and tents, they face power cuts, sparse internet access and the threat of Israeli attacks.

If fans all around the major leagues are sick and tired of the Dodgers, they have a funny way of showing it.

The Dodgers win too much and spend too much, so offensive to so many outside Los Angeles that the league shutting down next season has somehow become an acceptable outcome if the Dodgers cannot be stripped of their payroll advantage.

So, a pox on all their honors, right?

Apparently not. When Major League Baseball unveiled its initial batch of All-Star voting results Monday, four players from the team that so bothers the rest of America were in position to make the National League starting lineup.

Shohei Ohtani leads at designated hitter, Freddie Freeman at first base, Max Muncy at third base, and Andy Pages in the outfield.

“You look across the league, across baseball, and we have a lot of recognizable names,” Muncy said. “We have really talented players who have been playing really well this year.

“For a lot of us, the game has been speaking for us.”

Maybe not all four hold their leads in voting. Or maybe the Dodgers get more, as they seem to do in everything: Mookie Betts ranks second at shortstop, and Will Smith ranks second at catcher. Never has any team had six players start an All-Star Game.

In all the years Andrew Friedman has assembled super teams here, never have the Dodgers had four players start an All-star Game. That has happened once in franchise history, in 1980: infielders Steve Garvey, Davey Lopes and Bill Russell and outfielder Reggie Smith.

Love the Dodgers, or love to hate them, fans are voting for them.

“We’ve played well the last couple of years,” Freeman said. “We’re playing well again.

“A lot of eyes are on us. A lot of fans know all of us. And we’re playing good baseball.”

Mookie Betts, throwing to first base after forcing out Tampa Bay’s Austin Slater at second on Monday, is second in NL voting at shortstop.

(Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)

In olden times, voting was conducted largely on paper ballots distributed at the stadium. With digital ballots, you can vote from anywhere, to the delight of a team that has extended its fan base to Japan.

“There’s no question we have a very, very strong fan base, domestically and internationally,” Dodgers president Stan Kasten said. “There’s no question that’s an advantage.

“But, in every case this year, the players that are up there this year certainly deserve it. It just speaks to the quality of the players we have.”

But, sir, your team is ruining baseball. Haven’t you heard?

“Who ever said that?” Kasten said. “I’ve always said the opposite. I think we have been good for baseball, and I think everyone in baseball would agree.”

Said Freeman: “I think that’s just noise. We’re good for baseball. You just saw it in Chicago.”

The Chicago White Sox average 22,000. The Dodgers showed up over the weekend, and the White Sox sold out — all three games, at 38,000 per game.

“To say we’re bad for baseball,” Freeman said, “I think that’s what Doc would say is a lazy statement.”

Doc is Dave Roberts, the Dodgers’ manager. He laughed. He already branded popular critiques of the Dodgers as “lazy” once this season. He didn’t want to say it again.

But, if the Dodgers give people what they want to see, how can they be ruining the game?

“That’s a great point,” Roberts said. “I think people still love talent. They love the way our guys play. And they should be showcased in the midsummer classic.”

This year’s All-Star Game is in Philadelphia, home to the most passionate of fan bases. The Dodgers and Phillies each represent the National League, but can you imagine what the Phillies fans might have to say about four — or more — Dodgers introduced in the, er, home team lineup?

People love to hate the Dodgers. Philly fans love to hate, period.

“It would probably be a lot of fun,” Muncy said. “At the All-Star Game, you’re just there to celebrate the best players in baseball.

“Obviously, there will be boos and cheers for everybody. You’re just there to celebrate the talent, and not necessarily what team they’re playing for.”

If they’re playing for the Dodgers? Philly fans booed Santa Claus. Shohei Ohtani, you have been warned.

Footage shows a World Cup shuttle bus set into flames amid chaotic celebrations following the New York Knicks historic NBA Finals victory.

June 12 (Asia Today) — Thousands of South Korean soccer fans packed Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul on Friday, cheering, gasping and celebrating through South Korea’s 2-1 comeback victory over Czechia in its opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“Dae-han-min-guk! Until the end!” fans shouted as the square turned red with supporters wearing national team jerseys and carrying South Korean flags, cheering sticks and handheld fans.

The Group A match was played Friday morning in South Korea, but the weekday timing did little to slow the crowd. Children, office workers and longtime members of the Red Devils, South Korea’s national soccer supporters’ group, gathered in front of a large outdoor screen set up near the square.

When the opening whistle sounded at 11 a.m., fans shouted “Fighting!” and “Let’s win!” Police unofficially estimated about 3,000 people had gathered at the square at the start of the match.

The temperature in Seoul rose to 28 degrees Celsius, or 82.4 degrees Fahrenheit, under clear skies. Many fans used parasols, portable fans and folding fans to cope with the heat.

Some supporters took vacation days to watch the match in public. Lee Hyun-soo, 37, an office worker who came with his elementary school-age child, said he used annual leave so they could cheer together.

“The next day is the weekend and my child also filed for an experiential learning day, so I took the day off,” Lee said. “It is very hot, but it is better than cloudy or rainy weather.”

South Korea controlled much of the early play but failed to score in the first half. When chances ended without a goal, fans grabbed their heads and groaned in frustration.

The crowd grew sharply near halftime as office workers from nearby buildings joined during their lunch breaks. Some skipped restaurant meals and watched while eating toast or convenience store food.

Kim Sung-il, 28, who works near Gwanghwamun Station, said he came with co-workers to watch the second half.

“Lunch break gives us enough time to watch the second half,” Kim said. “I hope the result lets us start the afternoon shift happily.”

As the crowd swelled, police and event staff moved quickly to control pedestrian flow. Seoul’s real-time city data showed about 14,000 to 16,000 people were in Gwanghwamun Square at noon, more than twice the 6,000 expected by the Korea Football Association.

Police deployed about 260 officers from three mobile units to manage the crowd. Officers and staff repeatedly asked fans to fold parasols while moving and to continue walking in one direction. No major safety incidents were reported.

The match turned tense in the second half. Czechia took the lead in the 59th minute when Ladislav Krejci scored with a header. The mood at the square briefly fell silent.

South Korea quickly answered. Hwang In-beom equalized in the 67th minute and later helped create the winning goal by substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu in the 80th minute.

As Oh’s goal went in, fans hugged friends, jumped in place and shouted in relief. Many stayed in the square after the final whistle, still caught up in the emotion of South Korea’s first opening-match win at a World Cup since 2010.

Kim Ji-min, 23, a university student, said she had been nervous before the match.

“I was very worried before the game, but I am so happy we came back and won,” Kim said.

Shim Sung-min, 42, an office worker, said the match felt cinematic.

“I heard this was South Korea’s first opening-match win in 16 years,” Shim said. “Today’s match felt like a movie. I think I can enjoy the rest of the weekend.”

South Korea’s win gave the team three points to begin Group A and lifted hopes among fans watching from Seoul that the national team can advance from the group stage.

— Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI

© Asia Today. Unauthorized reproduction or redistribution prohibited.

Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260612010004331

‘$1,250’
‘$1,200’
‘$1,350’
‘FIFA should be ashamed of themselves.’

World Cup fans reveal how much they paid for a seat at the US’s opening game against Paraguay, amid controversy over record-high ticket costs and dynamic pricing.

Tickets to watch the U.S. dominate Paraguay 4-1 on Friday night at Inglewood’s SoFi Stadium cost a fortune. But roughly nine miles north, fans such as Jose Santiago and Ivan Gonzalez enjoyed the match at a fraction of the price.

The pair each paid $10 for a ticket to watch the Stars and Stripes flourish in their first World Cup game on home soil in 32 years on big screens at the packed Coliseum on Day 2 of the Los Angeles FIFA Fan Festival.

“We bought these tickets [at the] last minute, not knowing what to expect,” said Santiago, of Fullerton. “And so far, we’ve been blown away. We definitely want to come back.”

“It’s dope,” added Gonzalez, of Yorba Linda. “You feel it. You feel the game. You feel the atmosphere. It’s fun. Everyone’s into it right now.”

Food and drink options. Pop-up tents featuring brands such as Galaxy and LAFC. A rare on-field experience at the home of USC football. And, of course, some good ‘ol collective effervescence.

“It makes you still feel like you’re a part of it,” Santiago said of his viewing experience. “It still makes you feel like you’re at the stadium, because we’re all watching the game.”

The U.S. took care of business in its World Cup opener. Presumably, those who could afford the intimidating ticket and parking prices at SoFi Stadium considered the experience worthwhile.

Santiago and Gonzalez, however, spoke for many who cherished their inexpensive night at the Coliseum, in the City of Angels itself, during their nation’s statement victory.

Fans cheer during a watch party at the Coliseum during the U.S. win over Paraguay Friday night.

(Mario Tama / Getty Images)

Several other attendees would agree — even those who aren’t backing the U.S.

Take Charlotte Cabeca, a 37-year-old from downtown L.A., is primarily rooting for Colombia — as well as “anybody from South America” — but was still grateful for the opportunity to watch the beautiful game with other fans at a bargain.

“It’s so fun,” Cabeca said with a laugh, as “USA” chants rang in the background. “It’s a really kid-friendly and family-oriented [environment.] It’s not as hectic as I had anticipated.”

Cabeca said she’ll attend more fan events in L.A. throughout the tournament, as Friday marked “the closest we can get [and] that we can afford” compared to actually attending a World Cup match.

U.S. fans celebrate during a watch party at the Coliseum as Americans beat Paraguay during the World Cup Friday.

(Mario Tama / Getty Images)

Perhaps more important, though, Cabeca appreciates the community engagement unfolding before her eyes.

“I love that the city is coming together,” Cabeca said. “I feel the unity. And even these fanfests, they bring us together. So even if we’re not at the game, it still brings all of us together as a country.

“It’s awesome. The traffic is not helpful, but other than that, it’s exciting. I really feel like everybody is for soccer right now, and that’s what we need right now to heal and be happy together.”

While Friday was a night of smiles, chants and relative affordability, there remain fans who wish FIFA and the U.S. would do more to make the World Cup more accessible, particularly by making everything, well, cheaper.

“Obviously, football is a very hard sport to monetize, because we don’t have the breaks like the NFL,” Kunal Mehrotra, a 25-year-old soccer fan from Koreatown, prefaced before saying, “Without the fans, it isn’t really a World Cup. So, it is disappointing from the U.S., and it’s not just the tickets. … It really shows that the U.S. is in it for the money and not at all for the football, which is disappointing.”

“It’s pretty ridiculous,” added Monica Unzueta, a Maywood resident and fan of Mexico and Spain. “But aye, at least FIFA’s holding some events. I mean, they should be free. But, I don’t know — that’s just FIFA.”

While they’d rather attend a World Cup game live, as Mehrotra and Unzueta noted, that isn’t realistic for most residents.

So, nights such as Friday at the Coliseum are the next-best thing.

A fan wears an American flag during a World Cup watch party at the Coliseum on Friday.

(Mario Tama / Getty Images)

And for fans such as Tyler David, a 24-year-old from Tampa, Fla., the trip to the home of the Trojans couldn’t have gone better.

“Beyond belief,” David said. “And it’s so cool to see everybody and the cultures colliding. Love it.”

Oh, and the USA’s big victory was splendid for fans too.

“Dude, absolutely magnificent,” David said, in disbelief of the U.S. leading 3-0 after 45 minutes against Paraguay. “Christian Pulisic, [coach Mauricio] Pochettino, all the guys, [Timothy] Weah. They’re playing at the top of the charts right now. I love to see it on the home soil in L.A.

“It’s getting me fired up; the fan base, the environment, the atmosphere — through the freaking roof.”

A brand-new series of Celebrity Gogglebox kicked off this month as Channel 4 fans saw some familiar faces on their screens.

There’s good news for Celebrity Gogglebox fans as a beloved duo has made their return to the programme.

The popular Channel 4 programme, which first aired almost seven years ago, made its return to screens last week for a brand new season.

Last week, viewers saw some familiar favourites back on the show, giving their thoughts and reactions to the latest television offerings.

These included the likes of Shaun Ryder and Mark ‘Bez’ Berry, Vicky Pattison and Pete Wicks and Jennifer Saunders with her daughter Beattie.

While there were also some new additions, such as George Clarke and Max Balegde, Julian Clary and Nigel Havers and Olivia Attwood with her mum Jennifer, one duo was noticeably absent.

Rylan Clark and his mum, Linda, first joined the programme back in 2019 and have been firm staples on the beloved show.

Although they may have missed the first episode of the new series, they were back in action this Friday (June 12).

Sharing a clip on Instagram, the 37-year-old said: “Guess who’s back on Gogglebox… It’s Linda! We are very excited to be back this Friday night.”

Turning the camera to his mum, Rylan asked if she was excited to be back on the show, and she confirmed she was. He finished off the video by adding: “Right, we’ll see you Friday night!”

It wasn’t long before people commented on the post, with many thrilled to see them back on the show.

One person said: “Love you guys. So good to see you back and looking lovely as always.” Someone else shared: “Hey Linda, about bl**dy time.”

Another fan added: “Glad you are both back, was hoping you would.” While one person commented: “I wondered where you guys were last week!!! Good to have you back again. Love your banter.”

Someone else shared: “Delighted to hear this news – missed the pair of you last week & was hoping you would be back.” As another person added: “Good to see you back Linda..and Rylan of course. Cannot wait to see you both back on.”

While on X, one person said: “Rylan and his mum back.” As another added: “I love @Rylan’s mum so much.”

Celebrity Gogglebox is available to watch on Channel 4

The United States opened their World Cup campaign with a fine win – but not before a sequence of events that left everyone inside SoFi Stadium scratching their heads as the video assistant referee (VAR) made history.

The co-hosts were comfortably leading Paraguay 3-0 when confusion reigned in the Group D game.

Veteran defender Tim Ream, 38, conceded a free-kick and was shown a yellow card for his ‘challenge’ on Miguel Almiron.

After the free-kick was taken, Dutch referee Danny Makkelie was sent to the screen by the VAR and overturned his decision – something officials have not previously been allowed to do.

After rescinding Ream’s caution, Makkelie instead booked former Newcastle United forward Almiron, who had clearly dived.

It is the first VAR intervention for mistaken identity at the World Cup, even if it perhaps was not used in the way most expected it to be.

Fifa has introduced of a number of rule changes for the tournament, with Pierluigi Collina, the head of referees, requesting one specifically for mistaken identity.

The rule states that if a player is booked or sent off – but the foul was actually committed by the opposition team – the decision can be changed.

Another new law is second yellow cards leading to a red card can be reviewed, but not first yellow cards. The only reason referee Makkelie was able to rescind the decision was by using the mistaken identity law.

The officials allowed the game to restart before stopping, which also confused fans as normally once the game resumes it cannot be pulled back.

Former Everton and Wales defender Ashley Williams, speaking to BBC Sport, added: “They let them take the free-kick, which was bizarre but clearly the right decision.

“It’s the first time we have seen it but fair play.”

Former England midfielder Danny Murphy, who was co-commentating for BBC Sport, added: “Any adaptation of the rules which means diving gets more punishment is good.”

The United States, managed by former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino, won the match 4-1 to get their campaign off to a winning start in front of a jubilant home crowd.

Following an own goal by Damian Bobadilla, the US led 3-0 at half-time after Folarin Balogun scored twice.

In doing so he became just the second US player to score more than once in a World Cup match.

Paraguay pulled one back through Brazilian-born Mauricio before the goal of the night from substitute Giovanni Reyna, who curled a 20-yard shot home with the outside of his right foot with the final kick of the game.

Thousands of Bosnia fans turned Toronto blue as they marched to the chants of ‘Free Palestine’ in Toronto.

Toronto, Canada — Nadia, a Bosnia and Herzegovina supporter who did not share her surname, stood out in her deep blue shirt as a sea of red-adorned Canada fans swarmed around her outside the Toronto Stadium an hour before kickoff to their FIFA World Cup 2026 opening game.

With the blue and yellow Bosnian flag draped around her, she found herself among the minority of “away” fans on Canadian soil on Thursday, less than two weeks after her team was given a warm welcome to the World Cup cohost nation.

It reminded Nadia, an immigrant, of her arrival in Canada in the mid-1990s when her family fled the Bosnian genocide that killed about 100,000 people and displaced more than two million.

“I wish I had space for two hearts so I could properly support both my countries,” Nadia told Al Jazeera when asked about her allegiance as loud roars of the crowd spilled out of the stadium behind her.

Nadia admitted her heart was ultimately with Bosnia, but the Canada cap she sported was a nod to the country that became home when she had to flee hers.

Earlier in the day, thousands of Bosnia supporters turned Toronto into a sea of blue as they marched towards the match venue in the city’s downtown while chanting “Free Palestine” to thunderous claps.

“They [Palestinians] should be free, enough with the wars and genocide,” Nadia said as her eyes welled up with tears. She took a deep breath before adding: “There is so much suffering, especially for the children.”

Cultures blend in Toronto

Dan, a Bosnia supporter in his 40s, was the same age as his primary school-aged son when he fled the genocide in his country.

The father-and-son duo enjoyed the game and soaked in the atmosphere among the 45,000-plus fans at the stadium before heading back slightly upset with the draw.

The day Canada opened its first World Cup became an amalgamation of immigrant Bosnian fans’ identities as they shared high fives and traded jerseys with their opposing numbers.

Every shade of skin colour and a multitude of mother tongues made the stadium and a nearby fan festival a microcosm of Toronto’s reputation as a multicultural hotspot.

The fan festival boasted the full spectrum of football enthusiasts — the hardcore supporters with expert analyses, laced with expletives at missed chances, and those in attendance purely for the vibes.

Football aside, several Canadian fans abhorred the immigration policies of their neighbour to the south. They were proud to be known for their hospitality at the 48-nation tournament across North America.

Admir, a travelling Bosnian fan, was full of praise for Canadian hospitality when he arrived from New Jersey.

“Everyone from ordinary people to stadium support staff to restaurant owners have been so accommodating since we got here,” he told Al Jazeera ahead of kickoff.

Compared with the barrage of immigration nightmare stories of World Cup supporters trying to enter the US, his journey to Canada was seamless.

Despite his home state hosting eight World Cup matches, Admir chose to pay an exorbitant price for tickets to see Bosnia, who returned to the World Cup after 12 years following a fairytale qualification.

The sun had drained most fans of their energy after the match, but not Tanya, who drove seven hours from New York to Toronto on Thursday morning.

“The atmosphere at the fan festival was amazing; Toronto has been great.”

“I think our boys played pretty well,” she said of the match. “We didn’t win, but it wasn’t a loss either.”

An HBO miniseries has been hailed as the ‘best of the best’ by fans, who say no show or film compares – and it’s streaming on Amazon Prime and NOW

TV fans have lauded a gripping war drama, calling it “the best of the best” and insisting no other show or film matches it. The series proves perfect for admirers of the popular 2001 American war drama miniseries, Band of Brothers.

So, what’s the show? It’s the seven-part television miniseries Generation Kill, which was produced by HBO and originally broadcast from July 13 to August 24 2008.

It was adapted from Evan Wright’s 2004 book sharing of the same name, which documented his experiences as an embedded reporter accompanying the US Marine Corps’ 1st Reconnaissance Battalion throughout the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

The extensive ensemble cast includes Alexander Skarsgård, Jon Huertas, James Ransone, Lee Tergesen – playing Wright, though characters only address him using nicknames – alongside many others.

The series earned recognition for its authenticity and emphasis on the bizarre circumstances facing Marines navigating prolonged boredom and volatile combat while dealing with questionable administrative decisions from senior command.

These often incompetent decisions – coupled with inadequate communication – result in troops experiencing frustration and confusion, while simultaneously managing constant equipment shortages.

The miniseries additionally captures the camaraderie among Marines and the gallows humour they employed as a survival strategy during such challenging, intense and unpredictable circumstances.

Generation Kill was created by The Wire’s David Simon and Ed Burns and is renowned for its unflinching use of authentic military terminology, while depicting the Marines as genuine, imperfect people rather than the steadfastly patriotic heroes typically portrayed in war films.

Though it originally broadcast on HBO in 2008, the miniseries is now accessible to stream on platforms such as NOW and Amazon Prime, although subscription add-ons are necessary to view through Prime.

Generation Kill continues to receive regular praise from TV fans and holds an impressive 86% rating on popular review-aggregation site Rotten Tomatoes.

One viewer said: “Right up there with Band of Brothers, Peaky Blinders, and The Pacific. The best of the best. First watched this over 12 years ago when it was new, and it’s still the greatest to this day.”

Another agreed: “It’s Band of Brothers during the 2003 Iraq invasion. Great writing and remarkable acting make this one a must watch TV show.”

A third wrote: “The action is a little over-the-top, but the characters, the dialogue and the attitudes all pretty perfectly capture 21st century military life. This is one of HBO’s truly great pieces of art.”

While a fourth said: “The more you watch it, the better it gets. It’s difficult for me to put into words, but to this day I still have not watched any show or even movie as good as this.”

Another shared: “One of my favourite HBO offerings!”

Generation Kill is streaming on Amazon Prime and NOW.

IT’S THE end of an era as after 90 years, Coventry Airport is closing its runway for good today.

What originally opened back in 1936 as Baginton Aerodrome – and later served as a World War II RAF fighter base – has officially grounded all flights, leaving fans of the airport saddened.

One fan of the airport commented online: “This was the best airport to fly from.”

Plans for the site have already been revealed, with it being transformed into a multi-billion-pound energy plant – though, several fans of the airport are not happy about the decision.

One person said on Facebook: “Such a shame an airport that has been there before World War II to be got rid of – just because someone wants to sell it for greed!”

Another added: “Sad to see the airport closing down; the airshows there were great and I had some happy times at the airport.”

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Over the years the airport has seen its fair share of celebs including royalty Princess Anne and rock heroes Status Quo.

Airshows at the airport have hosted flying legends too such as the Red Arrows and Concorde.

Sun Travel takes a look back at the airport’s history.

1930s

The airport officially opened in 1936, with a single grass runway.

In the late 1930s, the airport then looked to expand with Armstrong Whitworth Aircraft opening a factory next to the airfield.

This factory then later contributed to the industrial war effort.

1940s

During the war years, the British Royal Air Force used the airport as a base and fighter station.

Squadrons at the base included the Polish Fighter Squadron flying Hawker Hurricanes, the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Royal Australian Air Force.

However, the airport did become damaged in 1940 due to heavy bombing during the Coventry Blitz air raids by the German Luftwaffe.

Through the rest of the war, the airport was used to test bomber planes.

1950s

Commercial flights first took off from Coventry Airport in the 1950s with services from the Midlands to the Channel Islands.

1960s

During the 1960s, the airport began glider flights.

British United Airways also began flying from the airport – which was later merged with Caledonian Airways to form British Caledonian, which was then eventually absorbed into British Airways in 1988.

Aviation Traders Carvairs and Handley Page Dart Heralds also flew from the airport in the 60s.

1970s

Several open days were held at the airport in the 70s with historic aircraft being shown including a Bücker Jungmeister and a Messerschmitt 108.

Next to the airfield, The Midland Air Museum opened in 1978 with just five aircraft.

Despite the airport redevelopment, the museum will remain open with regular events and restorations.

Today the museum is home to more than 45 aircraft, including a Cold War nuclear bomber and Soviet helicopters.

Visitors heading to the museum can head on cockpit tours, watch aircraft be restored and enjoy a drink and light bites in the tea room.

1980s

Coventry Airport was one of the first airports to gain a papal visit, with Pope John Paul II flying to the airport in a gold and blue helicopter in 1982.

He then toured the airfield, where he was greeted by a crowd of 350,000 people.

A company called Hards Travel also launched flights to Spain, France and Italy in the 1980s.

1990s

During the 90s, the airport became a 24-hour freight hub for Parcelforce.

More airshows were also hosted at the airport, with many locals able to take helicopter rides over the Warwickshire countryside.

2000s

In the early 2000s, TUI AG launched low-cost airline Thomsonfly at the airport, basing its Boeing 737 planes there with flights to Europe.

Later, Wizz Air began flights from the airport in 2007 to Polish cities including Gdansk and Katowice.

However, these were short lived with the last passenger flight taking off in 2008.

By 2009, the airport had entered administration – though this too was short lived, with billionaire Sir Peter Rigby purchasing the airport in 2010.

Rigby reopened the airport with flight training schools, business jets, cargo and the West Midlands Air Ambulance.

Today

Between 2021 and 2022, the local government approved plans to build the West Midlands Gigafactory, also known as Greenpower Park.

And in December 2025, the Civil Aviation Authority announced the airport’s official closure.

In May of this year, all flights were stopped with the flight schools and private jet owners told to move out of the airport.

In a final hurrah, Take That touch down at the airport for a concert in Coventry on June 5 as the last ever commercial flight at the airport.