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America is ‘ready for war’ as military planes head to the Middle East. American news

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America is ‘ready for war’ as military planes head to the Middle East. American news

America has sent six more E-3 spy planes to the region.

The move, along with the presence of a major cruise missile-firing submarine in the area, indicates the US’s readiness for conflict.

Generally, the arrival of E-3s in an area symbolises US readiness to launch attacks on enemy targets. A source told The Mirror: “The large E-3 deployment is widely seen as a final-step indicator before potentially major air operations.”

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“The fact that they will soon be deployed somewhere in the Middle East means that the United States military is ready for war,” the source said.

The six E-3 Sentry aircraft include two from Alaska via RAF Mildenhall in the United Kingdom and four from Oklahoma en route to Ramstein in Germany. Both structures will be transported within the Middle East.

It is also believed that a submarine loaded with Tomahawk missiles is hidden in the bay. This submarine played a major role in Operation Midnight Hammer against Tehran’s nuclear plants in June 2025.

The US is also believed to have a large amount of hardware parked near Oman, either as part of the US fleet or carrying fighter jets to bases in the Middle East.

It is understood that a squadron of F-22 Raptors has already been dispatched to a base in Jordan to help defend Israel against possible Iranian missile attacks.

US President Donald Trump first threatened military action against the Tehran regime in January, following a brutal crackdown on protesters in the Middle Eastern country. Thousands of Iranians were killed.

At the time, President Trump told protesters that his country would “come to their defence” if the government “violently executes peaceful protesters”.

Since then there has been a dispute between the two countries regarding nuclear and ballistic weapons.

Iran has agreed to discuss its nuclear programme but is refusing to deal with its ballistic missile policy, a red line of threat to US ally Israel.

Despite the threat of war, Tehran remains defiant.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei told President Trump in a message, “The warship is a dangerous device,” he said. “But even more dangerous is the weapon that can send that warship deep into the ocean.”

President Trump has warned Tehran that failure to reach an agreement could lead to attacks.

He also said that he could tell where Iranian leaders were living and that he would not feel safe if Supreme Leader Khamenei were there.

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Former South Korean President Yoon sentenced to life imprisonment on charges of rebellion.

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Former South Korean President Yoon sentenced to life imprisonment on charges of rebellion.

Breaking,

A South Korean court found former President Yoon Suk Yeol guilty of declaring martial law in December 2024.

Publ

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been found guilty of plotting a rebellion and sentenced to life in prison after imposing martial law for a short time in 2024.

“The declaration of martial law resulted in huge social costs and it is difficult to find any indication that the defendant has expressed remorse,” Presiding Judge Ji Gwi-yeon told the court on Thursday.

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“As far as defendant Yoon Suk Yeol is concerned, the crime of rebellion leadership has been established,” the judge said.

“We sentence Yoon to life imprisonment.”

The Seoul Central District Court ruled that Yoon led the December 3, 2024 uprising in the case where prosecutors sought the death penalty for the disgraced former president who was impeached and removed from office due to his declaration of martial law.

South Korea’s Yonhap news agency reported that the court found that the key fact of Yoon’s martial law case was that he sent troops to the National Assembly in December 2024.

The court also ruled that Yun intended to paralyse and prevent the National Assembly from functioning properly for a significant period but rejected the special prosecutor’s claim that Yun planned to establish a long-term dictatorship, according to Yonhap.

Yoon, 65, had maintained his innocence during his appearance in court and argued that he had presidential authority to declare martial law and that his decision was aimed at preventing opposition political parties from disrupting the government.

This is a breaking news story. More to follow soon.

A blue bus believed to be carrying former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol arrives at the Seoul Central District Court in Seoul on February 19, 2026.
A blue bus believed to be carrying former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol arrived at the Seoul Central District Court as police broke up protests in Seoul on Thursday. [AFP]

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Who the Markets Believe Right Now: Favourite Headlines for College Basketball Betting:

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Who the Markets Believe Right Now: Favourite Headlines for College Basketball Betting:

Mid-February shows what’s real. Preseason rankings fade, and early upsets lose their lustre. What remains are teams that win on the road, close late and have expectations. With the election on Sunday, March 15, the headline picture is coming into focus.

This season, a small group has distinguished itself. Arizona and Michigan formed a narrow top tier. Duke and Houston hover close enough to matter. Below them sits a crowded field, hoping something will break their way.

For betting, this stretch is less about hype and more about signal. The lines are sharper now. Margins are thin, and real competitors are coming into focus.

A Clear Layer at the Top: Who the Markets Believe Right Now

The headline market narrowed to a clear peak in mid-February. Conference races and pressure on resumes make separations hard to ignore.

Current National Championship Odds Snapshot:

team Current Championship Odds Title Outlook
Arizona Wildcats +500 front-runner
Michigan Wolverines +450 Co-favorite layer
Duke Blue Devils +700 within striking distance
Houston Cougars +950 Top competitor

Arizona and Michigan have moved into their spots, while Duke and Houston are close enough to keep the race intriguing. A big week could still reshape the board.

Arizona Wildcats: Powerhouse favorite

Arizona feels inevitable at times. A 23-1 record. The team has won six consecutive games by a margin of 20 or more points. The defensive pressure that turns competitive games into track meets controls the pace, except in Arizona. Opponents don’t.

Their stats stand out in the balance. Top-level crime. Elite defence. No visible weak links. When a team ranks near the top nationally in both skill categories, analysts and the history books start paying attention. Almost every champion of the past two decades has entered March with such a profile.

Arizona also absorbs expectations differently. Huge spreads, minus-18, minus-21 —don’t shake them. They have enough coverage between them to instill confidence among bettors who don’t shy away from heavy favourites.

Still, dominance in February does not guarantee clarity in March. Single-elimination settings remove the margin for error, where a cold shooting stretch or late turnover can end a season. The pressure changes when the bracket is locked. That part remains unwritten.

Michigan Wolverines: The Analytical No. 1

Michigan won by a landslide. The Wolverines lead the nation by a scoring margin. They score 91 points per game and shoot an absurd percentage inside the arc. Dusty May’s second season produced something masterful, modern and timeless.

KenPom ranked them No. 1 overall And the numbers across the board love Michigan. That dominance shows beyond analytics, week after week. FanDuel College Basketball Lines show how consistently the sport’s true heavyweights value the Wolverines as March approaches.

The intriguing wrinkle is that Michigan sits nearby at .500 against the spread. Oddsmakers caught on quickly, and early-season value thinned as bookmakers adjusted to the offensive surge.

Now, road wins hold greater significance, drawing Michigan away from home. The street atmosphere in late February often reflects the pressure of tournament neutral courts. The way they close games carries a quiet confidence, which feels sustainable in March.

Duke Blue Devils: Star Power and the Blue-Blood Effect

Duke carries a different kind of weight. Cameron Boozer lists titles, and with them comes attention and action. Duke attracts money almost automatically. Public backing can inflate spreads by a point or two. Sometimes more. The result is the blue-blood effect.

Part of what you need to know about betting on the NCAAB as tournament season approaches is understanding how popularity shapes the numbers. Not every line reflects pure skill. Some reflect reputation.

Still, the event isn’t just a narratively driven party. Duke rebounds at an elite level. They stacked up the Quad 1 wins. That resume helps keep their value constant. When games get tight late, physicality often determines the outcome. The Duke leans into it.

The market holds them in high regard, despite the occasional hint of scepticism. Public-heavy teams like Duke often carry extra weight in numbers, especially in March when casual money floods in. Star power can win the game. However, this scenario does not always produce value.

Houston Cougars: The defense that travels

Houston avoids being overwhelmed by flash. Suffocation. Opponents score only 61 points per game; Possessions slowed to a crawl, and totals often settled in the mid-130s as the Cougars dictated the tempo from the opening tip.

The defence continued to hold, but the stage changed in March. Houston rarely explodes and that controlled pace limits volatility. Close games are close because their floor is made up of stops, not shooting variations. Cold stretch spirals are not absorbed.

Offensive fireworks grabbed headlines in February. Houston grinds through the game instead. That identity becomes more valuable as property tightens and pressure builds. In tournament settings, that consistency can be enough.

What separates the true title from the rest of the choices

History quickly dampens the crowded fields in February. Examining efficiency and schedule strength fully separates contenders from optimists. At this stage of the season, profiles typically reveal the truth.

Championship features are repeated:

  • A top-25 offence is paired with a top-35 defence. Equilibrium rarely negotiates when the bracket is tight.
  • Guard-led closing power In tight, late-game possessions, when the pace slows down and every trip counts,
  • Tested resume built on high-level conference play Where road wins carry real weight,
  • As March draws near, coaches rely on a tight, reliable rotation consisting of seven or eight dependable players.

Markets react quickly when these boxes are checked and even more quickly when they are not. Updates are provided for readers to track lineup shifts and the underlying performance trends. NCAAB team news and analysis frequently offer context before making adjustments to the next number.

Sunday is the last month before elections

The next few weeks will rebuild the perception again. A statement can shorten the odds of an overnight road win. A late stumble can stretch them just as fast. Conference tournaments complicate everything. Fatigue is reduced. Depth is checked.

Arizona and Michigan headline the market today. Duke and Houston remain close enough to capitalise on any slips. Even if the layer looks clear, nothing is fixed. That uncertainty is part of the appeal. March rarely follows the script. Favourites can be defined, but they are not yet proven.

Tags: Arizona Wildcats, College Basketball, Duke Blue Devils, Houston Cougars, Michigan Wolverines

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Trump has discussed timelines for strikes on Iran – including this weekend – but no decision has been made yet

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Trump has discussed timelines for strikes on Iran – including this weekend – but no decision has been made yet

Washington – Top national security officials have told President Trump that the military is prepared for possible attacks Iran. As soon as Saturday, sources familiar with the discussions told CBS News, but the deadline for any action is likely to move beyond this weekend.

The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive national matters, said Mr Trump had not yet made a final decision about whether to strike.

The talks have been described as fluid and ongoing, as the White House considers the risks of escalating tensions and the political and military consequences of restraint.

Over the next three days, the Pentagon is temporarily moving some personnel out of the Middle East region—primarily to Europe or the United States—ahead of possible action or retaliatory strikes by Iran if the U.S. moves forward with its operation, according to multiple officials.

One of the sources said moving assets and personnel ahead of potential US military activity is standard practice for the Pentagon and does not necessarily indicate an attack on Iran.

CBS News contacted a Pentagon spokesman on Wednesday afternoon, but he was unable to provide any information.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio plans to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in about two weeks for further discussions, according to one of the sources.

“There could be many reasons and rationales for striking against Iran,” White House press secretary Carolyn Leavitt said at a White House briefing on Wednesday, “but diplomacy is always the president’s first option.” He declined to discuss whether a potential attack would be coordinated with Israel.

Leavitt told reporters that the administration “conducted a very successful operation in June that targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities.”

“Iran would be very wise to reach a deal with President Trump and his administration,” he said.

USS Abraham Lincoln Aircraft Carrier Group And its fleet of warships is already in the region and a second carrier group, the USS Gerald Ford, was en route to the Middle East.

As of Wednesday, the Ford was off the coast of West Africa, according to maritime vessel tracking data.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Tuesday posted an AI-generated picture of Ford at the bottom of the sea.

Khamenei’s post on X reads, “The US President constantly says that the US has sent a warship toward Iran. Of course, a warship is a dangerous piece of military hardware.” “However, even more dangerous than that warship is the weapon that can send that ship to the bottom of the sea.”

Iranian and US negotiators held mediation talks on Tuesday over Iran’s nuclear programme. The discussion lasted for several hours in Geneva, Switzerland.

The Trump administration acknowledged some progress.

The Trump administration said some progress has been made, but Leavitt said on Wednesday, “We’re still a long way off on some issues.”

He said, “I believe the Iranians are expected to come back to us with some more details in the next few weeks, and so the President will continue to see how that plays out.”

No date has been set for follow-up consultation.

Two sources said Mr Trump told Netanyahu during a meeting at Mar-a-Lago in December that the president would support Israeli strikes on Iran’s ballistic missile programme if a deal could not be reached between Washington and Tehran.

Iran issued a warning to pilots on Wednesday, advising them to avoid Iran’s southern region on Thursday due to rocket launches.

Last June, the US joined Israel’s attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities. During its 12-day war with Iran, due to intelligence suggested The regime’s nuclear programme suffered serious damage.

Before the war, Iran had accelerated its enrichment programme following the US withdrawal from the 2014 nuclear deal. it started enriching uranium to 60% purity That’s a small technological step away from weapons-grade levels, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency, which said Iran was the only country in the world to enrich to that level that was not armed with a nuclear bomb.

Eleanor Watson,

Katherine Krupnik and Olivia Gazis contributed to this report.

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Sky News believes there may be a delay in plans to raise the minimum wage for young people. Politics News

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Sky News believes there may be a delay in plans to raise the minimum wage for young people. Politics News

Sky News believes there may be a delay in plans to raise the minimum wage for 18- to 20-year-olds to the same level as other adults.

In its 2024 election manifesto, Labour committed to “removing discriminatory age bands so that all adults are entitled to the same minimum wage, which would raise wages for hundreds of thousands of workers across the UK”.

Latest Politics: Jenrick says reform will bring back two-child benefit limit

But Sky News understands the government is considering delaying the pledge – although it remains committed to doing so eventually.

Reports suggest the potential delay is driven by fears that the high cost of employing young people could deter companies from hiring them and worsen youth unemployment.

New data released on Tuesday revealed Britain’s unemployment rate increased. The rate was 5.2% in October – December last year, the highest in almost five years – while the rate for 16- to 24-year-olds was 16.1%, the highest level since the beginning of 2015.

From July to September last year, nearly 950,000 people in that age group were not in employment, education, or training.

Speaking in Cardiff, the prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to equalising the minimum wage for youth.

Good luck with the increase in minimum wage.

But companies say steps taken by the government, such as increasing employer national insurance contributions, have made it more expensive and risky to hire new staff in industries that would normally hire young people, such as hospitality.

Young people often work in industries such as hospitality. File photo: iStock

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Young people often work in industries such as hospitality. File photo: iStock

Tina McKenzie, chair of the Federation of Small Businesses, told Sky News: “If the government thinks small employers can handle the increased costs, they should also wish good luck with the increase in the minimum wage.”

“If you persist in raising employment costs and making it more challenging for small employers to recruit young individuals, the outcome will be a decrease in the number of young hires.”

Unions have warned against “intimidating” the government over delays in implementing the increase.

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Paul Novak, general secretary of the TUC, said youth unemployment is “an urgent issue and deserves real solutions”, like an ambitious job guarantee, ending insecure employment, and increasing the number of quality apprenticeships—not more scaremongering about the minimum wage.

He said, “Young workers also have bills to pay – and it’s absolutely right that they get a fair rate for the job. That’s why the government should stick to its goal of eliminating pay rates based on age, not on how much work people do.”

The unemployment rate for 16 to 24-year-olds is 16.1%, the highest in more than a decade. File Image:PA
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The unemployment rate for 16- to 24-year-olds is 16.1%, the highest in more than a decade. File Image: PA

Chancellor Rachel Reeves earlier dodged questions from reporters in south London over whether she was sticking to the commitment, saying, “We already have incentives to hire young people with minimum wage apprenticeship rates, but no national insurance contributions for the youngest workers.”

Recognising the challenges facing young people, he said, “As a government, we are determined to do everything possible to support them,” naming policies such as increasing apprenticeship places.

The minimum wage for workers aged 18 to 20 is £10 an hour, rising to £10.85 in April.

In comparison, the national living wage for workers aged 21 and over is £12.21 an hour, rising to £12.71.

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Vinicius Junior: Benfica claim ‘defamation campaign’ against Gianluca Prestiani after racism accusation

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Vinicius Junior: Benfica claim ‘defamation campaign’ against Gianluca Prestiani after racism accusation

José Mourinho, the manager of Benfica, stated in his post-match interview that he received conflicting information about the incident from both Vincius and Prestiani.

Mourinho, who managed Real for 178 games between 2010 and 2013, said Vinicius had behaved disrespectfully in his goal celebration and pointed to his legendary striker Eusebio as proof that Benfica is not a racist club.

Benfica said, “The club clearly and unequivocally reaffirms its historic and steadfast determination to defend the values ​​of equality, respect and inclusion, which are in line with the core values ​​of its foundation and of which Eusébio is their greatest symbol.”

The comments by Mourinho and Benfica have been criticised by many.

This includes the anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out.

Kick It Out chairman Sanjay Bhandari said both the club and the manager had “failed.”.

“It’s a instinct to trust your player, but the reality is they didn’t listen to it,” Bhandari told BBC Sport.

“There were only two people in that conversation and two people could hear what was said.

“I think the best response from a club of the outstanding stature of Benfica would be for us to cooperate with the investigation.

“It’s quite common after these types of discriminatory incidents. Discrimination is one thing; gaslighting is another.”

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said he was “shocked and saddened” by the incident and praised Letexier for activating anti-racism protocols.

“There is absolutely no room for racism in our sport and society – we need all relevant stakeholders to take action and hold those responsible accountable,” he said.

“I will always repeat: no to racism, no to discrimination of any kind!”

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Mikaela Shiffrin wins Winter Olympic slalom gold in emphatic style

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Mikaela Shiffrin wins Winter Olympic slalom gold in emphatic style

After claiming an emotional Olympic gold, Mikaela Shiffrin’s thoughts turned to one man who wasn’t there — her father, Jeff.

The American crossed the line as Olympic slalom champion, as she did 12 years earlier in Sochi at the age of 18.

Only this time, as he hugged his mother and coaches, he missed his father, who had passed away six years ago.

She said, “For my father, who didn’t get a chance to see this. This was the moment I dreamed about. I’m also very scared of this moment.”

“Everything you do in life after losing a loved one is like a new experience.

“It’s like being born again and I still have moments where I resist it. I don’t want to live without my father and today was probably the first time I could really accept this reality.

“Instead of thinking that I would rather be in this moment without her, take that moment to be quiet with her.”

Shiffrin spent almost a year away from the sport following the loss.

which she called an “invisible injury”—while she has spoken openly about her mental health struggles.

His victory in Italy, winning the gold medal in emphatic fashion by an extraordinary margin of 1.50 seconds, cemented his name among the greats of alpine skiing.

Following his success in Sochi and then Pyeongchang in 2018, the 30-year-old clocked a total of 1:39:10 to become a three-time Olympic champion.

The intervening eight years without an Olympic medal have brought many challenges for Shiffrin, both inside and outside the sport.

But she said the most important thing Wednesday was to “show up” to the race.

“Just to be there for two runs and do something that’s within me and I know how to do, that’s a huge task,” she said.

“It’s not always easy. Sometimes it feels impossible. In the end, today, it was about cutting out the noise and being simple with it.”

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A boyfriend was severely beaten by a man, forcing her to eat with a straw and have a metal plate put in her skull.

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A boyfriend was severely beaten by a man, forcing her to eat with a straw and have a metal plate put in her skull.

Jonathan Kingsbury, 41, violently attacked his partner in Cork in 2023, leaving her with a broken jaw, an eye, a broken nose, and two missing teeth.

Cork Circuit Criminal Court

Cork Circuit Criminal Court (Image: CorkBio/Thomas Lawrence)

A man who attacked his partner so violently that she had to eat and drink using a straw for months has been jailed.

Cork Circuit Criminal Court heard that Jonathan Kingsbury, 41, slammed his partner’s head against a counter and a wall in their home after returning from a night out on March 11, 2023. He has been sentenced to three years in jail.

Garda Aisling Brosnan said Kingsbury, who had been drinking in a pub in Cork, punched the woman in the face, “put his hands around her neck and threw heavy kitchen utensils at her.”. During the attack he also broke the victim’s phone.

The woman was hospitalised for three days and required surgery to have metal plates inserted into both sides of her broken jaw. Cork b Report. His eye bone was also broken, his nose was broken and two teeth were broken.

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Ms. Brosnan said the woman “ran out of the house and called neighbours, who contacted the gardaí.” Kingsbury, formerly of Connolly Road in Ballyfehen and most recently of Shull, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm and criminal damage.

In a victim impact statement, the woman described suffering from anxiety and being reluctant to leave her home. She said, “Before going anywhere, I’ll have anxiety attacks. It’s terrible. I want to cry. I want to be sick; I start shaking. I start thinking too much about things.”

“When I go out, it’s just a rush to get the work done and get back home. I’m always afraid I might bump into him. When I sleep, sometimes I have a dream and maybe he’s in the dream, so I wake up and that’s it – I’m awake and lying in bed or walking up and down the kitchen with anxiety.

“Sometimes if I hear noises at night, I’m scared he’s at my door. I even got my locks changed because I didn’t know if he had keys. I was always flirtatious, but now I don’t go out.”

The victim said her jaw is still stiff and the metal plates make her anxious about travelling. “I’m going abroad in June and I’m scared of the machines and metal detectors at the airport; I’m scared that my jaw will destroy them,” she said.

“This is my first time going abroad after the attack. For several months after that, I was eating and drinking through a straw. I even lost two teeth because of the punches he gave me.”

Defence barrister Nikki O’Sullivan BL said her client wanted to apologise again and reassure the victim he would never come near her again. He said he was disgusted with himself for his actions and had been sober for the past 18 months.

Judge Helen Boyle said the attack had a serious psychological and physical impact on the victim.

The judge said, “After this she spent several months eating and drinking from straws. Her jaw still clenches very easily. She was afraid of meeting you, and her daughter was also very afraid of bumping into you.”

The fact that your partner suffered an attack in his own home is a grave concern. There was some element of not accepting that it was entirely your fault. It is very clear to everyone here that the blame for the brutal attack on you lies with you.”

Judge Boyle acknowledged that Kingsbury was “genuinely remorseful” for his actions and had spared the victim the trauma of having to give evidence at trial.

He also said Kingsbury is no longer using drugs or alcohol and is unlikely to pose a risk to the victim in the future. However, she warned that if he did it again, he could pose a threat to his intimate partner in the future.

The judge jailed Kingsbury for three years and nine months, suspending the final nine months for a two-year period. The one-year sentence for criminal damage will run concurrently. Upon release, Kingsbury must maintain good behaviour and engage with the probation and welfare service.

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Preview of the Recopa Sudamericana: Lanús vs. Flamengo in the Continental Champions’ Battle

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Preview of the Recopa Sudamericana: Lanús vs. Flamengo in the Continental Champions’ Battle

The 2026 Recopa Sudamericana final will take place on Thursday evening as Argentine side Lanus host Brazilian side Flamengo in the first leg of the final.

This competition is unique as it replicates the old, historical Copa Libertadores format, which featured a two-leg final.

The Recopa Sudamericana is the only competition still standing in the traditional two-legged finals format, preserving a piece of South American football history in an era that has moved towards one-off showpiece events.

The last meeting between these teams was back in 2012 in the Copa Libertadores. The first match in the group stage saw Lanus draw 1-1 against Flamengo, before the Rio de Janeiro side ran out 3-0 winners at home in the second leg.

However, despite that emphatic win, Flamengo were eliminated at the group stage and failed to make any further progress in the competition.

Lanus, meanwhile, progressed to the knockout rounds but was eventually eliminated in the next round, losing on penalties to Flamengo’s bitter rival Vasco da Gama.

Lanus

Lanús won the Copa Sudamericana and advanced to the finals of the Recopa Sudamericana. They progressed through the group stage, topping their group, before eliminating Central Córdoba, Fluminense and Universidad de Chile en route to the final.

In the final, they faced Atlético Mineiro, and after a tense and cagey contest ended 0–0, Lanus won 5-4 on penalties. It was a match that lacked quality in front of goal but was brought to life by the exciting atmosphere in Asuncion created by the Argentine and Brazilian supporters.

In 2026, Lanus played six matches, winning three, drawing two and losing one. However, their recent form has not been as strong as they had hoped, with two draws and a defeat in their last three matches.

Heading into this match, they faced Independiente and lost 2–0, with both goals coming in the second half in a disappointing performance.

Lanus have participated in the competition once before, following their Copa Sudamericana victory in 2013. On that occasion, they faced Atlético Mineiro in the Recopa Sudamericana but lost 5–3 on aggregate after extra time.

It was a hard-fought tie, but eventually the quality of the Brazilian team proved decisive, denying Lanus the chance to add another continental title to their history.

Nevertheless, Lanus will feel confident going into this final after already beating Vasco da Gama to secure top spot in their group and defeating Fluminense in the Copa Sudamericana last season. They will now hope to add Flamengo to that list and further strengthen an already historic run for the club.

LANUS TEAM NEWS

Lanus rested several key players in their recent matches, with Marcelino Moreno and Rodrigo Castillo both resting against Independiente as the club prioritised its push for silverware.

Both players are expected to return to the starting lineup, and head coach Mauricio Pellegrino has nearly a full squad.

The only absentee is Raul Loiza, who is sidelined as he recovers from a knee injury.

Flamengo

Flamengo are the current holders of the Copa Libertadores, having secured their place in the competition. They also participated in the 2025 Intercontinental Cup, but Paris Saint-Germain defeated them in a penalty shootout.

Their launch in 2026, however, did not go entirely to plan. They lost 2–0 to Corinthians in Brasilia in the Supercopa do Brasil. Their league campaign also started below expectations, with a 2–1 defeat to São Paulo in their opening match, followed by a disappointing 1–1 draw against Internazionale.

They had some redemption in their third league match, as they showed signs of improvement, winning 2-1 at Vitoria.

Most recently, Flamengo beat bitter rivals Botafogo 2-1 to book their place in the semi-finals of the Campeonato Carioca. Goals from Lucas Paqueta, the most expensive signing in Brazilian football history, and Erik Pulgar sealed an important victory and provided a timely boost of confidence ahead of the Recopa Sudamericana final.

In 2025, Rubro Negro progressed through their Copa Libertadores group stage, finishing second in Group C ahead of Argentine side Central Córdoba on goal difference.

They then reached the finals after defeating Internacional, Estudiantes, and Racing in the knockout rounds.

In the final, they faced Palmeiras and secured a 1–0 win over Lima, with a decisive header from Danilo proving the difference and seal. Flamengo once again claimed the title of South American champions.

Flamengo has a solid record against Argentinian opposition. Across 76 matches against Argentine sides, they have won 33, drawn 23 and lost 20.

Flamengo previously won the competition at the 2020 Recopa Sudamericana, defeating Independiente del Valle 5–2 on aggregate to lift the trophy.

However, Independiente del Valle exacted their revenge in the 2023 edition. After the tie ended 1-1, the Ecuador team won the penalty shootout.

Flamengo Team News

Flamengo received some positive injury news before the match. Pedro, who complained of discomfort after their recent Carioca game, has been ruled out of any serious injury and is available for selection by Felipe Luis.

Uruguayan full-back Guillermo Varela also returns after recovering from an ankle problem, giving the squad another boost.

Jorginho and Saul are the only unavailable players for the Rubro-Negro, as they continue their recovery.

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Paris prosecutors launch two investigations into Epstein and call on victims to come forward

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Paris prosecutors launch two investigations into Epstein and call on victims to come forward

Paris prosecutors launched two new investigations.

Paris—Paris prosecutors launched two new investigations into possible sex abuse crimes and related financial wrongdoing on Wednesday. Jeffrey Epstein, following the release of millions of files on the millionaire financier and convicted sex offender, urged additional potential victims to come forward.

Paris prosecutor Laurence Becuau said efforts were being made to use it in the investigation. The US administration’s released files, media reports, and newly filed complaints all contribute to the investigation.

“All that data … some will highlight others to be able to get a well-informed, very comprehensive, panoramic view,” Becu said on France Info news broadcaster.

One investigation will focus on sexual exploitation crimes, the other on financial irregularities, each involving a special magistrate, he said.

The move comes after the US Justice Department released more than 3 million pages of documents as well as thousands of videos and photos related to Epstein, who died behind bars in 2019.

“These publications will inevitably reactivate the trauma of some victims,” ​​he said. “We are confident that some (victims) may not necessarily be known to us, and perhaps these publications will encourage them to come forward.”

He called on victims who may have never spoken out before to file formal complaints or create witness accounts to spur French and foreign investigations.

Bekuu also said that some of the material from the old investigation should be revisited in light of new revelations.

She made reference to the ongoing investigation. As a French modelling agent, Jean-Luc Brunel was accused of rape and sex trafficking minors.

The investigation was closed in 2022 after he was found dead in a prison cell in Paris. Brunel, a frequent partner of Epstein, was considered the centrepiece of a French investigation into the alleged sexual abuse of women and girls by Epstein and his group.

Epstein travelled frequently to France and had apartments in Paris.

In France, the highest-profile individual to be affected by the recent release of the Epstein files is Jacques Lang, the 86-year-old former culture minister. Stepped down earlier this month as head of the Arab World Institute in Paris on suspicion of tax fraud.

The financial prosecutors’ office began investigating Lange and her daughter Caroline Lange’s alleged ties to Jeffrey Epstein through an offshore company based in the US Virgin Islands in the Caribbean Sea.

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