Brazil received eight red cards in a chaotic 1-0 loss to the United States women's national team in Fortaleza. Coach Arthur Elias and three assistants were sent off during the second half, while players Bia Zaneratto and Tarciane were dismissed late in the match. Kerolin and Ludmila also saw red after the final whistle for dissent. Sophia Wilson scored the game's only goal in the 63rd minute, with Brazil failing to register a shot on target before a crowd of more than 55,000 fans.

Brazil intercepts 108 Cuban migrants as asylum requests surge

Brazilian authorities rescued 108 Cuban migrants from suspected smugglers in Roraima state, marking the largest humanitarian rescue operation ever recorded in the region. Five alleged traffickers were arrested. Officials say the operation reflects a growing wave of Cuban migration through Brazil's northern border with Guyana. Cubans became the leading nationality seeking refugee status in Brazil in 2025, with more than 40,000 applications, driven by Cuba's deepening economic crisis. Roraima and neighbouring Amapá have emerged as key entry points, with authorities warning that migration flows could continue to rise amid worsening conditions on the island.

EU deepens digital ties with Brazil to reduce reliance on US tech

The European Union and Brazil are set to sign a digital partnership covering data , cybersecurity, connectivity and online safety, as Brussels seeks to strengthen ties with trusted partners and reduce dependence on U.S. technology. EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen said Brazil will become the bloc's fifth digital partner, joining Canada, Japan, South Korea and Singapore. The move follows the EU-Mercosur trade agreement and comes as Europe works to boost its own tech sovereignty, particularly in cloud services and semiconductor production.

Brazil's Alisson unfazed by World Cup favourites tag

Brazil goalkeeper Alisson Becker says being labelled a World Cup favourite offers no advantage, insisting what matters is a team's form when the tournament begins. The Liverpool keeper, fully fit for his third World Cup, credited coach Carlo Ancelotti with improving morale after a difficult qualifying campaign. He said Brazil have become more organised defensively under the Italian and is ready for their opening match against Morocco in New Jersey.

Brazilian woman, 38, accused of posing as child in years-long fraud

A 38-year-old Brazilian woman has been arrested for allegedly posing as a 12-year-old girl and deceiving a couple who housed and supported her for more than a year. Amanda Maria Souza de Oliveira is accused of fraud and identity offences after reportedly creating a fake identity, convincing the family to cover her expenses and treating her as a child. Prosecutors described the case as an "elaborate fraud scheme" involving emotional manipulation. Authorities say Oliveira has faced similar allegations in other Brazilian states.

The Communist Party of Cuba has officially convened its 11th Plenary Session of the Central Committee, marking another key moment in the island’s political calendar. This session reflects the country’s continuing effort to maintain centralised political coordination while addressing emerging national concerns. The announcement signals that the party leadership aims to evaluate ongoing national priorities and reinforce political alignment among its members. The decision to convene the 11th plenum underscores the CCP’s ongoing strategy of maintaining stable leadership structures amid evolving domestic and international conditions.

Party leadership outlines central committee agenda for the upcoming session

The 11th Plenary Session will bring together the Central Committee of the Communist Party, with the agenda reportedly focused on several internal and national issues. The explicit convening of the session indicates that party leadership intends to oversee critical aspects of governance, evaluate the political performance of institutions, and discuss the nation’s immediate priorities. This move continues a pattern in which the Central Committee meets to recalibrate strategies in response to changing socioeconomic pressures on the island.

Economic plan, hurricane damages, and “important issues” dominate PCC agenda

Among the detailed topics expected to be addressed at the plenary are Cuba’s national economic plan, the damages caused by Melissa, and other unspecified but “important issues.” This reflects the country’s need to manage multiple crises at once, economic stagnation, infrastructure challenges following natural disasters, and the broader strain on state resources. The reference to Melissa’s damages suggests a push to coordinate governmental response efforts and reinforce recovery initiatives. At the same time, highlighting “important issues” signals the party’s recognition that a wide range of political, economic, and social concerns now require attention at the highest levels of decision-making.

Government to conduct national review of its programme to correct distortions and boost the economy

A study and analysis of the Government Program will be carried out across Cuba with the intention of correcting distortions and implementing measures to boost the national economy. This initiative reflects an acknowledgement that structural problems and inefficiencies persist within the Cuban system and that a comprehensive review is necessary to stabilise conditions. The nationwide assessment indicates that authorities aim not only to diagnose the roots of the distortions but also to develop solutions that can strengthen the economic framework. This process is expected to engage officials at various administrative levels to ensure that corrections are implemented consistently across the nation.

Debate intensifies over the impact of U.S. unilateral sanctions

The question “Are the USA’s Unilateral Sanctions on Cuba a Good Thing?” reflects the ongoing debate, both domestically and internationally, about the real impact of U.S. restrictions on the island. The discussion continues to shape public discourse, as policymakers, analysts, and citizens evaluate whether the sanctions are causing undue suffering for the population, effectively pressuring the government, or creating new geopolitical tensions. By raising the issue at this moment, the roundup shows that sanctions remain central to Cuba’s economic difficulties and political narrative. The debate also highlights the growing pressure on policymakers to either negotiate relief mechanisms or adjust internal strategies to mitigate the effects of sanctions.

The Philippine economy is expected to withstand a potential 19% US tariff with minimal disruption, says DEPDev Secretary Arsenio Balisacan. He credits the nation’s diversified exports and focus on productivity and infrastructure. Balisacan noted that broad export markets cushion GDP from tariff shocks, while import changes may have a larger effect. He assured that GDP targets remain intact due to strong fundamentals. To sustain growth, Balisacan emphasised the need to diversify exports, boost productivity, and remove barriers for businesses and startups.

Philippines, Israel eye closer economic ties

The growing economic partnership between the Philippines and Israel was highlighted at a July 29 gala attended by Israeli Economy Minister Nir Barkat and DTI Secretary Cristina Roque. Both officials expressed optimism about a potential free trade agreement and deeper cooperation in trade, tourism, and innovation. Barkat proposed reducing tariffs to zero, calling the countries’ economies “complementary.” He also noted untapped tourism potential, citing low Israeli tourist arrivals in the Philippines compared to Thailand, and stressed the need for direct flights to boost travel and people-to-people exchanges. He invited Filipinos, especially Catholic pilgrims, to visit the Holy Land and shared plans to restore biblical sites like the Pool of Siloam in Jerusalem.

IMF raises 2026 growth forecast for the Philippines

The IMF has upgraded its 2026 growth forecast for the Philippines to 5.9% from 5.8%, citing strong economic fundamentals and ongoing reforms. The revised outlook reflects continued confidence in the country’s resilience despite global challenges. For 2025, the IMF maintained its 5.5% growth forecast, aligning with the government’s target range of 5.5% to 6.5%.

Philippines' clean energy transition sees coal decline

Coal-fired power in the Philippines is set to decline by 5.2% in early 2025, the first drop since 2008, signalling a shift toward cleaner energy, according to IEEFA. Despite claims linking the decline to LNG, no new gas-fired capacity was added from 2017 to 2024. In contrast, over 1 GW of solar was installed in 2024, boosted by government-led renewable auctions. The country’s competitive power market also mandates least-cost energy sourcing, further supporting clean energy growth.

Philippines considers raising online gambling tax to over 30%

The Philippine government is reviewing its online gambling framework, with talks underway to tighten regulations, according to Finance Secretary Ralph Recto. While seen as a key revenue source, officials are weighing the risks of higher taxes. Currently, operators contribute 25% of gross gaming revenue to PAGCOR. Proposed reforms may raise this to 30% or more. However, Recto warned that excessive taxation could drive more operators underground, especially with 60% of the sector already unregulated.