The match between Japan and Tunisia in Group F of the FIFA World Cup 2026 marks the 1000th game in World Cup history. Following a poor performance in their first match, Tunisia dismissed coach Sabri Lamouchi and appointed French coach Hervé Renard as the new head coach. Out of the six encounters between Japan and Tunisia, Japan has won five, while Tunisia has claimed victory in one.
On June 19th, in Monterrey Stadium, Mexico, Tunisia and Japan will meet in a Group F clash of the FIFA World Cup 2026, an event set to become a golden and historic moment in football history. This game represents the 1000th match in FIFA World Cup history, attracting the attention of football fans worldwide. Starting from its inception in 1930, the FIFA World Cup is now approaching this significant milestone in its 96th year.
The historic 1000th match will be played on Sunday morning at 9:45. Japan, having drawn 2–2 in an exciting match against the Netherlands in their opening game, aims to secure a clear victory today to advance confidently to the knockout stage. Conversely, Tunisia, after suffering a heavy 5–1 defeat to Sweden in their first match, is determined to make a strong comeback in this landmark match.
Twelve Football Training Centre and Neo Child Care Centre have signed an agreement to conduct a special football training program for neurodiverse children. In the first phase of the program named ‘Let’s Play Together,’ 20 children will receive football training every Saturday for three months. The initiative aims to enhance social networks, self-confidence, and physical fitness among children with autism and Down syndrome.
Under the slogan ‘Football is for Everyone,’ Twelve Football Training Centre (TFTC) and Neo Child Care Centre have partnered to implement this program. TFTC, managed by former Nepal national football team captain Biraj Maharjan and goalkeeper Bikesh Kuthu, is collaborating with Neo Child Care Centre, led by former national team physiotherapists Shamed Katila Shrestha and Suraj Bhusal, to run this unique initiative titled ‘Let’s Play Together.’
Neo Child Care Centre provides educational and specialized services for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Down syndrome, and other neurodiversities. Both organizations are committed to creating an inclusive environment through sports. According to the agreement, Neo Child Care Centre will assess interested children and recommend them for training, while TFTC will deliver the football coaching.
Plans are in place to extend the training duration based on the program’s effectiveness and participant feedback. Regular grassroots training sessions for typically developing children and separate sessions for neurodiverse children will be conducted at different times. The program primarily aims to develop social interaction, communication skills, self-confidence, physical fitness, and teamwork abilities through football.
When we experience good sleep but suddenly wake up around 2 to 3 a.m. and struggle to fall asleep again, many people attribute this to stress, while others suspect serious health issues. Such sudden waking can arise from various causes. Deep and sufficient sleep, along with a stress-free lifestyle, is extremely important for our daily life and overall health.
Sleep is not uniform; it cycles through different stages such as light sleep, deep sleep, alertness, and REM sleep in roughly 90-minute intervals. During the earlier part of the night, deep sleep predominates, while towards morning, sleep becomes lighter. Thus, waking around 2 to 3 a.m. occurs when the body is in a lighter sleep phase and small disturbances can easily wake you. Stress, hormonal changes, lifestyle factors, or health problems can disrupt sleep and make falling back asleep difficult.
There are many reasons for waking up between 2 and 3 a.m., with one of the most important being the body’s biological clock known as the circadian rhythm. At this time, the body begins preparing for the upcoming day. The hormone cortisol helps wakefulness; its levels gradually rise during sleep and are normally minimal. However, stress, anxiety, or sleep disturbances can cause cortisol levels to spike significantly, which acts as a warning signal and interrupts sleep.
Experts explain that the brain’s suprachiasmatic nucleus controls the sleep cycle, synchronizing bodily functions with the day-night cycle. Dr. Verma states, “Our sleep cycles last approximately 90 minutes. As night progresses, the type and depth of sleep change.” Along with cortisol, other hormones jointly regulate sleep quality. Dr. Prashant Makhija, consultant neurologist at Wockhardt Hospital in Mumbai, adds, “Sleep depends on the coordinated activity of many hormones.”
To prevent sleep disturbances at night, experts recommend several strategies. Avoid all screen devices 1–2 hours before bedtime, pay close attention to diet, follow the 20-minute rule of getting up if unable to fall asleep, and adopt relaxation techniques after getting out of bed. These measures can aid in ensuring a restful night’s sleep.
Today, two unbeaten teams, Germany and Ivory Coast, face off in Group E of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The winner of this match will secure their spot in the knockout stage a game early. Germany’s squad is fully fit, while Ivory Coast’s key defender Ivan Ndicka will miss the match due to injury. — June 19, Kathmandu.
In Group E at BMO Field in Toronto, Canada, Germany and Ivory Coast, both unbeaten, go head-to-head today. Germany impressed with a thrilling 7-1 victory over Curaçao in their opening game, while Ivory Coast secured a hard-fought 1-0 win against Ecuador thanks to Amad Diallo’s late decisive goal. Both teams currently have three points each, and today’s winner will guarantee advancement to the Round of 32 with one match to spare.
With Germany employing an expansive attacking style and Ivory Coast known for their physical strength, this matchup promises to be highly exciting. Germany has no injury concerns; captain and experienced goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is fully fit and played in the opening match. Coach Julian Nagelsmann is likely to field the same team that secured the convincing win against Curaçao.
Ivory Coast faces challenges due to injuries and absences. Star defender Ivan Ndicka is sidelined with a thigh injury, and forward Ali Wahy is unavailable for non-injury reasons. Coach Emmers Fayé may replace Wahy in the frontline with either Ivan Guisan or Ange-Yoan Bonny. Ivory Coast will focus on strategies to contain Germany’s attacking midfield and maintain control of the match.
Summary: The Japanese government has decided to raise visa fees for the first time in 48 years, effective July 1. Under the new rules, the single-entry visa fee will be set at 15,000 yen and the multiple-entry visa fee at 30,000 yen. The additional revenue generated from the fee increase will be used to manage the foreign population and expand Japanese language programs. June 6, Kathmandu – Japan has announced its first visa fee hike in 48 years. This decision was made during a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday. Since 1978, visa fees had remained unchanged.
How much will the visa fees increase? According to The Japan Times, the single-entry visa fee will increase from the current 3,000 yen to 15,000 yen. Likewise, the multiple-entry visa fee will rise from 6,000 yen to 30,000 yen. These new fees will apply to applications submitted on or after July 1. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said at a press conference on Friday, “The current visa fees were set in 1978. Considering inflation and exchange rate fluctuations, we have recently revised them.” He added, “After thorough study from various perspectives, we made this decision and do not believe it will immediately affect tourists visiting here.”
Previously, the Japanese visa fee in Nepal was 3,000 yen, approximately 2,850 Nepalese rupees; it will now increase to 14,250 yen, nearly a fivefold rise. Similarly, the multiple-entry visa fee will increase from 22,800 to about 28,500 yen. Significant increases in residential visa fees were also enacted recently: last month, Japan’s Upper House passed a bill allowing visa-related fees for foreign nationals to increase up to 30 times. This bill had already been passed in the Lower House in April.
Current maximum legal fees for changes of residential status, extensions of stay, and permanent residency applications were 10,000 yen (around $63). The new amendment raises these caps dramatically to up to 100,000 and 300,000 yen. Under this amendment, the Cabinet will set the actual fees. The government proposes raising fees for residential status changes and extensions from the current 5,500–6,000 yen to as much as 1,000,000 yen. The permanent residency application fee will also increase from 10,000 yen to 200,000 yen. The government aims to implement these changes by March 31, 2027.
How will the additional revenue be used? By the end of 2025, Japan’s foreign population is projected to reach a record high of approximately 4.13 million. The extra funds obtained from the fee hikes will be allocated toward administrative expenses related to managing the foreign population and expanding Japanese language programs. Measures against illegal residency after visa expiration will also be strengthened through these funds.
Japan Aligning Visa Fees with Western Countries With this move, Japan strives to align its visa and residency fees with international standards observed in Western countries. For example, visa renewal fees in the United States range between approximately $420 and $470, while in Germany they range from 93 to 98 euros.
In the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F, a crucial competitive match is set today in Houston between the Netherlands and Sweden. Sweden, having won their first game, will secure a spot in the Round of 32 if victorious again, while the Netherlands face the pressure of having to win. Historically, in the 25 matches between these two teams, the Netherlands have won 12, Sweden 8, with 5 draws.
June 19, Kathmandu – Today at Houston’s NRG Stadium, the Netherlands and Sweden will engage in an exciting encounter as part of Group F in FIFA World Cup 2026. Sweden dominated their opener with a 5–1 victory over Tunisia, solidifying their top position in the group. Meanwhile, the Netherlands settled for a 2–2 draw against Japan, heightening the urgency to claim a win today. Analysts have rated the Dutch players highly for their quality, but defensive lapses seen in their first match could prove challenging when countering Sweden’s potent attacking lineup.
The two nations have faced off 25 times, predominantly in friendlies or qualification matches. The Netherlands holds a slight edge with 12 wins compared to Sweden’s 8, while 5 matches ended in draws. Although the Netherlands appear dominant on paper, recent encounters have lacked significant competitive intensity, meaning current form and performance will be decisive. The Netherlands have registered 2 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss in their last 5 games; Sweden boasts 3 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw. A victory today would see Sweden advance to the Round of 32.
The Dutch squad is currently free from injury concerns, but head coach Ronald Koeman may adjust defensive strategies to address weaknesses highlighted against Japan. The midfield trio of Frenkie de Jong, Ryan Gravenberch, and Tijjani Reijnders is expected to be pivotal for the Netherlands. Sweden head coach Graham Potter appears set to continue with the three-defender system that worked well in their opener. Gabriel Gudmundsson, having recovered from a muscular issue, will return fully fit to his winger role. Defensive leadership will rest on Victor Lindelöf’s shoulders.
The Netherlands plan to control possession through a strong midfield to dictate the game’s tempo. Fast wingers Cody Gakpo and Donny Malen will seek to pressure Sweden’s defense. Sweden’s main strategy will focus less on possession and more on quick, precise attacking play, relying on effective counterattacks. Players like Alexander Isak and Victor Gyökeres will be key targets for passes after regaining possession. Even minor mistakes could prove costly against these two potent attackers.
Key Players to Watch
Netherlands
Frenkie de Jong: The midfield anchor who controls possession and dictates the attack’s direction and pace. His role is crucial in the team’s possession strategy.
Virgil van Dijk: The team captain and one of the world’s top defenders. He will play a critical role in containing Sweden’s attackers and preventing counterattacks.
Cody Gakpo: A pacey left winger tasked with breaking through Sweden’s three-defender system and scoring from inside the penalty box.
Sweden
Victor Gyökeres: A striker in excellent form on the world stage, who impressed against Tunisia. His physical strength and precise finishing will pose a major challenge for the Dutch side.
Alexander Isak: Renowned for his speed and central dribbling skills, Isak is dangerous on counterattacks and a key goal threat.
Victor Lindelöf: Sweden’s most experienced defender who will anchor the three-back system, responsible for containing the Dutch speedsters and organizing the defense.
President Donald Trump unveiled the new Boeing 747-8 jet designated as Air Force One, which was gifted to the United States by the Qatari government last year free of charge. The U.S. military has completed modifications to this luxurious jumbo jet, estimated to be worth $400 million. “This airplane has been transformed into a flying White House with a level of luxury never seen before,” Trump said on Friday during remarks at Joint Base Andrews.
According to a press release by the U.S. Air Force, before the aircraft is used for presidential travel, it will undergo initial commissioning flights as “final tests” to verify the modifications. The upgrades include enhanced security features, highly sensitive and classified mission communications, logistical support, and advanced technology enhancements. The Air Force also confirmed that any potential risks that could have originated from the previous owner have been neutralized.
The interior of the aircraft experienced minimal changes, while the exterior has been freshly painted with red, white, blue, and gold. In May 2025, the Qatari royal family gifted this luxurious Boeing 747-8 to the U.S. Department of Defense to serve as part of the Air Force One fleet providing presidential air transport. When news of the gift broke last year, it sparked strong reactions from both supporters and critics of Trump.
Critics argued that accepting such an expensive gift could create conflicts of interest and might even be unconstitutional. Federal law permits American officials to accept gifts valued under $480, but the White House maintained that the acceptance of this aircraft complied with legal requirements. Trump also revealed that after leaving office, the jet would be donated to his presidential library. “The craftsmanship on this plane is so outstanding that when you see it, it’s hard to believe,” Trump remarked.
Video caption begins, Simple Chair Exercises to Do When You’re Busy
Simple Chair Exercises to Do When You’re Busy
Published
Due to busy lifestyles, many people find it challenging to set aside time for exercise.
Extended periods of sitting in office chairs can lead to poor posture and issues such as neck and back pain.
According to yoga instructor Deepika Shrestha, it is possible to remain healthy by performing simple exercises while sitting at the office. To learn five chair-based exercises, watch this video prepared by Srijana Shrestha.
These videos are also available on our YouTube channel. Subscribe and watch our published videos here. You can also follow our content on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Furthermore, you can listen to our daily programs on the radio at 8:45 PM from Monday to Friday.
On Friday morning at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, Turkey was defeated 1–0 by Paraguay, resulting in their elimination from the World Cup group stage. This marks Turkey’s second consecutive loss in the group phase, ending their run in the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage. Co-host America, meanwhile, advanced to the knockout round after securing two consecutive wins. Matias Galarza’s goal in the second minute proved decisive against Turkey. Kathmandu, 6 Asar.
Having secured 6 points from two games, the USA leads the group, while Australia and Paraguay each hold 3 points, also from two matches. With all teams still having one match remaining, the head-to-head results have already confirmed the USA as the group winner. Matias Galarza’s early goal was crucial for Paraguay’s victory over Turkey. Despite Paraguay being reduced to 10 players after Miguel Almirón received a red card during first-half injury time, Turkey was unable to capitalize on the numerical advantage. Turkey dominated possession with 79% ball control and took 32 shots towards goal, but none were converted.
The English Premier League 2026–27 season is scheduled to start on August 21, with the fixture list now released. The opening match will see former champions Arsenal face newly promoted Coventry City, who have returned to the top division after 25 years. The season is set to conclude on May 30, 2027, with a minimum 60-hour interval guaranteed between matches.
In the first game of the season, champions Arsenal will take on Coventry City, marking Coventry’s first match back in the top flight after a 25-year absence. Under the management of Mikel Arteta, Arsenal claimed their first Premier League title since 2004 in the previous season.
Recently promoted Hull City, who advanced through the playoffs, will welcome Manchester United on August 22. On the same day, another promoted team Ipswich Town will compete against Sunderland. Following the end of Pep Guardiola’s era, Manchester City will begin their new season at home against Bournemouth on August 23.
Bournemouth will also debut under new coach Marco Rose. Meanwhile, Anthony El Arteageralo, who left Bournemouth to become Liverpool’s manager, will face Newcastle in his first match. Chelsea, led by Javi Alonso embarking on a new journey, will play against Fulham on August 24. The Premier League season will commence 34 days after the World Cup final held in the United States.
Due to new regulations imposed by India, Nepal’s tea exports have been nearly halted for over a month and a half. Business operators have revealed that they are considering Pakistan and Bangladesh as alternative markets.
However, they claim that the government has not yet created a suitable environment to support these alternatives.
“For example, exporting tea to Bangladesh currently incurs a 30 percent customs duty. However, Bangladesh might consider granting exemptions, but in exchange, Nepal would also need to offer similar exemptions on goods imported from Bangladesh of equivalent value. There has been no progress on this matter,” explained Aditya Parajuli, President of the Nepal Tea Producers Association.
Although Pakistan, a South Asian neighbor, is one of the world’s largest tea importers, Nepal’s tea exports there have been minimal.
Pakistan consumes approximately 170 million kilograms of tea annually, mostly imported from African countries.
Bangladesh consumes around 90 million kilograms of tea per year and is itself a major tea producer. However, it also imports small quantities of tea from India, China, and Myanmar.
Calls for Market Expansion to Third Countries
As the ongoing export blockage continues, on Wednesday in Parliament, Nepali Congress’s spokesperson Nishkal Rai urged for sustainable solutions, including “establishing domestic testing laboratories” and “securing markets for exports in third countries.”
However, Minister for Industry, Commerce, and Supplies Gauri Kumari responded that “diplomatic efforts are ongoing to resolve technical and trade barriers,” without providing further clarity.
Tea producers report that Nepal exports tea worth at least NPR 400 crore annually to India. The tea industry directly provides employment to approximately 100,000 individuals.
According to Netra Prasad Subedi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, while there is discussion about exporting to third countries, preparations and time are required, and market dynamics cannot shift abruptly.
“For now, export facilitation will continue primarily with India,” Subedi added.
The Undeclared Blockade
Nepal produces about 26.5 million kilograms of tea annually. Producers report roughly 20 million kilograms come from the Terai region, while the remaining 6.5 million kilograms are from hill areas.
“The current obstruction feels like an undeclared blockade,” said Aditya Parajuli, President of Nepal Tea Producers Association.
“It seems our tea sector has become entangled in geopolitics. Why is this happening when Nepal’s agricultural industries deserve the same treatment as India’s?”
Image Credit, BBC/ Ashok Dahal
Parajuli stresses that this matter must be raised and resolved at all levels of government, warning of broader negative impacts on other sectors if left unaddressed.
“India’s actions may be justified for products in high-risk categories, but since Nepal and India are in the same geographic region, our tea should not be classified as high risk,” Parajuli clarified.
Approximately 95 percent of Nepal’s orthodox tea is exported to India. For the CTC (Crush, Tear, Curl) type tea, around 10 million kilograms are produced annually, half of which is consumed domestically while the remainder is exported to India.
Nepal produces over 6 million kilograms of orthodox tea each year, with only 8 to 10 percent of that amount consumed domestically.
The majority of the remaining orthodox tea is exported to India and some European and other international markets.
How to Manage Risks When Exporting Tea to India?
On February 10, the Tea Board India issued new guidelines on tea imports.
The guidelines require exporters to collect samples from each shipment and have them tested in a laboratory prior to export.
However, the current practice of not collecting samples directly at the border but taking them from warehouses leads to very lengthy procedures.
“It takes five days for our tea to reach Kolkata, then another five to ten days to collect samples there, and an additional 15 to 20 days to receive the report,” Parajuli explained.
With testing criteria now exceeding 200 parameters, a single test failure could have significant repercussions, causing the current situation for tea exports to India to be highly precarious.
“Given these circumstances, how are we supposed to bear such risks?”
This report is also available on the Nepali News YouTube channel. Please subscribe and watch our published videos here. You can also find content on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Our weekly program airs on the radio from Monday to Friday at 8:45 PM.
With a win, Brazil has climbed to the top of Group C. In a match held Saturday morning as part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Brazil defeated Haiti by a 3–0 margin. Matheus Cunha scored twice and Vinicius Junior added one goal to secure an easy victory for Brazil. With this win, Brazil has accumulated 4 points from 2 matches, ascending to the top of Group C. Kathmandu, June 6.
Brazil secured a comfortable win against Haiti in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The match took place Saturday morning at the Philadelphia Stadium, where Brazil convincingly beat Haiti 3–0. Matheus Cunha netted two goals while Vinicius Junior scored one. Cunha opened the scoring for Brazil in the 23rd minute, giving his team the lead. He doubled the advantage in the 36th minute with his second goal. During injury time of the first half, Vinicius increased Brazil’s lead further with another goal. The second half saw no goals from either side. Throughout the game, Brazil maintained control of the ball. Although Haiti managed a few opportunities, they failed to capitalize. Additionally, two other goals by Brazil were disallowed due to offside.
This victory has propelled Brazil to the top of Group C with 4 points from 2 matches. Morocco also has 4 points but sits second based on goal difference. Scotland is third with 3 points from two matches, while Haiti remains fourth without a win. Having suffered consecutive defeats, Haiti’s chances of advancing to the knockout stage are essentially over. Brazil will now face Scotland and Morocco in upcoming fixtures.
The recently signed memorandum of understanding between US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pejskian explains the political, military, and economic consequences of the premature decision to attack Iran on February 28. The human cost of this war has been starkly evident. Thousands have died, the majority of whom were civilians in Iran and Lebanon. The United States and its ally Israel have suffered a strategic defeat.
The military action taken by the US, then the world’s superpower, and Israel, the leading Middle Eastern power, aimed at decisively crippling Iran but instead plunged Tehran into a severe crisis.
Iran’s strategy to close the Strait of Hormuz—which handles about one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas supply—forced Trump to offer some concessions. This move angered Iran’s staunch opponents, a sentiment reflected within the US and Israeli governments. The agreement calls for an end to the ongoing conflict in Lebanon, but it also risks deepening divisions between Israel and Iran and may benefit hardline Iranian factions distancing themselves from the US.
According to the memorandum, to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the US will lift its blockade on Iranian ports, enabling Iran to export oil and earn billions, while also releasing frozen assets abroad to tap into global markets. All these measures are to be implemented prior to the full nuclear agreement.
The agreement’s timeline includes February 27, the day before the planned attack, when the Strait of Hormuz remained open for shipping and negotiators were discussing the nuclear deal.
The core question of what the war was truly fought for remains unresolved and will continue to be debated. This decision could be regarded as the greatest foreign policy mistake of Trump’s administration. It might also signal the possible end of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s long-term political career. With elections scheduled in Israel for October and in light of the security failures in preventing the brutal Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, voters may critically assess Netanyahu’s leadership role.
At the ongoing match held at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, Paraguay took the lead in the second minute. During the FIFA World Cup 2026 match against Turkey, Paraguay’s Matias Galarza scored early to put his team ahead. Both teams, having been defeated in their opening matches, are in search of their first victory.
June 20, Kathmandu. Paraguay secured an early lead against Turkey in the FIFA World Cup 2026 match. The early advantage came in the second minute at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, courtesy of Matias Galarza’s goal. Both teams, who lost their initial games, are eager to achieve their first win in this encounter.
During the FIFA World Cup or any sports competition, friends often place bets purely for entertainment. Even if this activity is done as a form of amusement rather than gambling, what does Nepalese law say about it?