World Cup Kickoff & Uzbekistan in the Spotlight: The 2026 FIFA World Cup starts today across the US, Mexico and Canada, with Mexico–South Africa opening in Mexico City and 104 matches running to July 19; Uzbekistan’s debut is set in Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia and DR Congo, with Group K fixtures including Uzbekistan vs Colombia on June 17 and Portugal vs Uzbekistan on June 23. Portugal Tune-Up: Portugal closed preparations with a 2-1 friendly win over Nigeria, with Cristiano Ronaldo posting that “the preparation is done” ahead of their Group K opener. Central Asia Nuclear Push: Rosatom has begun construction of an export small modular nuclear plant in Uzbekistan, with the project’s first concrete poured in Jizzakh—an effort that also draws attention from South Africa’s modular reactor ambitions. EU Supply-Chain Shift: Reuters reports the EU is considering tougher rules to avoid single-source dependence for critical materials, a move that could benefit Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan if they can offer more than raw exports. Regional Security Diplomacy: Russia says it wants the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group to resume work, citing broad member support. One Health Governance: A One Health regional secretariat for Central Asia has been set up to coordinate cross-border work on zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance and food safety, hosted by CAREC. Mexico Host Tensions: Protests and social tensions in Mexico City threaten World Cup fan access as a teachers’ union blockade complicates opening-night plans.