WAR vs PEACE

Ah, the War with Iran:

• For the ninth night in a row, the USA bombed Iran.
• Iran continues to essentially close the Strait of Hormuz, plus, Houthi allies again have indicated that they might block Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the other main oil route.  Combine, 27% of world petroleum passes through these straits.
• 
  I asked Google AI:  Will the U.S. invade Kharg Island?

As of July 2026, there is no official date or definitive plan announced for a U.S. invasion of Kharg Island. President Donald Trump has publicly floated the idea of seizing the island—which handles about 90 percent of Iran's crude oil exports—but military planners and officials are still weighing the logistical risks and strategic fallout of such an operation. [1, 2, 3]

Current Status: Trump has hosted Situation Room meetings to discuss potential ground troop deployments and the possible seizure of energy infrastructure. While no timeline has been set, Trump stated in mid-June that the U.S. will be taking the island "in the not too distant future". [1, 2, 3]

• 
  In the meantime, what is happening in and around Israel?
• Here is a current status.
• Just today, Israel killed three in strike on South Gaza Strip.
• The war in Lebanon has hit a lull, although there have been more than  4000 deaths since 2March2026.
• 
  U,S. military deaths are up to 17, one of the latest from Hawaii.  No civilians.
• While there have been at least 3,468 Iranian deaths, 1221 military and 1701 civilians (307 children), analysts indicate that this total number is probably closer to 6000.
• Russia has experienced up to 450,000 fatalities, and Ukraine 150,000, at least 65,000 civilians, in their war, which began more than 4 years and 4 months ago.
• Since the Iran War started on February 28, there have been more than 12,000 traffic and 16,000 gun-related deaths in the USA.  Add almost 20,000 suicides in the U.S. since February 28, 2026.   People still die in relative peace.

About Peace, the FIFA World Cup was a resounding success.

• 104 matches across North America in 39 days.
• Spain beat Argentina, 1-0 in overtime.  
• Kylian Mbabbé won the Golden Boot.
• No terroristic activity.  
• Of all the tragedies associated with these matches, massive celebrations were mostly responsible for deaths:  Bangladesh 10, Mexico 4, Spain one, Argentina 2.  25-year old South African player Jayden Adams died of a cause yet to be announced, although suicide seems to be the reason.

• 
  Up to 1.8 billion viewers globally.
• 6.8 million attendance, 65,490/match and 99.7% occupancy rate.
• 3.05 goals/match is the highest since 1966.
• I've never, ever, seen such emotions.  From Google AI:

The top emotional highlights of the 2026 FIFA World Cup centered on the raw, unfiltered contrasts of the tournament, featuring legendary celebrations, profound moments of sportsmanship, and the intense emotional roller coaster experienced by players and fans alike. [1, 2, 3]

Key Emotional Moments of the 2026 Tournament

Rafael Nadal's Wild Celebration: Spanish sporting icon Rafa Nadal was caught on camera celebrating with unbridled passion and pride as Spain secured the World Cup trophy after a tense final against Argentina. [1]
Messi Consoling Yamal: Following the hard-fought and highly emotional final at MetLife Stadium, Lionel Messi was seen sharing a touching, deeply human moment by consoling young breakout star Lamine Yamal while Spain celebrated. [1] Well, it was more Yamal consoling Messi.

Global Fan & Player Reactions: Across the month-long tournament, supporters and players let their emotions flow freely. The highs of ecstatic Spanish fans cheering the historic "double" (with Spain holding both Men's and Women's titles) were balanced by the devastating heartbreak felt by teams like Argentina and France. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
• 
  Here is the full 11-minute halftime show.  Noticed that the named sponsor was Topps.
• Fanatics acquired Topp's sports and entertainment division in 2022 for $500 million.  This partnership holds trading card rights to MLB, NFL and NBA.

• 
  However, FIFA currently deals with Panini, so Fanatics will need to wait until 2031 to link with trading cards.
• I still keep Topps MLB baseball cards going back to 1951 and 1952.

The next FIFA World Cup will be global:

• 8 June 2030 to 21 July.
• Six countries.
• June 8 and 9:  Opening matches in South America, to celebrate the tournament's 100th anniversary games in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay.
• June 13 and 14:  Morocco, Portugal and Spain.
• Rest of schedule still in planning.

• 
  2026 had 48 teams.  Expansion to 64 teams being considered.
• 2034 World Cup will be hosted by Saudi Arabia.

Other upcoming global sport tournaments:

• Next FIFA Women's  World Cup will be hosted by Brazil from June 24 to July 25, 2027.
• First time for Women's World Cup in South America.
• First games in 1991, won by the USA.
• 32 teams, 64 matches.
• USA has an important match against El Salvador on November 27. 
• FIFA Women's Ranking:
• #1 Spain
• #2 USA
• #3 England 
• #4 Germany
• #5 Japan.

• 
  USA will host in 2031 with Mexico, Costa Rica and Jamaica.  Netflix will have exclusive rights.

• Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics from July 14 to 30.

Ocean storm Fausto today became a hurricane.  He will strengthen into a Category 2 and head straight for Hawaii.  However, cooler waters are in the way, and all models show Fausto dissipating before getting here.

For the record, Tropical Storm Bertha just formed in the Gulf of Mexico off Florida, and will move north, then westward, currently estimated to make landfall south of New Orleans, then head towards Galveston.  Will NOT attain hurricane strength.

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