World Cup qualifier and protests shake Europe as Trump’s Epstein files loom
A high-stakes football match tonight will decide which national team secures a World Cup place. Austria and Bosnia and Herzegovina face off in a crucial qualifier. Meanwhile, political tensions rose in Slovakia as mass protests erupted against Prime Minister Robert Fico’s government.
In the US, President Donald Trump pushed for the release of the Epstein files, a move that could have legal repercussions for him. The UN also backed his Gaza peace proposal, calling it a step forward. Separately, the UK announced stricter checks on asylum seekers, including welfare cuts during status reviews.
Tonight’s football clash between Austria and Bosnia and Herzegovina carries major weight. The victor will earn a direct spot in the upcoming World Cup. Fans from both nations have filled stadiums, with anticipation running high.
In Slovakia, tens of thousands took to the streets on Monday to protest Prime Minister Robert Fico’s administration. Demonstrators accused the left-wing nationalist leader of eroding democratic institutions. The rallies marked one of the largest displays of public dissent in recent years.
Across the Atlantic, US President Donald Trump demanded the public release of the Epstein files on Monday. These documents could expose connections between powerful figures and the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. Elisabeth Postl, a US correspondent for Die Presse, warned that the files might pose serious legal risks for Trump himself.
The same day, the UN Security Council approved Trump’s proposed peace plan for Gaza. American officials described the decision as 'historic and constructive,' signalling potential progress in the long-stalled conflict.
Back in Europe, the UK government unveiled new asylum policies. Home Secretary Mahmood announced plans to review refugee status every two and a half years. During these assessments, welfare benefits for claimants would be suspended, raising concerns among advocacy groups.
The outcome of Austria’s match will be known by tonight, with one team advancing to the World Cup. Slovakia’s government now faces growing pressure after the largest protests in years. In the US, the Epstein files could soon become public, while the UN’s backing of Trump’s Gaza plan shifts diplomatic dynamics.
The UK’s stricter asylum rules, meanwhile, will take effect in the coming months. Welfare cuts during reviews are set to impact thousands of recognised refugees.
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