Trump unveils new Air Force One converted from luxury jet gifted by Qatar

WASHINGTON, United States 

United States President,  Donald Trump, on Friday showed off the new Air Force One, a formerly Qatari-owned jumbo jet that has been converted into the official US presidential aircraft.

The new aircraft eschews the Kennedy-era robin’s egg blue exterior of the old plane for a bolder look, with the underbelly of the plane painted navy blue with a red stripe above it. 

The plane's left side, where the president boards, features the presidential seal, while the tail of the aircraft has a massive American flag on it.

“This plane was transformed into a flying White House at a level of luxury that nobody has ever seen before,” Trump said from inside the massive Joint Base Andrews hangar, as a couple hundred assembled Air Force personnel looked on. He spoke after stepping off the new plane in a dramatic flourish, as his signature tune “God Bless the USA” played.

He confirmed that he would be taking the new jet to the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, next month and indicated he would be returning to China “at some point,” presumably a reference to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit that China is hosting in November. 

His return from the Group of 7 summit in France this week was the last planned trip aboard the old Air Force One, he said.

“Now, when we land at airports in London and in Germany and different places, nobody tops this one, and that’s the way we have to have it for our country,” Trump said, noting that the colors and the design were to “my taste, I will say."

He added that the new Air Force One will do a flyover during the July 4 celebrations next month.

The gift from Qatar is serving as a “bridge” aircraft to carry the president until the new planes ordered directly from Boeing arrive. That is currently slated for 2028.

The administration formally accepted a luxury Boeing 747 jet from Qatar last year to be used as the presidential airplane, despite questions about the ethics and legality of accepting such an expensive gift from a foreign government. 

Trump has insisted in the past that he would not fly around in the Qatari jet once he leaves office and said it would instead be donated to a future presidential library.

Trump on Friday said the US was in a “little bit of a logjam” as they awaited the delivery of the new jets directly from Boeing, which had originally been scheduled for 2024 but have been delayed. 

He recalled asking the emir of Qatar for use of one of their planes.

"See, a normal president wouldn’t do this. A normal president wants to stay away from aircraft," Trump said Friday. “But our country has to be represented properly.”

The Air Force said in a news release Friday that any plane deemed Air Force One “must meet rigorous security requirements” and that the Qatari plane “was modified under a disciplined engineering approach that prioritized these exact core capabilities above all else”.

The Air Force also said “much of the previous head of state interior layout” of the plane was kept intact.

The Air Force has said in the past that security modifications to the jet would cost less than $400 million.

Trump's efforts to reimagine the presidential airplane date back to his first administration, when he directed that an incoming fleet of new jets would adopt a colour scheme that was nearly identical to that of his personal airplane. 

Then president Joe Biden reversed the decision in March 2023 as an Air Force review suggested that the darker colours could increase costs and delay delivery of the new jets, but once Trump returned to office, he returned to his desired colours for the plane.

Other government jets that carry other top administration officials will also use the similar red, white and navy colour scheme, the Air Force said earlier this year.

An Air Force spokesperson, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive plans, told The our reporter that the two current planes, known as VC-25As, will not be retiring.

Instead, they will remain in the fleet until the new Boeing planes, referred to as VC-25Bs, come into service, the spokesperson said.

It is unclear how the older jets will be used but the spokesperson said that both the Qatari jet as well as the VC-25As will be available for use and “the Presidential Airlift Group will select the appropriate aircraft for each mission based on operational requirements”.

Mexico beat South Korea, become first team to reach World Cup knockouts

GUADALAJARA, Mexico 

FIFA World Cup 2026 cohosts Mexico became the first team to reach the knockout rounds with a 1-0 win over South Korea at a delirious Guadalajara Stadium on Thursday.

Luis Romo’s goal just after half-time put Mexico through as Group A winners with a match to go, following a goalkeeping clanger.

Mexico stopper Raul Rangel, meanwhile, made a superb double save in the dying minutes to preserve their lead.

Finishing top keeps Mexico at home in the last 32 with a game against a third-placed team in Mexico City. South Korea are second on three points, with Czechia and South Africa also still alive on one.

“It was a very close game; we didn’t give up a single centimetre and fought for every ball as if it were our last,” Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre told Mexican broadcaster TV Azteca.

“It was a game where whoever made a mistake would lose, and it was them… It was a game to forget, but ‌the result is one to remember.

“We’ll see how the last match plays out and wait for our opponent [in the round of 32]. I’m leaving happy, because it means we’re not leaving home, our beloved Mexico,” he added.

Mexico and South Korea went into the clash in front of a passionate Mexican crowd, knowing that victory would guarantee progress in double-quick time.

Aguirre made three changes from the side that beat South Africa 2-0 a week ago to open the tournament.

His counterpart, Myung-Bo Hong, made just one alteration, largely keeping faith with the team that fought back to defeat Czechia 2-1.

South Korea skipper Son Heungmin had the first sniff at goal after 15 minutes, looping the ball over Rangel, only for Edson Alvarez to prevent it from going in with a bicycle kick on the line.

Los Angeles FC attacker Son was belatedly flagged for offside, although replays suggested it was a close call.

Julian Quinones, who scored the opening goal of the tournament, then forced South Korea goalkeeper Kim Seunggyu into a good save from a header, raising the decibels.

The rest of an uneventful half belonged to South Korea as they stroked the ball around at will, without ever creating a clear chance, but they did succeed in silencing the home support.

Jeers rang out at half-time from the Mexico fans.

The hosts started the second period with far more intent, and five minutes in, they went ahead when goalkeeper Kim came for a high ball and clattered into his own player, spilling it straight to Romo.

Romo just needed to poke the ball first time into an unguarded net, triggering pandemonium.

Hong surprisingly hauled off the veteran talisman Son before the hour and threw on Hwang Heechan of Wolverhampton Wanderers.

But the Koreans were mostly toothless going forward until the final few minutes, when Guadalajara native Rangel came to Mexico’s rescue.

Mexico will face Czechia in their dead-rubber final group game, while South Korea play South Africa. South Africa and the Czechs drew 1-1 earlier in the day.

Hat-trick hero David inspires Canada’s historic first World Cup win

VANCOUVER, Canada 

Jonathan David scored a hat-trick as Canada earned their first-ever World Cup win in rampant style, brushing aside nine-man Qatar 6-0.

Cyle Larin and Nathan Saliba also got on the scoresheet in a brilliant performance at BC Place that sends them top of Group B with one game to play, with Homam El Amin and Assim Madibo both sent off for Julen Lopetegui’s side.

It was total dominance by Canada, with David seeing a volley parried early on before he played his part in the 16th-minute opener. 

He sent another volley straight at Mahmoud Abunada, but this time, the goalkeeper spilled it into a dangerous area, and Larin pounced to get his second goal of the tournament.

Canada doubled their lead just before the half-hour mark, with David putting his laces through Tajon Buchanan’s blocked shot to pick out the bottom-right corner.

Qatar’s first red card came just moments later; Canada were initially awarded a penalty for El Amin’s clumsy challenge on Buchanan, but replays showed contact was outside the box, so he was shown a straight red card for denying a goalscoring opportunity.

Akram Afif was then on the line to keep out Buchanan’s scuffed effort, but the co-hosts got their third on the stroke of half-time, with David reacting quickest to turn in Larin’s saved header.

The only blip on a historic day for Canada came five minutes into the second half as Madibo caught Ismaël Koné awkwardly from behind. The Sassuolo midfielder seemingly suffered a broken leg, which led to Madibo’s red card.

Kone waved to fans as he was stretchered off, and his replacement, Nathan Saliba, then whipped a stunning free-kick around the Qatar wall and in off the right post 64 minutes in.

Canada’s perfect day in Vancouver got better in the 75th minute as Jacob Schaffelburg’s off-balance effort was swiped into the net by the unfortunate Mohammed Al Manai.

But it was David who had the final say in the 92nd minute. Saliba fizzed a throughball into David’s feet, and he swivelled to plant his hat-trick goal beyond a helpless Abunada, becoming the second player to score a treble this tournament after Lionel Messi.

Switzerland turn it on late to defeat Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1

LOS ANGELES, United States 

Substitute Johan Manzambi scored twice as Switzerland beat Bosnia-Herzegovina 4-1 in a chaotic final 20 minutes to edge towards a place in the World Cup last 32.

Manzambi met a knockdown in the penalty area with a first-time volley past Bosnia goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj in the 74th minute, just two minutes and 46 seconds after he came off the bench. 

It was only the 20-year-old's fourth touch.

With Bosnia down to 10 men following Tarik Muharemovic's straight red card for bringing down Breel Embolo when clean through on goal, Ruben Vargas doubled Switzerland's advantage with a precise curling finish into the bottom corner.

Vargas turned provider in the 90th minute when he set up Manzambi to score his second of the night from close range, before Granit Xhaka converted an injury-time penalty after Djibril Sow was tripped by Amar Memic.

Ermin Mahmic scored a late consolation for Bosnia with a spectacular volley following a corner.

"It's probably the best moment of my career so far," Manzambi said after the game. "We knew why we didn't start well and we had to be patient but we're a good team and I think we showed that."

Until Manzambi's opener, Switzerland had been frustrated by their own lacklustre finishing and a stubborn Bosnia defence.

In the early stages, Switzerland exploited space on the left wing because of Bosnia's narrow shape out of possession, but Dan Ndoye fired into the side-netting before failing to make contact with a low cross with an attempted flick.

Ndoye saw his spectacular bicycle kick effort tipped over the bar early in the second half, before he made way for Manzambi.

Bosnia began to push again and looked the stronger side, but lost momentum at the hydration break midway through the second half.

Bosnia's veteran striker Edin Dzeko made his first appearance in his second World Cup and was his side's main threat, but could not muster a goal and was replaced on 64 minutes.

Switzerland top group B with four points, while Bosnia are bottom with one point and a goal difference of minus three.

At 20 years, 247 days, Manzambi is the youngest player to score a double as a substitute in a men's World Cup match.

The 20-year-old enjoyed a breakout season with Freiburg and his stock only looks set to rise.

He played a key role as in the Bundesliga side reaching the final of the Europa League, the first major continental final in the club's history, and has reportedly attracted interest from several Premier League clubs.

The Geneva-born midfielder made his senior Swiss debut last June - he marked his second cap with a goal and assist in a 4-0 win against the United States - and has featured in all of their 13 internationals since.

He was the catalyst behind Switzerland's late surge in Los Angeles, and has surely made a strong claim to start against Canada.

Manzambi's career could have looked very different - he grew up idolising Manuel Neuer and wanted to be a goalkeeper.

"The Swiss national team player I admired when I was younger? Yann Sommer," he told Blick.

"I knew it would surprise you, but when I was little, I wanted to be a goalkeeper. But my father and brother didn't agree."

Switzerland boss Murat Yakin praised Manzambi and said he is full of surprises.

"Johan is just a very happy person with so many football qualities," he said. "He is a boy who learned how to play football on the streets.

"We give him so much freedom, he can create pressure, dribbling, he can work on the finishes, score goals. He was very important to us as a substitute in the past and we are so happy to have him on our team. He was so important for today's match.

"He put a lot of pressure on the opponent. He is a player who can surprise us. He surprises us as well as the opponent. He can come through the centre or the sides."

Switzerland's final group match is against tournament co-hosts Canada in Vancouver on Wednesday, 24 June (20:00 BST). Bosnia will face Qatar in Seattle at the same time.

EAST AFRICA NEWSPAPERS 19/6/2026

 

EU lawmakers push to block $179 million EU funding for Tanzania over election and rights concerns

By Solomon Ekanem, BRUSSELS Belgium 

The European Parliament has called on the European Commission to withdraw its proposed €156 million (about $179 million) funding package for Tanzania, escalating tensions between Brussels and Dar es Salaam over allegations of electoral fraud and human rights violations.

Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) adopted the resolution on Thursday by a show of hands, rejecting the Commission’s draft implementing decision on Tanzania’s 2026 annual action plan funding.

Lawmakers argued that the proposal failed to reflect earlier parliamentary concerns about governance, democratic standards, and the aftermath of Tanzania’s October 2025 elections.

The disputed elections have been widely criticised following reports of irregularities and a violent crackdown on post-election protests.

According to a Tanzanian national commission of inquiry cited by MEPs, at least 518 people died during the unrest, although the report did not attribute responsibility or publish detailed findings, raising further questions about accountability.

In the resolution, MEPs also pointed to the continued detention of opposition figures, including Chadema leader Tundu Lissu, and expressed concern over restrictions on political freedoms and civil society engagement.

They further criticised what they described as repeated refusals by Tanzanian authorities to allow a European Parliament human rights delegation to visit the country.

Lawmakers argued that the Commission’s draft decision exceeded its mandate and was inconsistent with EU legal frameworks governing external assistance.

They are now calling for a revised proposal that ensures EU funding does not undermine human rights, democracy, or civil society support in Tanzania.

The European Commission had previously suspended the approval process for the funding package in November 2025 following initial concerns raised by MEPs. However, lawmakers said those concerns had not been adequately addressed in the revised plan.

The €156 million programme forms part of broader EU development assistance aimed at supporting governance reforms and basic service delivery in Tanzania, but its future now remains uncertain amid rising political scrutiny in Brussels.

The Tanzanian government has since pivoted to Russia amid fallout with the European Union. Earlier this month, President Samia Suluhu Hassan made the first Tanzanian state visit to Russia in 57 years, taking part in the St Petersburg International Economic Forum as the East African nation signals a shift in its external partnerships.

Tanzania is now seeking more than $2 billion in Russian investment and business deals over the next three to five years, as it moves to deepen economic cooperation with Moscow while reducing reliance on traditional Western partners.

The diplomatic realignment comes after Western countries raised concerns and applied pressure following Tanzania’s disputed 2025 election.

Despite the growing engagement with Russia, officials in Dar es Salaam maintain that the country is not abandoning its Western relationships, but is instead pursuing a more diversified investment strategy.

South Africa grab 1-1 draw with Czechia with late penalty

ATLANTA,  United States 

South Africa scored ⁠a ⁠penalty seven minutes from full-time as they fought ⁠back to draw 1-1 with the Czech ⁠Republic at the World Cup after falling behind early in the Group ‌A clash.

Teboho Mokoena slotted home the spot kick after Pavel Sulc’s handball handed the South Africans a lifeline on Thursday as they were staring ⁠at potential early ⁠elimination.

The Czechs led from the sixth minute when Michal Sadilek struck ⁠home after a clever slipped ⁠pass from Alexandr ⁠Sojka following Adam Hlozek’s delivery from the right wing.

Both teams now ‌have a point after losing their respective opening games – two behind South Korea and cohosts Mexico, who face off later on Thursday.

South Africa next face South Korea, while the Czech Republic take on the daunting task of playing Mexico in the Estadio Azteca.

Both sides started with disappointing performances and defeats on the World Cup’s opening day, but the Czechs quickly set about making amends.

Patrik Schick is the biggest name in a Czech side lacking the star quality of previous generations, but the Bayer Leverkusen forward missed a glorious chance inside the first minute when he planted a header wide.

Miroslav Koubek’s men only had to wait another five minutes to take the lead.

Adam Hlozek’s cross was classily cushioned by Alexandr Sojka into the path of Sadilek, who calmly stroked the ball past Ronwen Williams.

Now in their fourth attempt, South Africa have never progressed beyond the group stage at the World Cup.

Hugo Broos has overseen an upturn in Bafana Bafana’s fortunes since taking charge five years ago.

The 2010 hosts had not qualified for the World Cup since 2002, but finished third at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Their return to the global stage has exposed a lack of quality, though, particularly in forward areas.

The Czechs were left to rue not making more of their chances to kill the game off early in the second half

Vladimir Darida took too long to get his shot off with a big chance before Lukas Cerv’s long-range effort was tipped over by Williams.

There were thousands of empty seats on show at the futuristic home of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons, but those in attendance loudly booed the mid-half hydration breaks in an enclosed and air-conditioned stadium.

The majority of the crowd were backing South Africa and finally had something to cheer seven minutes from time.

Thapelo Maseko’s shot hit the arm of the unfortunate Pavel Sulc, and referee Tori Penso, part of an all-female officiating team, pointed to the spot.

Mokoena confidently drilled home the spot-kick for his nation’s first World Cup goal in 16 years.

They came close to a second five minutes later when Matej Kovar saved from Relebohile Mofokeng.

But both sides had to settle for a point that could yet prove vital come the end of Wednesday’s final Group A games.

South Africa’s coach, Hugo Broos, says it is possible for his side to beat South Korea and qualify for the knockout stages if they repeat their mentality from the battling draw with Czechia.

“I’m very proud of my team. This is Bafana Bafana – we love good football, we are aggressive, we create chances. Yes, we made mistakes, but I’m very proud of the performance today,” he said.

“The Czechia team is powerful and very tall. We did very well. It’s a little bit of a pity that it’s only 1-1, but we just have to win the game against South Korea, which will be very difficult too.

“If we play with the same mentality, it will be possible.”

Czechia coach Miroslav Koubek said his players could not have given more.

“I rate that performance positively today,” he told local media.

“I can’t reproach the lads for anything; on the contrary, I can praise them. They gave it absolutely everything, and sometimes that might be more than a victory.”

Kane double fires England past Croatia in World Cup thriller

TEXAS, United States 

Harry Kane scored twice in the first half as England eventually saw off Croatia 4-2 to launch their World Cup assault in Texas.

Jude Bellingham, immediately after half-time, and substitute Marcus Rashford with five minutes to go ensured a winning start for Thomas Tuchel’s side after Croatia had fought back to level at 2-2 in Wednesday’s game.

The prolific Kane twice put England ahead in the first half – one a retaken penalty – only for Martin Baturina and Petar Musa to hit back for 2018 runners-up Croatia.

With both sides shaky at the back, the second half threatened another goal glut, Bellingham needing just two minutes to put England ahead again in front of a crowd of 70,000.

England had numerous chances to extend their lead immediately after, but did not take them until Rashford popped up.

The meeting was a repeat of the 2018 semifinal, which Croatia won 2-1 after extra time, although England have since had the edge against one of the older squads at the tournament in North America.

Thomas Tuchel’s side, bidding to deliver England a first major trophy since 1966, made a nervy start in front of a packed house at the impressive air-conditioned home of the Dallas Cowboys.

Then the drama came. Croatia’s talismanic captain Luka Modric dangled out a leg and caught Noni Madueke in the box.

Kane saw his unconvincing penalty saved by Dominik Livakovic, only for French referee Clement Turpin to order a retake after video replays deemed the stopper had come off his line.

Turpin once sent off Tuchel in the Champions League and the referee taking charge of the game had been highlighted by English media this week.

Bayern Munich predator Kane held his nerve a second time around, again going to Livakovic’s left but this time in more ruthless fashion to give England the lead after 12 minutes.

Now it was all England, and Real Madrid midfielder Bellingham – preferred to Morgan Rogers in the number 10 role – surged upfield, forcing Livakovic to smother.

Loud boos rang out for the drinks break, given the match was under a roof and not the unforgiving Texas sun.

On the half hour, England should have gone 2-0 up, Bellingham narrowly failing to make contact with Madueke’s delicious low cross.

On 36 minutes, Croatia drew level.

England squandered the ball in midfield, then Petar Sucic left John Stones on the floor with some neat footwork to set up Baturina.

The 23-year-old met the ball for the first time and whipped it past Jordan Pickford, who got a hand to the ball.

Zlatko Dalic’s side were level for just six minutes as a Declan Rice corner found Kane unmarked and the captain nodded home.

It took skipper Kane to 10 World Cup goals, the most of any England player along with Gary Lineker.

Tuchel, who has made it clear that winning the World Cup is his aim, barely smiled.

Putting the seal on a frenetic first half, Musa took advantage of more poor England defending in the fifth minute of injury time to stroke the ball in from close range for 2-2.

The second half started just as the first ended – with a goal – as Bellingham galloped down the right unchallenged and rolled the ball into the corner.

Kane and Nico O’Reilly, twice each, and Bellingham had good chances for a 4-2 lead as England pummelled the Croatia goal.

With 15 minutes left and England retreating, Croatia had several opportunities before Rashford made the three points safe.

EAST AFRICA NEWSPAPERS 18/6/2026

 

Portugal held to draw by DR Congo in World Cup 2026 opener

TEXAS, United States 

Cristiano Ronaldo’s record-equalling sixth World Cup got off to a disappointing start as the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) secured their first-ever point at the football finals, drawing 1-1 with Portugal in their Group K match.

Yoane Wissa’s header cancelled out Joao Neves’s early goal on Wednesday, and the African side – appearing in their first World Cup since 1974, when their country was known as Zaire – more than held their own.

Portugal’s Ronaldo, 41, was largely a peripheral figure throughout the match, failing to make the impact his great rival Lionel Messi had achieved on Tuesday in scoring a hat-trick against Algeria.

The DRC’s achievement was even greater, given that their preparations had been disrupted by the Ebola outbreak back in their country.

Some Portugal players were wearing wrist bands, given to them by their Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, in tribute to late teammate Diogo Jota, who was killed in a car crash last year.

Portugal got off to the perfect start, with Neves powering home a header from Pedro Neto’s cross in the sixth minute.

However, despite dominating possession, they lacked a cutting edge, and well into time added on in the first half, their opponents made them pay.

Wissa rose unmarked to head past Diogo Costa in the Portuguese goal, sparking wild celebrations on the pitch, the bench and among the Congolese fans in the stadium as the Newcastle forward registered his country’s first-ever goal at a World Cup.

Former Portuguese defensive bulwark Pepe, watching from the VIP seats, did not look impressed.

Bernardo Silva had started the day by joining Real Madrid on a free transfer, but he ended it by watching from the bench after coach Roberto Martinez took him off at half-time.

He was briefly off his feet celebrating when Joao Cancelo’s overhead kick hit the back of the net – only for it to be ruled out for offside.

The Congolese were matching the Portuguese, though, and 35-year-old veteran striker Cedric Bakambu shrugged aside Bruno Fernandes, but his shot came back off the near post.

Ronaldo finally had a chance to shine when presented with a chance by Francisco Conceicao’s pass. But he fluffed his lines, sending it wide of the post.

The same combination linked up again minutes later, with Conceicao – a far livelier presence than Silva had been – teeing up Ronaldo. But once again the result was the same, and the ball went wide.

Portugal thought they had at least got a corner, but when it was not given, Conceicao slammed the ball into the ground in frustration as his side failed to pick up three points in their opener.