The week in pictures: World Cup 2026 kicks off, the Pope visits Spain and the White House prepares for a cage fight showdown

Last updated: June 14, 2026 5:54 pm

By france24

4 Min Read

Contents

US flight carrying deported migrants lands in Central African Republic Celebrated British contemporary artist David Hockney dies at 88 US deal covers ending naval blockade, Hormuz will not return to pre-war era, Iran’s FM says US and Iran contradict each other on Sunday peace deal signing Why Russian trucks in Ukraine are covered in ‘zebra’ camouflage Trump says Iran peace deal is near after threatening new strikes

The Pope visits Segrada Familia during his trip to Barcelona, the 2026 football World Cup kicks off in Mexico city, and the White House prepares for its first cage fight showdown. FRANCE 24 looks back at some of the week’s most striking images.

Issued on: 14/06/2026 – 16:44

2 min Reading time

Fireworks explode during the inauguration of the Tower of Jesus Christ at the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia Pope Leo XIV's visit toBarcelona, Spain, on June 10, 2026 — Fireworks explode during the inauguration of the Tower of Jesus Christ at the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia Pope Leo XIV’s visit toBarcelona, Spain, on June 10, 2026. © Reuters – Nacho Doce

Nigerian nationals repatriated from South Africa after a surge of xenophobic violence arrive at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Nigeria, on June 11, 2026 — Nigerian nationals repatriated from South Africa after a surge of xenophobic violence arrive at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Nigeria, on June 11, 2026. © Sunday Alamba, AP

Fires rage around police vehicles as protesters clash with law enforcement in Glengormley, north of Belfast, on June 10, 2026 — Fires rage around police vehicles as protesters clash with law enforcement in Glengormley, Northern Ireland, on June 10, 2026. © Paul Faith, AFP

An overview of Mexico City Stadium before the World Cup football match between Mexico and South Africa on June 11, 2026 — An overview of Mexico City Stadium before the World Cup football match between Mexico and South Africa on June 11, 2026. © Antonio Felix, AP

Soldiers stand guard while fans cheer the players during the Sudanese Premier League football match between Al Merrikh and Al-Hilal at the Khartoum Stadium in Sudan on June 10, 2026 — Soldiers stand guard as fans cheer during the Sudanese Premier League football match between Al Merrikh and Al-Hilal at the Khartoum Stadium in Sudan on June 10, 2026. © Marwan Ali, AP

An MMA arena being prepared on the South Lawn of the White House for the 250th anniversary of the United States, on June 11, 2026, in Washington — An MMA arena being prepared on the South Lawn of the White House for the 250th anniversary of the United States, on June 11, 2026, in Washington. © Alex Brandon, AP

A person holds a photo of the late Thai princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol in Bangkok, Thailand, on June 12, 2026 — A person holds a photo of the late Thai princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol in Bangkok, Thailand, on June 12, 2026. © Sakchai Lalit, AP

Mourners carry the body of one of the four members of the al-Hariri family killed in Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon in the Daraa province of southern Syria, on June 10, 2026 — Mourners carry the body of one of the four members of the al-Hariri family killed in Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon in the Daraa province of southern Syria, on June 10, 2026. © Omar Albam, AFP

A gathering organized in memory of Lyhanna, and to demand new laws on child protection, in Saint-Jean-d'Angély, in southwestern France, on June 9, 2026. — A gathering organized in memory of Lyhanna, and to demand new laws on child protection, in Saint-Jean-d’Angély, in southwestern France, on June 9, 2026 © Romain Perrocheau, AFP

"Grok from SpaceX produces child pornography using AI," reads an inflatable effigy of Elon Musk that appeared in Times Square in New York on June 11 — “Grok from SpaceX produces child pornography using AI,” reads an inflatable effigy of Elon Musk that appeared in Times Square in New York on June 11. © Seth Wenig, AP

A couple kisses during the 16th edition of the tomato battle festival, known as "Tomatina", in Sutamarchan, Colombia, June 7, 2026 — A couple kisses during the 16th edition of the tomato battle festival, known as “Tomatina”, in Sutamarchan, Colombia, June 7, 2026. © Esteban Vega La-Rotta

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TAGGED:culture Pope Leo XIV South Africa Spain The week in pictures World Cup 2026

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