Basque Country

Spain's national soccer team, historically influenced by Catalan players from FC Barcelona, has become a unifying force as regional separatist tensions in Catalonia and the Basque Country have waned. The current World Cup squad features more players from these regions than other parts of Spain, with no Real Madrid representatives, highlighting soccer's role in overshadowing political divisions.

France has restricted public alcohol consumption and canceled outdoor sports events to manage a severe heat wave, with temperatures reaching 40°C in parts of the country. Emergency services and military are on wildfire alert, while drowning deaths and health risks from extreme heat have been reported across Europe.