VANCOUVER — It’s ‘Take Your Dog to World Cup’ Day: A Qatar fan carries a dog wearing sunglasses during a World Cup rally in British Columbia, Wednesday, June 17, 2026.
Canada plays Qatar at 6 p.m. EDT and 3 p.m. PT. The score at press time was 5 to nothing, Canada leading after 80 minutes. Czechia tied with South Africa 1-1, and Switzerland dominated Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1.
Mexico plays South Korea at 9 p.m. EDT.
ASCOT — Like the Kentucky Derby, a place for horses and hats: A racegoer reacts as she arrives on the third day of the Royal Ascot horse race meeting, traditionally called Ladies Day in England, Thursday, June 18, 2026.
A four-year-old colt named Scandinavia won the Gold Cup, along with his trainer, Aidan O’Brien of Ireland, who has now won 10 Gold Cups and 100 wins at Ascot.
CHICAGO — Beaming and ready for prime time in the city that launched his career: Former President Barack Obama appears on stage as he surprises administration and campaign alumni, ahead of Wednesday’s dedication ceremony.
Obama urged those present to protect democracy.
Among the attendees were former Presidents Joe Biden, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, along with their wives. Former Vice President Kamala Harris was also present.
CHICAGO — A fitting tribute to the energy of their administration: A statue of former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama is seen at the Obama Presidential Center ahead of the dedicated ceremony Thursday.
Brooklyn architects also had a hand in creating the center, celebrating Chicago’s role in the Obamas’ marriage and political career. Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, based on Court St., is credited as the landscape architectural firm.
General admission tickets for the Obama Presidential Center are sold out through the end of October, with more than a million visitors expected annually.
TORONTO — It’s ‘Wear Your Flags to World Cup’ Day: A fan celebrates after Ghana defeated Panama in a World Cup Group L soccer match on Wednesday.
Ghana won 1-0 with Caleb Yirenkyi producing a stoppage-time winner in the 95th minute.
Ghana’s next opposing team, England, is expected to bring a challenge on June 23, Tuesday.
MEXICO CITY — ‘Look Ma, no hands …’ Colombia’s Daniel Munoz (2) scores the opening goal during the World Cup Group K soccer match between Uzbekistan and Colombia, Wednesday.
Colombia, after winning 3-1, now tops Group K in the standings, followed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The two will play each other on June 23.
The Athletic projects that Colombia has a 97% chance of advancing to the Round of 32 if they win their group.
VATICAN — Responding to duties for another guest: Swiss Pontifical Guards march ahead of the arrival of Peru’s interim President Jose Maria Balcazar at the St. Damasus Courtyard to meet with Pope Leo XIV, Thursday.
Peruvian President Balcázar announced Thursday that Pope Leo XIV will visit Peru in the first half of November.
The pontiff will visit several cities, particularly Chiclayo, where he pastored and performed mission work for almost ten years before the late Pope Francis summoned him to the Vatican to become president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.
NEW YORK — Hey, more love here than at the Oscars … Timothee Chalamet greets fans during the New York Knicks’ NBA championship parade Thursday.
AP called Chalamet, who was an Academy Awards nominee for Best Actor this year, one of several “courtside fixtures” at Knicks games.
