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The World Cup Promised $3.8 Billion — Here's What Canada Actually Got

       Monday July 13, 2026 FIFA promised Canada a $3.8-billion economic windfall for hosting the 2026 World Cup. Two weeks into play in Toronto, the receipts tell a very different story — and there's a lesson in it for anyone thinking a "big event" boost is coming to their city, their rental property, or their business. The Billion-Dollar Bill Came First Before a single ball was kicked, Canadian taxpayers were already on the hook. According to the Parliamentary Budget Office, governments across the country will spend roughly $1.07 billion hosting the 2026 tournament. Toronto alone budgeted $380 million to host six matches at BMO Field. British Columbia's tab for Vancouver's seven matches at BC Place came in even higher, at about $578 million. Ottawa is chipping in $473 million of that total — including $220 million in direct grants to Toronto and B.C., plus another $145 million earmarked for security costs during the tournament. Net of federal help, Toronto and B...

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Netanyahu Cancels Israeli Delegation to U.S. After U.N. Ceasefire Vote

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has canceled an Israeli delegation’s planned visit to Washington, D.C., scheduled for this week. The decision came after the United States refrained from vetoing a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

The U.N. Security Council’s resolution marks the first time it has demanded an immediate ceasefire since the war began. Fourteen out of fifteen countries voted in favor of the resolution, which specifically called for a halt to fighting in Gaza during the month of Ramadan. Notably, the resolution did not impose any preconditions, such as the release of hostages.

The United States’ abstention from voting was a significant shift. Just last week, the U.S. submitted a draft resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire without linking it to the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. The change in position reflects a departure from decades of stalwart support for Israel.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, emphasized the ongoing diplomatic efforts led by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt to secure an immediate and sustainable ceasefire. She stressed the need to alleviate the suffering of Palestinian civilians in Gaza, who are in dire need of protection and life-saving humanitarian assistance.

Netanyahu’s decision to cancel the delegation’s trip underscores the tension surrounding the UN vote and highlights the delicate balance between international diplomacy and regional conflict. As the situation continues to evolve, the world watches closely for any signs of progress toward peace in the troubled region.

Last October, President Biden met with Netanyahu in Tel Aviv, but recent events have strained the traditionally strong U.S.-Israel relationship.

As the conflict persists, the international community remains hopeful for a resolution that brings an end to the violence and paves the way for lasting peace in the Middle East.

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