AGP Executive Report

Heatwave Toll: Belgium’s death rate jumped 39% during the late-June heatwave, with 1,222 excess deaths recorded between Jun 18 and Jun 29 as officials warn the figures are preliminary. Cross-Border Impact: France, the Netherlands and Belgium together logged at least 3,700 excess deaths, with France reporting 2,025 and warning mortality could be higher. Air Defence Upgrade: Belgium is set to buy 20 Skyranger 30 air-defence systems (with 10 NASAMS launchers) to protect key infrastructure from drone attacks, with delivery plans tied to NATO talks. Congo Archives: Belgium is opening colonial-era Congo geological archives at the AfricaMuseum in Tervuren, aiming to digitize and share data within five years amid a global minerals race. Ebola Response: WHO is stepping up Ebola-curbing efforts in the DRC with a drug trial (PARTNERS) and rollout of diagnostic tests for the Bundibugyo strain, as hundreds have died. Brussels Culture: NewFrames launched Brussels’ first film festival of advocacy, previewing its 2027 programme with Hollywood talent and policy figures. Belgian Football Abroad: Relebohile Mofokeng’s move to Belgium’s Union St-Gilloise is confirmed on a four-year deal.

World Cup Shock in Seattle: Belgium completed a wild 3-2 extra-time comeback over Senegal, with Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans turning a 0-2 deficit into a last-16 spot after a late VAR-awarded penalty. Senegal Fallout: Senegal midfielder Pape Gueye says he’ll take a break from the national team while coach Pape Thiaw remains in charge, as the squad faces growing internal tension. USMNT vs Belgium Build-Up: The U.S. beat Bosnia 2-0 to set up Monday’s round-of-16 in Seattle, but Folarin Balogun’s red card means he’s out; FIFA says there’s no route to appeal the red-card ban at the tournament. EU Money for Belgium: The European Commission cleared Belgium’s €567m fourth Recovery and Resilience Facility payment request under NextGenerationEU, including nature reconnection projects in Flanders. Belgian Tech Boost: Healthtech firm Azalea Vision won EIC Accelerator funding—up to €7.5m—to push its smart contact lens toward clinical development. Telecom Upgrade: Proximus selected Ekinops for a 10-year deal to modernize Belgium’s optical network under its NEURON project.

World Cup Drama (Belgium): Belgium completed a stunning 3-2 extra-time comeback over Senegal in Seattle, overturning a 2-0 lead with goals from Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans, then winning on a penalty in the 125th minute—the latest goal in World Cup history. VAR & Fallout: Senegal coach Pape Thiaw said the defeat “hurts” after protests over the VAR-awarded spot kick. Belgium’s Next Test (Sports): Belgium now face the USA in the Round of 16 on July 6 in Seattle. USMNT Blow (Sports): The USA advanced 2-0 over Bosnia, but Folarin Balogun’s straight red means he misses the Belgium match, with no appeal under FIFA rules. Belgium Abroad (Football): Nottingham Forest extended Belgian goalkeeper Matz Sels’ deal to 2028. Diplomacy & Trade: Belgium’s Deputy PM Maxime Prévot pushed closer ties with Malaysia, highlighting offshore energy cooperation and the EU-Malaysia free trade talks.

World Cup Drama (Belgium): Belgium staged a stunning 3-2 comeback against Senegal in Seattle, overturning a 2-0 deficit with goals from Romelu Lukaku (86) and Youri Tielemans (89), then winning via a Tielemans penalty in the 125th minute—the latest goal in World Cup history. Senegal protested the VAR-awarded spot kick after Lamine Camara’s foul on Tielemans, but the decision stood, sending Belgium into the last 16. World Cup Drama (Belgium’s Next Opponent): The United States also advanced, beating Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0 in Santa Clara despite playing with 10 men after Folarin Balogun was sent off. Malik Tillman sealed the win with a free kick (82). Disciplinary Fallout: Balogun’s red card means he will miss the Round of 16 against Belgium on Monday, July 6 in Seattle. Local Tragedy (Antwerp): A fire in a 10-storey apartment block in Antwerp’s Linkeroever neighbourhood killed at least six people and injured many others; police said the blaze began after a technical failure on the ground floor and the building was evacuated.

World Cup Round of 32 (Belgium): Belgium kick off their knockout push in Seattle against Senegal, after topping Group G with a 5-1 win over New Zealand; the big question is who leads the line, with Rudi Garcia juggling Romelu Lukaku and Charles de Ketelaere as Senegal aim for a last-16 spot. World Cup Round of 32 (US): In Santa Clara, the United States host Bosnia and Herzegovina, chasing their first knockout win in 24 years; Christian Pulisic is expected to be fit after a calf issue. Antwerp fire tragedy: A blaze in a 10-storey apartment building in Antwerp’s Linkeroever district killed at least six people and injured many more; police say the cause is under investigation. EU justice: EU prosecutors carried out raids across France, Belgium, Spain and Italy over alleged misuse of EU funds linked to a former far-right European Parliament group. Business/Belgium ties: Tessenderlo’s investment group has put $400m into FMC, ending a strategic review. Sports transfers: Orlando Pirates confirmed an agreement with Belgium’s Union Saint-Gilloise for Relebohile Mofokeng, pending medical and personal terms.

World Cup Round of 32 (Seattle): Belgium head into their knockout opener against Senegal as favourites, with odds around Belgium -180, after topping Group G with a 5-1 win over New Zealand. Team news: Coach Rudy Garcia says the squad is fully fit, with Jeremy Doku and Zeno Debast available, though Debast may need time after missing the group stage. Senegal angle: Senegal coach Pape Bouna Thiaw calls the knockout phase a “new competition,” but they’ll miss injured goalkeeper Édouard Mendy. Belgium star quotes: Romelu Lukaku says Belgium must be at their best and expects a balanced, tough contest. Belgium beyond football: PwC warns Belgium’s biotech ecosystem is strong at early research but struggles to scale, urging a more unified national approach to help startups grow. Business in Brussels: Euroclear’s frozen-assets dispute with Russia continues in Belgian court, while Tessenderlo is set to invest about $400m in FMC.

Belgium in World Cup spotlight: Romelu Lukaku says Belgium can’t underestimate Senegal ahead of their Round of 32 clash in Seattle, calling it a “50/50” and praising Senegal’s technical and physical edge. Euroclear vs Russia: Belgian financial group Euroclear has sued Russia’s central bank in a Brussels court to block a Moscow ruling ordering it to pay over $250bn in damages tied to frozen Russian state assets. Diplomacy: Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot is set to visit the Philippines for three days, aiming to push trade, investment, tech and people-to-people cooperation. Transport disruption: Eurostar cancels direct UK–Netherlands services after fire damage near Rotterdam, with London–Brussels running and longer journeys for some routes. Sports & culture: Mons’ UNESCO-listed Doudou festival draws huge crowds, while Belgium’s beach volleyball duo Gilles Vandecaveye & Louis Vandecaveye win gold in Geneva.

World Cup Shockwaves: Japan’s World Cup run ended again in heartbreak, losing 2-1 to Brazil in Houston with Gabriel Martinelli scoring in stoppage time. Belgium in the Spotlight: Belgium’s Golden Generation surged in Group G with a 5-1 win over New Zealand, with Leandro Trossard scoring twice and Kevin De Bruyne adding a key strike; Belgium now head into the knockout phase after topping the group. African Momentum: DR Congo’s World Cup story is being framed as one of resilience after navigating qualifiers, Ebola-related quarantine, and conflict, with Yoane Wissa highlighting the “we came from nothing” journey. EU-China Trade Talks (Brussels): In Brussels, the European Commission and China agreed a joint monitoring mechanism to improve transparency and manage trade frictions, with workstreams on investment balancing, export controls, intellectual property, and WTO reform. Heat and Power Strain: Reporting highlights how Europe’s heatwave is pushing electricity demand up sharply, with Belgium seeing power prices spike above €1,000 per MWh as cooling needs surge.

World Cup Round of 32 (Belgium): Belgium’s “golden generation” is down to Courtois, De Bruyne and Lukaku as it chases one last shot at glory, topping Group G with five points and then exploding in style with a 5-1 win over New Zealand; the next test is Senegal in Seattle on Wednesday, with Amadou Onana relishing the matchup. EU Humanitarian Aid: The European Union has approved €5m plus 50 tons of humanitarian supplies for Venezuela after the June 24 earthquakes, with Belgium among the member states sending experts. Brussels Diplomacy & Politics: Brussels is pushing back on Vatican criticism of EU “double standards” on war, while Belgian MEP Marc Botenga says the EU’s stance doesn’t match its values. Air Travel: Brussels Airlines plans a gradual restart of Tel Aviv flights in August, starting with one weekly service. Climate Pressure: A deadly European heatwave continues to spread east, with France and Belgium among the hardest hit. Business/Shipping: CMB.Tech sold two 2023-built suezmax tankers, including Belgium-flagged Brugge, aiming for about $100m in capital gains.

World Cup Knockout Drama: Canada stunned South Africa 1-0 with Stephen Eustáquio’s stoppage-time winner, sending the co-hosts into the Round of 16 for the first time and setting up a Netherlands-or-Morocco clash next. Belgium in the Spotlight: Belgium’s Round of 32 opponent is Senegal, with Zeno Debast back in the squad picture after injury and Belgium pushing for a strong run after group-stage momentum. Severe Weather Hits Belgium Events: Pop star Katy Perry was forced to cancel her Werchter Boutique set in Belgium at the last minute after government-mandated safety rules tied to incoming thunderstorms. EU-China Trade Tensions: In Brussels, EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic met China’s Wang Wentao as the bloc warns of unsustainable trade imbalances and weighs tougher defence measures. Heatwave Watch: A record-breaking European heatwave is also driving demand—Chinese electric fan exports to Belgium and other EU countries surged sharply in the first five months.

Belgium at the World Cup: The Red Devils booked their place in the Round of 32 after a 5-1 rout of New Zealand, with Leandro Trossard’s brace and goals from Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku helping Belgium top Group G; next up is Senegal. World Cup knockout bracket: FIFA has confirmed the Round of 32 matchups and schedule, with Belgium vs Senegal in Seattle and other marquee ties including Brazil-Japan and England-DR Congo. Iran heartbreak: Iran’s campaign ended despite an unbeaten group run, eliminated on goal difference after a late Austria-Algeria 3-3. Belgium abroad in sport: Zizou Bergs won his first ATP title on grass in Eastbourne, becoming the first Belgian man to lift an ATP trophy on grass. Humanitarian response: Belgium is sending shelter supplies and crisis experts via B-FAST to earthquake-hit Venezuela, in coordination with Luxembourg. Culture & local life: Katy Perry’s Werchter Boutique set in Belgium was cancelled at the last minute due to weather and crowd-safety concerns.

World Cup Knockout Set: The 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 is now locked in, with Belgium finishing Group G top after a 5-1 demolition of New Zealand as Leandro Trossard scored twice and Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku also found the net; Belgium’s next match is against Senegal. Belgium’s Next Opponent: The full bracket is confirmed, including Belgium vs Senegal and England vs DR Congo, while Austria and Algeria advanced after a dramatic 3-3 that eliminated Iran. DR Congo Breakthrough: DR Congo ended a 52-year wait to reach the knockout stage, rallying 3-1 past Uzbekistan with Yoane Wissa scoring twice, setting up a Round of 32 clash with England. Iran’s Exit: Iran were eliminated despite remaining unbeaten, knocked out by stoppage-time chaos elsewhere and a politically charged tournament. Local Life, Weather Disruption: Pop star Katy Perry’s Werchter Boutique set in Belgium was cancelled hours before showtime due to a government-mandated weather and crowd-safety shutdown.

World Cup Round of 32: Belgium are through as Group G winners after a 5-1 demolition of New Zealand in Vancouver, with Leandro Trossard scoring twice and Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers also on target; Belgium will now face a third-place finisher in Seattle. Group G drama: In the other match, Egypt and Iran drew 1-1 in Seattle, with VAR ruling out a late Iranian winner for offside, leaving Iran to wait on results elsewhere for a best third-place spot. Coach response: Rudi Garcia pushed back on criticism after the win, saying Belgium’s campaign is finally “picking up speed” as they answered early doubts with goals. EU politics: Belgium’s EU commissioner Hadja Lahbib is set to take part in Budapest Pride 2026, meeting Hungarian officials as the EU discusses equality policies. Heat and energy: A Europe-wide heatwave is stressing power systems, with Belgium seeing electricity prices spike above €1/kWh at sunset.

Belgium World Cup Surge: Leandro Trossard scored twice as Belgium thrashed New Zealand 5-1 to top Group G and book a Round of 32 clash in Seattle, with Kevin De Bruyne also on the scoresheet after VAR overturned an early penalty call. Group G Knockout Picture: The other Group G match, Egypt vs Iran, will decide who Belgium faces next, with Belgium needing results to secure the best possible position after earlier draws. Heatwave Pressure on Belgium: A record-breaking European heatwave continues to hit Belgium and much of western Europe, with authorities warning about health risks and disruptions as temperatures soar. FIFA Pride Flag Ruling: FIFA will allow rainbow flags inside Seattle’s stadium for the Iran-Egypt match despite objections from both countries, framing it as a human-rights statement. Local Sports Culture: Off the pitch, Belgium fans are gearing up for the decisive World Cup finale at BC Place as supporters pack watch parties across Metro Vancouver.

World Cup Pressure on Belgium: Belgium head into the Group G finale with New Zealand needing results to stay alive, with coach Rudi Garcia stressing survival will hinge on Belgium’s attacking edge after a goalless draw with Iran; winger Jeremy Doku has returned to camp after the birth of his son, but is unlikely to play a full 90 minutes. Heatwave Hits Belgium: Belgium cancelled the Waterloo Napoleon reenactment this weekend due to extreme temperatures, as the wider European heatwave drives record highs and health warnings, including disruptions and rising electricity costs. Belgium in Sports Beyond Football: Christophe Soumillon’s Royal Ascot appeal over an “advantage” riding charge was adjourned to next week, while Wimbledon’s draw confirms Serena Williams’ return against Maya Joint. EU-Ukraine Watch: The EU opened the first cluster of Ukraine accession talks in Luxembourg, with “Fundamentals” negotiations now underway. Morocco-EU Finance: Morocco is pressing EU countries including Belgium to protect bank operations and keep remittances flowing under new EU oversight rules. Local Culture: Belgium’s heat also forced event cancellations, while a European Film Festival in Mongolia highlights EU cultural ties through contemporary cinema and training.

Belgium at the World Cup: Belgium’s Jérémy Doku is back for the must-win clash with New Zealand after missing the Iran game for the birth of his son, but coach Rudi Garcia says he’s unlikely to play a full 90 minutes; Romelu Lukaku is also managed for minutes as Belgium chase a knockout spot. World Cup knockouts (Belgium’s path): Australia booked the Round of 32 with a 0-0 draw against Paraguay and will face the Group G runner-up in Dallas on July 3; that opponent could be Belgium, Iran, Egypt or New Zealand depending on Friday’s results. FIFA and Pride flags: FIFA will allow rainbow flags at the Egypt-Iran match in Seattle despite opposition from both federations, while stressing there is no “Pride Match” by FIFA. Heatwave impacts: Europe’s extreme heat continues to disrupt transport and daily life, with warnings of health risks and possible heat-related deaths.