The Guardian's picture editors have selected a series of powerful images from across the globe, capturing moments of celebration, mourning, conflict, and daily life. The collection features the Dalai Lama's 91st birthday celebrations in India, England's World Cup victory over Mexico, and mass mourning in Iran for the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Dalai Lama's Birthday and World Cup Action
In Leh, India, exiled Tibetan artists in traditional costumes gathered to welcome their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, as festivities marked his 91st birthday. Meanwhile, in New Jersey, USA, a young Norway fan was held aloft during the FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 16 match between Brazil and Norway at the New York New Jersey stadium. In Mexico City, England players celebrated after winning their match against Mexico, securing progression to the quarter-finals of the World Cup. The victory was also reflected in Guadalajara, where England players were seen reflected in the glasses of a Mexico fan at a World Cup watch party.
Mourning in Iran and Conflict in Ukraine
In Tehran, Iran, mourners thronged the streets for a funeral procession for the late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed on 28 February in Israeli and US airstrikes. Another image showed mourners standing next to a placard calling for revenge as they gathered to pay tribute at the Grand Mosalla mosque complex. In Kyiv, Ukraine, a multistorey residential building left partially destroyed by a Russian missile strike was seen through a broken window.
Environmental and Wildlife Highlights
In Nairobi, Kenya, Rodgers Oloo Magutha, 28, popularly known as Nairobi Birdman, balanced a black kite on his head as he prepared to collect plastic at a dumpsite in Kayole. Magutha earns a living collecting recyclable plastic and cleaning waste from Nairobi's rivers, reflecting his commitment to protecting the environment. In Havana, Cuba, a rare white Bengal tiger cub at the national zoo marked a reproductive milestone for the facility despite a lack of stable electricity and shortage of operational resources. Tourists visited the jewel-like Emerald Lake in Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan autonomous prefecture in Qinghai, China, a unique salt lake situated on a high plateau.
Wildfires, Prison Riots, and Earthquakes
In Thessaloniki, Greece, local people tried to extinguish a wildfire on the outskirts of the northern city. In Colombo, Sri Lanka, military personnel patrolled outside the Negombo prison following overnight clashes between inmates of two drug gangs. The clashes killed at least 19 people, including four guards, in the deadliest prison riot in more than five years. In Caracas, Venezuela, a worker painted graves for unidentified victims of the June 24 earthquake at La Esperanza cemetery. Nearly 3,000 people were confirmed dead after Venezuela's devastating twin earthquakes, with tens of thousands still missing.
Cultural Events and Conflict Zones
In Pamplona, Spain, revellers celebrated the 'txupinazo', the traditional rocket marking the start of the San Fermín festival. In Faw, Iraq, people from southern Iraq crossed the Gulf as they walked toward Karbala to attend the Arbaeen commemorations, marking the 40th day after the martyrdom of Imam Hussein. In Khan Younis, Gaza, Palestinian boys inspected damage to a vehicle at the site of an Israeli strike.
