The Guardian's picture editors have selected photographs from around the world capturing the weekend's events, from NFL pre-season games and a robot tennis match to the aftermath of an Israeli airstrike in Gaza.
Sporting spectacles and cultural festivals
In Inglewood, US, Los Angeles Rams cheerleaders performed before an NFL pre-season game against the New Orleans Saints. Meanwhile, in Glendale, Arizona, the Arizona Cardinals cheerleaders performed before their pre-season game against the Dallas Cowboys at State Farm Stadium.
In Scotland, highland dancers competed during the Lonach Highland Gathering and Games in Strathdon. The annual traditional Scottish festival, held on the fourth Saturday of August in Bellabeg Park, is organised by the Lonach Highland and Friendly Society, founded in 1823, and is famed for the iconic March of the Lonach Highlanders.
In Singapore, paddlers raced in outrigger canoes during the IVF World Sprint Championships 2026 at Marina Bayfront. In Istanbul, Turkey, swimmers competed in the 38th Bosphorus cross-continental swimming race, which starts at Kanlıca Pier on the Asian side and finishes in Kuruçeşme on the European side.
Robot games and human interest
In Beijing, China, a Galbot humanoid robot took part in a tennis exhibition match against a human player during the opening ceremony for the second World Humanoid Robot Games. In another event, technicians carried a robot out of the ring after the free combat event of the games.
In Nairobi, Kenya, fans of manga, anime and Japanese culture cheered as they watched performances from cosplayers during the Otamatsuri convention.
In Pflug, Germany, a man tried to pull his opponent over the table during the traditional German finger-pulling (Fingerhakeln) championships.
Conflict and aftermath
In Zuwayda, Gaza, intense flames and smoke rose after an Israeli airstrike that destroyed several homes and tents where displaced Palestinians were staying. The Israeli army also demolished buildings east of Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip.
In Sade village, Indonesia, a drone view showed the aftermath at a traditional Sasak village that caught fire overnight in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara province.
In La Guaira, Venezuela, veterinarians checked a dog rescued from destroyed buildings after recent 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes, in the Misión Nevado temporary shelter. Venezuela was struck by two earthquakes on 24 June, which left at least 6,438 people dead. Nearly two months later, pets rescued from the rubble remain in temporary shelters, waiting to be reunited with their former owners or their new adoptive families.
Scenes from around the world
In Singapore, an aircraft departing Changi airport was silhouetted against the sun at sunrise. In Guangyuan, China, tourists visited the Thousand Buddha cliffside statues scenic area in Sichuan province, the largest grotto complex in the province, with carvings dating from the Northern Wei dynasty to the Qing dynasty spanning over 1,500 years.
In St Mullins, Ireland, a satirical sculpture of Donald Trump entitled The Trash Talker by the Wexford artist TinKicker, made in protest against the US president's forthcoming visit to Ireland, was part of the Can-al Fest street art festival in Co Carlow.
In Johannesburg, South Africa, a man danced before a rugby union match between South Africa and New Zealand at Ellis Park stadium. In Kolpino, Russia, a person walked as smoke rose over a logistics centre after being hit by Ukrainian drones, in front of a billboard promoting contract army service.
In Amsterdam, Netherlands, audience members waved the flags of the city as musicians performed the song The City of Amsterdam during the 44th edition of the Prinsengrachtconcert, the largest free open-air classical music concert in the Netherlands, held on a floating stage on the Prinsengracht in front of Hotel Pulitzer.
