Part 1: Reading

When billions of fans tune in to the 2026 World Cup, they will be witnessing the culmination of a global grass-growing mission that has scientists, farmers and groundskeepers working for years to create the perfect pitches across North America. Organizers in Philadelphia have officially begun the final transformation of Lincoln Financial Field, while in Los Angeles workers were installing 13 truckloads of official grass at SoFi Stadium as the two cities prepare to host matches for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Heavy gunfire erupted in Somalia's capital Mogadishu as opposition protests intensified over the president's term extension by one year. Meanwhile, one person was killed and more than 60 injured when an Iranian drone struck Kuwait International Airport on Wednesday, according to BBC footage showing the moment of impact. The attack has raised concerns about regional stability as tensions between Iran and Gulf states continue to simmer.

A potential ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran remains uncertain as diplomatic teams navigate complex negotiations. President Trump has described the month-long ceasefire as being "on massive life support" while Iranian officials have called US peace proposals "garbage." CNN teams reporting from Tehran note that overnight missile strikes and retaliatory attacks continue to cast doubt over whether meaningful talks are actually occurring or if both sides are merely going through the motions.

Part 2: Vocabulary (15 words)