Human Rights & Justice: Uzbek police detained a 31-year-old woman suspected in a trafficking and exploitation scheme after a joint Uzbekistan–Türkiye operation; investigators say she was living in Istanbul and tried to arrange departures from Tashkent to Istanbul for further exploitation. World Cup & Uzbek Fans: Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued travel guidance for citizens heading to the 2026 World Cup, urging strict compliance with local laws, careful document checks, safe planning in crowded areas, and contact with Uzbek missions if emergencies arise. World Cup Off-Field Tensions: As the 48-team tournament kicks off across the US, Canada, and Mexico, multiple reports highlight visa denials, heavy searches, and activists demanding FIFA keep immigration enforcement like ICE away from match venues. Sports Culture (AVC Volleyball): In the AVC Women’s Cup, South Korea stayed perfect with straight-set wins over Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and host Alas Pilipinas, while Alas Pilipinas’ semifinal hopes hinge on a must-win vs Chinese Taipei and a crucial clash vs Taiwan. Central Asia Spotlight: A report says Chinese investment has surged in Central Asia, with Uzbekistan seeing a major jump in Chinese funding tied to minerals and manufacturing, reinforcing the region’s growing economic pull.