Drug cartels and the World Cup

Investigators in Germany say an extremist chat group planned bomb attacks to knock out power nationwide. They hoped to create "a civil war-like" situation to topple the country's democratic system of government.

Find these stories and much more when you grab a copy of The Guardian on Wednesday.

A state probe following the 2020 killing of George Floyd found that Minneapolis officers engaged in a "pattern or practice of race discrimination." The findings come days after Floyd's convicted killer filed an appeal.

Four Argentine friends will cycle 10,500 kilometres from South Africa to Qatar to support their country at the World Cup in November, an initiative that will also lead to 10,500 new trees being planted in their homeland.

Here are a few reasons to pick up a copy of The Guardian on Wednesday⁣. Find these stories and much more when you grab a copy of The Guardian on Wednesday.⁣

FIFA open investigation into allegations that Ecuador used an ineligible player in their World Cup qualifying campaign.

Israel's police chief has ordered a probe into the actions of officers at the funeral of reporter Shireen Abu Akleh in Jerusalem. Germany's top diplomat, Annalena Baerbock, said she was "deeply shocked" by the events.

Popular Punjabi rapper and politician Sidhu Moose Wala was gunned down over the weekend after his security was reduced. Police said gang feuds might be behind the killing.

Soldiers of the territorial defence force of Ukraine in Kharkiv cheered on their team on Wednesday night when they played in a World Cup qualification play-off match against Scotland. A very small screen in shelter was enough for the men to enjoy their team's 3-1 triumph at Hampden Park in Glasgow.

Ukraine at the World Cup? Despite the war at home and months without a competitive match, the team and coach told DW of their determination to make it through the playoffs against Scotland and, potentially, Wales.

Police have been accused of failing to keep tabs on a racist killer during one of Germany's worst-ever far-right shootings. Police say they had to proceed cautiously.

Ukraine's national team aimed for a happy ending to their inspiring World Cup quest. But despite coming up short in Wales, the match still provided welcome distraction at home.