And at a Cape Verde academy, soccer talents dream big.
 

The Beacon

The Beacon

By Kate Turton

Welcome back Beacon readers! This week's story is about a subject I know well thanks to the Life in the UK test I took (and passed) two years ago. 

This week the Bayeux Tapestry journeyed from France to Britain in a feat of logistical collaboration. The tapestry is back for the first time in nearly 1,000 years ahead of an exhibition at the British Museum.

The 230-foot embroidery travelled from France under police escort. It was transported in an air-conditioned, anti-vibration crate.

The tapestry, which depicts the 1066 Norman conquest of England, is believed to have been made by English women.

The artwork has already generated nearly $3.3 million in ticket sales, making it the museum's best-selling exhibition.

Do you plan to go see the tapestry while it's on loan to the British Museum? Send me an email and let me know.

 

The Bayeux Museum showcases the Bayeux Tapestry. Bayeux, France. REUTERS/Ardee Napolitano/File Photo

In their own words

British culture minister Lisa Nandy said in a statement: "Make no mistake — this is an historic moment and a significant act of friendship ⁠as we welcome this iconic historical tapestry back to Britain."

 

Knights joust at medieval festival in Brussels

Play 

Armored riders thundered across Brussels' historic Sablon square as part of the annual Ommegang festival, a UNESCO-listed celebration of Belgian medieval heritage, which included a jousting demonstration with re-enactors.

 

In other good news

  • Guatemalan zoo breeds rare lizards in bid to save endangered species
  • World Cup brings fans joy, torment and a lifetime of memories
  • Space station bioprinting experiment advances quest for lab-grown tissues
  • Taiwan's migrating crab population rebounds thanks to safer road crossings
  • The World Cup referees keep pace with players and pressure
  • 'Jesus Christ Superstar' returns to rock roots in West End revival
  • Sheeran keeps up England tradition with World Cup camp visit
  • Astronomers scrutinize exoplanet that survived the death of its star
 

At Cape Verde academy, soccer talents dream big after World Cup debut

Youth trainees prepare before a football training session in Bola Pra Frente football academy in Praia, Cape Verde, June 29, 2026. REUTERS/Sodiq Adelakun

Cape Verde's Blue Sharks may be home from the World Cup, but for the children who watched them, they are still an inspiration. 

Cape Verde's national team made an unforgettable World Cup debut. The players had stunned many people by drawing with Spain, scoring against Uruguay, and pushing defending champions Argentina into extra time before their 3-2 knockout loss.

For young players in Praia, especially those training at the Bola Pra Frente Academy, the team's run has made their big dreams seem more possible.

The academy was founded in 2010 and now trains around 240 children and teenagers between the ages of four and 17. Some of Cape Verde's 2026 World Cup players once trained there too.

And the next generation is already imagining where football might take them.