Global economic growth to slow to 2.8 pct in 2026 amid Middle East tensions: OECD

Global economic growth is projected to slow from 3.4 percent in 2025 to 2.8 percent in 2026, before recovering to 3.1 percent in 2027, according to the latest Economic Outlook released by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) on Wednesday.

The report notes that at the beginning of 2026, investment in the artificial intelligence sector was robust, financial conditions were relatively accommodative, and trade tensions had eased somewhat, leading to better-than-expected global economic performance.

However, the conflict in the Middle East has disrupted energy transportation and supply, driving up prices for energy and key industrial inputs, intensifying inflationary pressures, dampening market confidence, and weighing on household consumption and business activity.

The report warns that the longer the turmoil persists, the greater its economic and social impact. If the relevant disruptions continue into 2027, global economic growth could be further revised downward to 2.1 percent in 2026 and 1.8 percent in 2027, with some economies potentially falling into or nearing recession and unemployment rising as well.    The report emphasizes that countries should strengthen supply chain resilience, particularly by promoting diversification of energy supplies and improving energy efficiency. In the short term, measures such as enhancing coordination of strategic energy reserves and implementing temporary demand restraint measures can help mitigate the impact of tight energy supplies.    In its report released in March this year, the OECD projected global economic growth of 2.9 percent for 2026, with a slight rebound to 3.0 percent in 2027.

Global economic growth to slow to 2.8 pct in 2026 amid Middle East tensions: OECD

Global economic growth to slow to 2.8 pct in 2026 amid Middle East tensions: OECD

All 1,248 players of the 48 teams at the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been confirmed following the submission of final squad lists to FIFA, the world football governing body announced Tuesday.

Lionel Messi of Argentina, Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal and Guillermo Ochoa of Mexico will feature in their sixth World Cup campaigns, while Cabo Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan are going to play their first World Cup.

The tournament opens on June 11 and 104 matches will be played in Canada, Mexico and the United States, with the final to be played on July 19.

"The confirmed squad lists underline the scale and enduring appeal of the tournament with 357 players returning after at least one previous FIFA World Cup squad inclusion. Some 891 players are set to experience the competition for the first time, highlighting both continuity and renewal across the global game," FIFA said.

Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon will be the oldest player at the tournament at 43 years and 162 days old, while Mexico's Gilberto Mora will be the youngest at 17 years and 240 days old. There will be 22 players under 20 years old and seven players aged 40 or above at the start of the tournament.

FIFA World Cup squads confirmed