Emmanuel Akinwotu

Volunteers evacuate injured civilians from a hospital following Russian attacks in Druzhkivka, Ukraine, on June 10, 2026 Diego Herrera Carcedo/Anadolu via Getty Images hide caption

A World Cup dream denied — Somali referee Omar Artan receives a hero's welcome at home after being blocked from entering the United States and taking part in the World Cup.

Soccer’s biggest event is officially underway as the 2026 World Cup kicked off in Mexico. The games will be played in Canada and the U.S. as well, but we go to Mexico City, the capital of the most soccer-obsessed host country, to hear about the jubilant atmosphere. And a Somali referee who was set to make history officiating the World Cup was denied entry to the U.S. He returned to Mogadishu to a hero’s welcome.

Golden, crisp, and deeply rooted—from the kitchens of Nigeria to breakfast tables across the Americas—discover how Akara crossed oceans in the hands of the enslaved

Golden, crisp, and deeply rooted—from the kitchens of Nigeria to breakfast tables across the Americas—discover how Akara crossed oceans in the hands of the enslaved

Golden, crisp, and deeply rooted—from the kitchens of Nigeria to breakfast tables across the Americas—discover how Akara crossed oceans in the hands of the enslaved

A 600-mile journey along the shores of Nigeria, Togo, Ghana and Ivory Coast reveals one of the world's most consequential transformations.

A 600-mile journey along the shores of Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana and Ivory Coast reveals one of the world's most consequential

Along West Africa's slave coast, a painful past is being preserved — and marketed — raising questions about memory, tourism, and profit.

NPR's brings us this story from Togo, along West Africa's most ambitious urban corridor. He meets the Nana Benz, icons of past prosperity in a region where opportunity is rapidly shifting.