Stephen Collinson

The game the rest of the world knows as football is teaching America something about itself on its 250th birthday and reminding international visitors

The game the rest of the world knows as football is teaching America something about itself on its 250th birthday and reminding foreigners that the nation is far more welcoming and complex than its bitter political caricature.

For 24 days, the World Cup seemed to achieve a rare feat in America in 2026: It had almost nothing to do with Donald Trump.

For 24 days, the World Cup seemed to achieve a rare feat in America in 2026: It had almost nothing to do with Donald Trump.

Referee Raphael Claus of Brazil shows the red card to United States' Folarin Balogun, unseen, during the World Cup match between the United States and Bosnia in Santa Clara, California, on July 1, 2026. Eugene Hoshiko/AP

Live Updates The US also reimposed sanctions on Iranian oil sales in retaliation for attacks on ships near the Strait of Hormuz.

President Donald Trump's Iran entanglement is beginning to resemble a visual illusion known as the Penrose stairs , which endlessly climb and descend but always end up in the same place.

The world's modern populists are discovering a common trait that seems to serve them more than the voters they claim to champion.

The death of Sen. Lindsey Graham and the long hospitalization of Sen. Mitch McConnell , the former majority leader, are poignant reminders that time conquers even political careers marked by great power and ubiquity.

The death of Sen. Lindsey Graham and the long hospitalization of former Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell are poignant reminders that time conquers even political careers marked by great power and ubiquity.