Belgium Ends Team USA’s World Cup Run After Political Firestorm

Folarin Balogun returned to the lineup after an intervention by President Trump. But he couldn’t carry the Americans to their first quarterfinal since 2002 as the U.S. slumped to a 4-1 defeat.

The U.S. Soccer Star at the Center of the World Cup’s Most Stunning Controversy

Folarin Balogun elected to represent the U.S. in 2023 for the chance to play at a home World Cup. He never imagined that a refereeing call against him would become an international incident.

Trump Makes a Call and U.S. Soccer Gets a Star Back—and the World Cup Is Raging

Folarin Balogun is cleared to play after the president asks FIFA boss Gianni Infantino to reconsider a one-game ban

Iran Isn’t Just Eulogizing a Leader. It’s Sending a Message.

Events to honor Ali Khamenei include threats to Trump, as well as Quranic quotes chosen to troll Saudi Arabia and Turkey

People Have Long Worn the American Flag. What It Means Has Evolved.

For almost as long as Old Glory has flown over the nation, its stars and stripes have influenced American style

Inside the White House Campaign to Overturn a World Cup Red Card

The decision by FIFA to rescind U.S. striker Folarin Balogun’s one-game suspension followed a rapid response from the Trump administration—and a personal call from the president.

The World Cup’s 6-Foot-5 ‘Terminator’ Eliminates Brazil

Brazil entered its round-of-16 tilt on Sunday with the pedigree of a record five World Cup championships. But underdog Norway came with the most lethal scoring weapon in the sport.

England Survives the Terror of the Azteca to Defeat Mexico in World Cup Epic

The Three Lions became just the third team to win a competitive match at the iconic stadium, despite their knack for self-sabotage

The ‘Special Ops’ Tactics Celebrities Are Using to Keep Their Weddings Private

High-profile people spend up to one million dollars on security for their weddings, with fake-out venues, airtight NDAs and underground exits. ‘We’re a SWAT team,’ said one wedding planner.

Meditation Can Benefit Those Who Tried and Failed at It Before

Our columnist turned to science to see what happened when she tried to slow her mind

Couples Are Creeped Out by a Hit Horror Movie They Find a Little Too Relatable

Low-budget hit ‘Obsession’ leaves boyfriends rattled as girlfriends bond over their similarities to the terrifying villain

Iran Begins Khamenei’s Funeral in Show of Defiance Against the U.S

Authorities predict 20 million will attend six days of ceremonies to mourn supreme leader killed in the war with Israel and the U.S

We Know Better Diet Can Lead to Longer Lives. Here’s How to Make That Happen.

We need to restructure healthcare, treat food as medicine and embrace eating programs that people can stick with in the long term

U.S. Dangles Rewards for Opening the Strait of Hormuz. Iran Isn’t Budging.

Washington offers a cash release but Tehran insists on charging tolls to pass through the waterway

How Machado’s Return to Venezuela Got Derailed After U.S. Resistance

The opposition leader’s plan to return home after devastating earthquakes unraveled midflight

His $7 Billion Tanker Bet Raised Eyebrows. He Couldn’t Have Timed It Better

Ga-Hyun Chung spent around $7 billion buying up oil tankers, just before the market went haywire

How Bezos Learned to Love Trump—and Win More Contracts for Blue Origin

Space company has booked rapid growth under this administration, after founder spent president’s first term being ‘hated’

Hegseth Prepared a Bombshell Plan to Cut Troops in Europe. Then It Got Nixed

Defense secretary wanted to adjust U.S. troop levels in Europe but pulled back after plan was floated to White House

Trump’s Friends Gave Him Tickets to World Cup, Super Bowl and Ryder Cup

Federal disclosures show the president received dozens of tickets from team owners and allies to major sporting events

Europe Learns It’s Hard to Start a Trade War With China During a Heat Wave

The continent’s citizens are rushing to buy Chinese air conditioners while EU officials are challenging Beijing over a flood of exports