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How a Former Teacher Built a 50,000-Member Women's Business Community
Amanda Smith started Dallas Girl Gang as a simple Facebook group. Now, the platform is helping aspiring entrepreneurs launch businesses.
Wilson Sonsini Advises Freenome on IP Matters Related to Business Combination, Public Company Launch
On July 20, 2026, Freenome Holdings, Inc. (Freenome), an early cancer detection company developing blood-based screening tests, announced the closing of its previously announced business combination…
Federal agencies launch youth sports initiative
They announced the program Tuesday at the Colts practice facility.
Carolina Hurricanes To Launch Own Sports Network For Game Broadcasts
The NHL franchise is taking control of its local broadcasts, ditching traditional regional networks to deliver innovative programming and flexible viewing options directly to Canes fans.
Apple teams up with Klarna to launch a lease-to-own program for iPhones, iPads, and Macs
The new leasing program is a big change for the hardware company, and comes as it looks to raise prices on many of its products.
Sony is launching a new camera tomorrow – and we’re all invited along to watch!
Sony has released a teaser, making it clear that a new Sony cinema camera is coming on July 22. Here's how to watch
Apple Reportedly Planning to Wind Down 'iPhone Upgrade Program'
After launching a new "Apple Upgrade" program next week, Apple plans to stop accepting new iPhone Upgrade Program sign-ups, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. It remains to be seen if existing iPhone Upgrade Program members will be able to remain enrolled in the program beyond their current terms, or if they will be migrated to the Apple Upgrade program at some point.
Apple winding down iPhone Upgrade Program: report
Apple will reportedly launch a new “Apple Upgrade” leasing program next week. As part of that, the company is reportedly...
DiMe launches initiative to build operational AI governance tools
With the support and expertise of Qualified Health, FDA and 30 healthcare organizations and tech companies, the Digital Medicine Society says it will release tools that enable broader adoption of artificial intelligence as they are created.
Apple to Launch ‘Upgrade’ Device Leasing Program With Klarna to Spur Sales
Apple Inc. is preparing to introduce Apple Upgrade, a leasing program that will mark one of the biggest-ever changes to how the company sells devices.
Google launches a cheaper alternative to large AI security models like Mythos
Google says it achieved “competitive performance” compared to larger models.
Garmin just launched its very own Whoop competitor, the Cirqa Smart Band
But unlike the Whoop, it's subscription-free.
iPhone 18 Rumor Check: 20 Claims Ranked by Likelihood
Apple's iPhone 18 Pro models and its first foldable iPhone are less than two months away from being unveiled, with the standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and iPhone Air 2 expected to follow in spring 2027 as part of the company's new split-launch strategy. We've looked back at everything we know so far, and ranked the most consistent rumors, followed by the more speculative ones.
Hurricanes To Launch Own Sports Network
Local television network to serve as the home of Hurricanes hockey
As Garmin Cirqa launches, should Apple make a fitness band or ring?
The Apple Watch is undoubtedly one of the most capable wearables on the market, but not everyone wants a device...
‘Marathon’ PvE Mode Is Live Today, But Expectations Should Be Tempered
Marathon is launching its Vault Breaker PvE experimental mode today, a type of run that removes all opposing teams, sends players into its hardest map
Canes TV? Hurricanes to launch own sports network for 2026-27 season
The Hurricanes, who won the Stanley Cup in June, were among the professional sports franchises left without a television partner when Main Street Sports Group ceased operations at the end of the 2025-26 season.
Lucky Strike Entertainment Unveils Brand Refresh for AMF, Honoring an American Classic Families Have always Loved
RICHMOND, VA - July 21, 2026 - Lucky Strike Entertainment (NYSE: LUCK) today announced the launch of a refreshed identity
Order of the Sinking Star adds PS5 version
Narrative puzzle adventure game Order of the Sinking Star will launch for PlayStation 5 alongside its previously announced Switch 2 and PC (Steam) versions in 2026, publisher Arc Games and develope…
AMF Launches Refreshed Identity After 126 Years of Bowling
AMF welcomes approximately 10.4 million guests annually across more than 80 locations; additional identity updates will roll out over time.
Randi Weingarten launches into wild political rant at teachers union convention
Kayleigh McEnany and 'Fox & Friends Weekend' hosts criticize the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) convention for its political focus.
DiMe launches Operationalizing AI Governance in Healthcare to give health systems and developers practical tools for responsible AI deployment
/PRNewswire/ -- The Digital Medicine Society (DiMe) today announced the launch of Operationalizing AI Governance in Healthcare, a new initiative to help health...
Football Prediction Splits Into Four Distinct Business Models
A new 2x2 of the football prediction market shows four well-capitalized categories fighting over money on the outcome, and one mostly empty quadrant where a newly launched app currently stands alone.
A Historic Data-Sharing Agreement Affirms Tribal Authority and Aims to Improve Public Health
Diseases do not recognize borders, but the laws, regulations, and systems governing critical public health data often do. Improving how data is shared across different jurisdictions—including state and Tribal governments—better prepares public health departments to understand and respond to disease outbreaks and other public health issues while advancing the unique issue of Tribal data sovereignty, the right of a Tribal nation to collect and manage its own data.
Americana Partners Launches Sports & Entertainment Division
HOUSTON, July 21, 2026--Houston-based Americana Partners, an independent wealth management firm with over $11.5* billion in total client assets, today announced a new division focused on the sports and entertainment industries, tapping Associate Vice President Ben Davidson to lead the wealth management venture.
Americana Partners Launches Sports & Entertainment Division
HOUSTON, July 21, 2026--Houston-based Americana Partners, an independent wealth management firm with over $11.5* billion in total client assets, today announced a new division focused on the sports and entertainment industries, tapping Associate Vice President Ben Davidson to lead the wealth management venture.
What China's internet is saying about Moonshot's hot new Kimi model
Just days after launching Kimi K3, Moonshot AI temporarily suspended new subscriptions, saying demand had overwhelmed its computing capacity.
Apple Testing 7-Inch Display for Largest 20th Anniversary iPhone Model
Apple is reportedly prototyping a larger iPhone display measuring roughly 6.96 inches, which would likely be marketed as a 7-inch panel if it reaches production. According to Chinese leaker Digital Chat Station, Apple is testing the display internally in preparation for the 20th anniversary iPhone, which is expected to launch next year.
Samsung Launches Health Assistant Beta — First Fully Integrated AI-Powered Personal Health Assistant
Today, health information is often fragmented across multiple devices, apps, and services, making it difficult for people to build a complete understanding of their overall wellness. While access to health data has never been greater, many users still struggle to interpret what their data means and understand how they can make meaningful changes in their […]
Motorola tablet with 9 JBL speakers confirmed to feature 12.1-inch display
The Moto Pad 70 Groove is set to launch in India. Previously, the company revealed its design and confirmed that it will feature a nine-speaker JBL audio system. Now, the latest teaser reveals details about the tablet’s display and battery.
SPAN Launches Refrigerant Working Group to Advance Science-Based PFAS Policies
The Sustainable PFAS Action Network (SPAN) announced on July 15, 2026, the formation of its Refrigerant Working Group, “a new initiative focused
Darline Graham’s Political Views Largely Unknown As She Launches Senate Campaign
Lindsey Graham became his sister’s legal guardian after their parents died when she was 13.
Garmin CIRQA leaks in four colors with outdated sensor
Shortly before the launch of the Garmin CIRQA, leaked images reveal not only the design but also all four colors and even the sensor module. Garmin appears to be using a slightly older sensor to keep costs down.
Everything New in iOS 27 Beta 4
Apple is continuing to tweak iOS 27 ahead of its September launch, and the fourth developer beta is available as of today. There are fewer changes than in prior betas, but Apple is still adding new features. TV App In the Settings section of the Apple TV app, there's a new Automatic Downloads toggle. Turning it on will automatically download the next two episodes of shows you start in Continue Watching. They'll be deleted when you finish the episodes.
Samsung Is Under Serious Pressure. Here’s Why It Needs to Nail Its Next Z Fold Phone
With Apple expected to launch its first foldable iPhone in a matter of months, veteran of the folding phone world Samsung needs to deliver.
HHSC Launching Rural Hospital Officers Academy | Texas Health and Human Services
HHSC is launching a Rural Hospital Officers Academy as part of the agency’s historic investment to strengthen rural health care in Texas.
X relaunches a rebuilt Android app after year-long effort
X says the rebuilt version of its Android app is now available globally.
Heartflow launches new AI-powered staging tool for coronary plaque assessments
In addition to launching Heartflow Plaque Staging, the company also shared new data at SCCT2026 highlighting the importance of using total plaque volume assessments to diagnose and manage heart patients.
Anthropic's life sciences plans: Mystery programs, Nobel hires, M&A and big ambition
Anthropic pushes into life sciences with a $400M Coefficient Bio deal, Nobel hire John Jumper, Claude Science launch and its own drug pipeline.
Univ. of New Haven receives $10M gift to launch business college in Saudi Arabia
The University of New Haven has received a $10 million gift from an alumnus to help launch a new business college at its branch campus in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the […]
The latest and biggest Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 image leak comes two days before launch
Samsung has a scheduled event set for July 22, which is where the company is expected to announce the Galaxy...
Starting a Business Has Become a Lot Easier — Here's Why 5.7 Million Americans Took the Leap Last Year
There has been a massive uptick in people launching businesses, with AI supercharging their ability to do things faster and more cheaply.
How Erica Fee keeps Rochester Fringe reinventing itself
Erica Fee reflects on launching Rochester Fringe, navigating COVID and helping grow the festival into a regional arts destination.
Switch 2 modding scene makes new breakthrough, but Nintendo safe from piracy
A new breakthrough was recently made within the Switch 2 modding scene, but Nintendo can rest easy knowing that piracy still isn’t an issue at the moment. You may remember that with the original Nintendo Switch, piracy became a major problem pretty early on. Significant vulnerabilities were discovered less than a year after the console launch. Nintendo was unfortunately unable...
Live coverage: SpaceX to launch 24 Starlink satellites on Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg SFB
The Starlink 17-39 mission is SpaceX’s 85th Falcon 9 rocket launch of the year. Liftoff from pad 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base is scheduled for 7:36 a.m. PDT (10:36 a.m. EDT / 1436 UTC).
Ardmore’s downtown business district has a new name and launching new programs
Now, the organization formerly known as the Ardmore Initiative has changed its name to the Downtown Ardmore District to better reflect who it is.
Davenport University launches business degrees that save students time and money
This story is one in a series about Davenport saving students time and money Davenport University is introducing two innovative business degree pathways this fall that give students more affordable and flexible options for earning a college degree in less time without compromising academic quality. The new programs reflect Davenport's ongoing commitment to improving access to higher
Newly leaked Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 renders confirm its upgraded specs
It will become official in 48 hours. Samsung is holding its next Unpacked launch event on July 22, which is this Wednesday. On that occasion, the company...
Breitling Launches A Top Time Trio Paying Tribute To The Aston Martin DB5
✓ Breitling introduces three Top Time B01 Chronograph Limited Editions ✓ Paying tribute to the Aston Martin DB5 ✓ Check them out here! ✓
MSI quietly launches GeForce RTX 5080 INSPIRE 3X OC BLACK
MSI has added a darker version of its compact triple-fan RTX 5080. The card keeps the same clocks and cooler but drops the gold finish and RGB.
Where Elon Musk's Tesla Roadster is now after it was launched into space and caused amateur astronomer to panic
Where is the Tesla Roadster that was launched into space? It caused one amateur astronomer to panic, but should we be worried about its current whereabouts?
This $46 Million Toilet Startup Is Betting Smart Seats Can Be A Billion-Dollar Business
Medical tech company Casana raised $46 million to launch a toilet seat that monitors your health. Their goal? Make sittables the next wearables.
'Shrimad Bhagavatam' Leads Sagar Pictures Global Studio Push
India's Sagar Pictures Entertainment launches a global studio business, unveiling 'Shrimad Bhagavatam,' its seven-part franchise.
‘Shrimad Bhagavatam’ Anchors Sagar Pictures Entertainment’s Global Push, Indian Studio Confirms (EXCLUSIVE)
Sagar Pictures Entertainment (SPE) has confirmed the launch of a global studio business, moving beyond film and television production into an intellectual property-led growth strategy spanning gaming,...
METZ Launches the New MNH7000Z QD-MiniLED TV in Italy, Bringing Premium Home Entertainment to a New Level.
ROME, July 20, 2026--METZ officially announced the launch of its new QD-MiniLED TV MNH7000Z in Italy on May 20, combining advanced display technologies, immersive entertainment features and elegant design to deliver a premium home entertainment experience.
Neosphere of The Deep-blue Sky: Legacy announced for Switch, PC
Kogado Studio has announced Neosphere of The Deep-blue Sky: Legacy, its second remastered title in the Aoi series following Tristia: Legacy. It will launch for Switch and PC via Steam and Windows i…
Samyang Roundsquare Launches Spindle, a Science-Led Metabolic Health Brand Focused on the Gut–Muscle Connection
Samyang Roundsquare announces the launch of Spindle, a science-led metabolic health brand with its debut product, Spindle Muscle+, to redefine how adults think about strength and aging. Spindle Muscle+ is powered by Akkermansia MYO™, a clinically studied strain shown to support muscle strength, through the gut.
Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2026 launch live: Z Fold 8 Ultra, Z Fold 8, Z Flip 8, Galaxy Glasses, and all the news
Samsung is about to launch a whole bunch of devices soon, and we're following it all until it happens!
The Norfolk Department of Public Health launches new Front Door platform
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — On July 8, the Norfolk Department of Public Health launched a new free platform named Front Door for uninsured adults in the southern area of Hampton Roads, according to…
iPhone 18 Pro Pricing Can Dominate Market And Start A New Super Cycle
The launch of the iPhone 18 Pro will also see Apple introduce new Apple Intelligence and Siri AI features, igniting a super cycle of sales.
Garmin CIRQA to launch at a significantly lower price than expected, according to Garmin’s official database
The price of the Garmin CIRQA has been announced. According to more or less official sources, it will be significantly cheaper than initially reported. Nevertheless, the price that has now been disclosed is, of course, not to be equated with the street price.
Pols & Politics: Brensley launches write-in bid for Sec. of State following failed Lt. Gov. campaign
Former GOP Lt. Gov. candidate Anne Brensley is launching a write-in campaign for Sec. of State after failing to qualify for the ballot due to falling victim to a signature collection fraud scheme.
iOS 26 vs iOS 27: How Apple Is Completely Replacing Siri With Next-Gen AI
Comparing iOS 27 vs iOS 26 reveals faster app launches by up to 30% and an 80% quicker AirDrop. See the new full-page widgets and liquid glass slider.
Boy band BTS' J-Hope teases the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 ahead of launch
It's expected to go official on July 22. Samsung is hosting a Galaxy Unpacked event on July 22 in London, where it's expected to unveil its new folding...
Rep. Ralph Norman launches campaign to replace Lindsey Graham in Senate race
President Donald Trump endorsed the late Sen. Lindsey Graham’s sister, Sen. Darline Graham, to run for the Republican nomination in the special primary election.
Fitbit's Whoop Challenger Quietly Added a Game-Changing Upgrade
The Fitbit Air launched with great hardware and work-in-progress software. Now, a new partnership with a cult-favorite health startup may shore up the new tracker's biggest weakness.
Disco Elysium Dev ZA/UM Announces Layoffs Affecting Up to 32 Staff
Disco Elysium developer ZA/UM has announced layoffs affecting up to 32 staff just two months after launching Zero Parades: For Dead Spies.
Valve Drops Big SteamVR Update Ahead of Steam Frame Launch
Valve has dropped a sizeable update to SteamVR, paving the way for what appears to be imminent launch of its long-awaited standalone VR headset, Steam Frame. Valve’s latest update brings a good slate of Steam features to SteamVR, which seems to be shaping up to be a proper VR-based operating system, now including a new […]
So, Are You Getting The Premium Upgrade For Halo: Campaign Evolved?
Launch is just a few days away!
'AppleCare One' is Now Even More Valuable
While the monthly and annual prices of AppleCare+ plans for Macs and iPads received a slight increase this week, AppleCare One continues to start at $19.99 per month in the U.S., making the multi-device plan even more valuable. Launched in July 2025, AppleCare One allows you to cover up to three devices as part of a single subscription for $19.99 per month, and additional devices can be added for $5.99 each.
One lucky guy was officially allowed to leak the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8
Although an Instagram Story didn’t provide the very first glimpse, it did offer the first official look at the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8, which will be unveiled next week during the Galaxy Unpacked launch event. One of the BTS members was allowed to go ahead and "leak" the device in full glory.
Rizen Estimates Launches Exclusive Booked Estimate Appointment Service to Replace Shared Leads for Home Service Contractors
Cheyenne, Wyoming, July 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rizen Estimates, a lead generation and appointment-setting company serving roofing, remodel...
New dashboard launched to help people find relief in the summer heat
"When temperatures never drop below 70 at night, the body doesn't get the chance to recover, and that's when heat becomes dangerous," said Deputy Health Director, Dr. Justin Frederick.
Google Pixel 11a key specs might have just leaked
A new leak includes some of the purported specs for the upcoming Pixel 11a, which is expected to launch this coming spring.
Pixel 11 reportedly getting ‘improved’ face unlock as 11a said to use Tensor G6
While we wait for the Pixel 11 launch, rumors about the Pixel 11a and even 12a are already emerging. Notably, face unlock...
iPhone 18 Pro Launching in Two Months With These 12 New Features
It is now mid-July, and that means the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are now just two months away. The devices are expected to look similar to the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, but there will still be many year-over-year changes, with rumored features including a smaller Dynamic Island, 5G via satellite, and more.
Music icon known for launching legendary band dead at 83: ‘Architect of southern rock’
He worked with some of music's most iconic figures.
UTulsa launches Bachelor of Science in applied data science in sports and human performance
The College of Engineering & Computer Science at The University of Tulsa is launching a Bachelor of Science in applied data science in sports and
UTulsa launches Bachelor of Science in applied data science in sports and human performance
The College of Engineering & Computer Science at The University of Tulsa is launching a Bachelor of Science in applied data science in sports and
Spectrum Business Launches Spectrum TV Control Pro for Multi-Screen Venue Management
Spectrum Business has announced Spectrum TV Control Pro, a centralized app-based TV control system for bars, restaurants, and other venues with multiple screens. The product allows business owners and employees...
Morgan State University Launches Artificial Intelligence Degree to Prepare Students for the Next Era of Innovation
New Undergraduate Program and Interdisciplinary Risk Management Course Expand Career-Ready Offerings Aligned With the Future of Work and the Demands of an AI-Driven Economy
Caesars Entertainment (CZR) Following Lake Tahoe Relaunch Has Fair Value Back In Focus
Caesars Entertainment (CZR) has drawn fresh investor attention after unveiling Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe Hotel & Casino and completing a multi phase refresh of the former Harveys Lake Tahoe with updated rooms, gaming, dining and entertainment. See our latest analysis for Caesars Entertainment. Recent events, including the Lake Tahoe relaunch and a board resignation announcement, come as Caesars Entertainment’s share price has a 90 day share price return of 9.88% and a year to date share...
UK Politics Live Updates: Andy Burnham to Replace Starmer as Labour Party Leader
Mr. Burnham is expected to promise in a speech more public control of essential services, a shift of power toward local governments and a push for economic growth.
Amateur astronomer spotted the Tesla Roadster Elon Musk launched in space and what he saw caused a bit of panic
An amateur astronomer spotted the Tesla Roadster that Elon Musk sent into space aboard a SpaceX rocket, and a tiny mistake led to a moment of massive panic
Disney Jr., Animaj Quietly Launch ‘Ozzy Fox’ On Youtube
Created by Jennifer Oxley and developed by 'Pocoyo' creator Guillermo García-Carsí, the preschool series has drawn nearly 800,000 views in its first two days.
MDCalc is scoring the clinical calculators used by millions of doctors
MDCalc is launching a quality-rating system for the more than 800 clinical calculators used to assess disease risk, transplant eligibility, and more.
Bizcap US Launches, Bringing Fast, Flexible Funding to SMBs
VICTORIA, AU / ACCESS Newswire / July 17, 2026 / Global non-bank funder Bizcap has officially launched in the US, expanding its international footprint and bringing its proven funding model to one of the world's largest small business markets. Already ...
Exclusive : Diagnostics log confirms iPhone 18 Pro Max camera specs ahead of launch
An ISP diagnostics log, part of the trove of internal Tata Electronics files leaked in June by the World Leaks ransomware group, confirms several previously rumored iPhone 18 Pro Max camera specs ahead of Apple's official announcement.
Sports without politics is a fantasy and the World Cup proves it
From ancient Greece to Nazi Germany, sport and politics have long been intertwined. Nevertheless, we still imagine that international sport can be kept above the fray and serve as a neutral arena where nations compete on merit alone. In this article, diplomacy scholar Geoffrey Allen Pigman argues the 2026 FIFA World Cup shows this is a dangerous illusion. When international sport is left entirely to revenue-maximizing private bodies like FIFA, it doesn't escape politics, but rather surrenders to its worst expressions. With the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics fast approaching, the IOC must decide whether to learn that lesson or repeat the same mistakes. The largest and most lucrative FIFA World Cup ever draws toward its climactic conclusion amidst a swirl of controversy. Team members, staff, fans, and spectators have been denied their right to enter the United States to participate, and US President Donald Trump intervened with FIFA boss Gianni Infantino to overturn a referee’s call that Trump believed disadvantaged the US national team. It is a moment to step back and reflect on what the purposes of international sport mega-events like the World Cup, and international sport more broadly, are, and what they should be. Does international sport serve public purposes? Is there a public interest? Or is it primarily a private endeavor organized by commercial enterprises to entertain the global public (and generate profit in the process), which is occasionally used by governments and leaders for raisons d’etat? Central to the idea of sport is the principle of fair play, which in the international context demands that games be free from political interference. However, it is impossible to separate sport from politics, all claims to the contrary notwithstanding. The most positive political use of international sport through the millennia has been to facilitate diplomacy. The use of international sport for diplomatic objectives has existed since at least the time of the ancient Olympic Games, around which was instituted the custom of the Ekecheiria, or Olympic Truce, between participating states to facilitate fair competition and diplomatic achievements by ensuring that participants could travel safely to the Olympiad. In his seminal work On Diplomacy (1987), diplomacy scholar James Der Derian characterized the objectives of diplomacy as overcoming alienation and mediating estrangement between governments and between peoples. One increasingly important diplomatic tool in the technology-infused media environment over the past century has been public diplomacy, under which governments and non-state diplomatic actors (e.g. transnational corporations) communicate to global publics about their international policy objectives and to shape their global brand image. Political scientist Michał Kobierecki, in his important book Sports Diplomacy (2020), views sports diplomacy as falling broadly within the ambit of public diplomacy, as international sport intimately involves the participation of global publics as spectators and consumers of global media. Diplomacy scholar Stuart Murray and this author, in a 2013 article, distinguish between international sport used for diplomatic purposes and international sport-as-diplomacy, which encompasses the range of diplomacy that occurs as teams and competitors, spectators and fans, and government officials all converge for international sporting events like the Olympic Games and FIFA World Cup. Diplomacy scholar H.E. Chehabi, in a 2001 article on US-Iran sports diplomacy, describes the interaction between spectators and fans at international sporting events as “people-to-people diplomacy,” in which relationships develop independently of governments and their objectives. Diplomacy by the aforementioned definitions is often unsuccessful. Moreover, all too often the tools of diplomacy may be employed by governments and other actors to thwart or oppose the objectives of diplomacy as characterized by Der Derian. Governments routinely use the tools of public diplomacy to disseminate propaganda, spreading misinformation in the attempt to deceive global publics about their objectives and to create misleading impressions about their brand identity. Within sports diplomacy, the term “sportswashing” has been coined recently to describe how governments invest in and promote international sport to create positive global public impressions of their nations and, in doing so, to distract the global public from their deficient records in areas such as human rights and democratic governance. Murray, in his 2018 book Sports Diplomacy: Origins, Theory and Practice, introduces the concept of sports anti-diplomacy, wherein governments intentionally use international sport to advance aggressive and nationalistic objectives. Obvious historical examples include Hitler’s use of the 1936 Berlin Olympics to glorify his Third Reich and the 1969 El Salvador-Honduras football “war.” SUGGESTED READING The beautiful game made ugly By Emily Ryall FIFA argues that it is and seeks to be apolitical in its stewardship of international Association Football (soccer). FIFA policies governing bids to host the World Cup require uninhibited and non-discriminatory access for players, team staff, and spectators of all participating countries to host nations and venues. It became clear soon after Trump returned to power in the United States in January 2025 that Trump’s political intentions and objectives to limit non-US citizens from living and working in the United States and, in numerous cases, even visiting the country, would collide with FIFA’s host nation policies. Beginning soon after the start of the second Trump administration, US federal authorities imposed restrictions on entry to the United States of citizens of between 20 and 40 countries for any purpose, with only limited exceptions. Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) began arresting non-US citizens in the United States, including persons with and without legal status, holding them in jails, concentration camps, and other detention facilities until they were deported to their home or third countries, where they faced substantive risks to their personal safety. FIFA boss Gianni Infantino, in an effort to ensure the most successful and lucrative World Cup in history, engaged diplomatically with President Trump in an attempt to facilitate entry to the US for World Cup participants. Infantino did all in his power to ingratiate himself with Trump, to the extent of creating a FIFA “Peace Prize,” which he awarded to Trump in December 2025 at a ceremony in the then Trump-controlled John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, on the occasion of the World Cup draw. The prize was an ersatz consolation for someone who aspired in vain to win the rather more prestigious and well-known Nobel Peace Prize. And in the run-up to the World Cup, conditions became worse. In February 2026, Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched a war of aggression against Iran, illegal under international law, under the false pretence that Iran’s government was preparing to attack the United States and Israel. During the US aerial bombardment of Iran, US planes bombed Azadi Stadium, the facility where Iran’s national football team trained. As the 2026 FIFA World Cup began, it was clear that Infantino’s efforts had been for naught: the Trump administration would not adhere to FIFA policies governing access to World Cup host nations. World Cup referee Omar Artan, a citizen of Somalia, was denied a US visa to enter the United States to participate in the World Cup. Trump’s government only granted US visas to Iran’s football team ten days before they were scheduled to arrive for the tournament. Numerous members of the support staff for Iran’s team were denied US visas. Iran’s team, which had been scheduled to train in Arizona, was directed to shift its training site to Tijuana, Mexico, notwithstanding that all three of their group stage matches took place at US venues. The US Department of Homeland Security only permitted the Iranian team to enter the US on the day before each scheduled match and then to return to Mexico immediately after playing. Members of Iraq’s and Switzerland’s football teams were delayed for hours by US officials at the US border, and an Iraqi team photographer was refused entry. Spectators and fans from Haïti and Iran were denied entry to the United States altogether. A large number of fans from a range of countries had their applications for US visas rejected. There were multiple off-ramps through which participants could have avoided the negative consequences of Trump’s decisions for the 2026 World Cup. Once it was clear that the Trump government intended to violate the established expectations for World Cup hosts, FIFA could have shifted the matches scheduled to take place in the United States to Mexico and Canada. The three nations were already designated as co-hosts, and host cities and venues had been selected. Once it was clear that FIFA, governed by FIFA boss Gianni Infantino’s dependent and dysfunctional relationship with Trump, would never consider this option on its own, it fell to the national football federations to act. The national federations, particularly some combination of federations of the leading contenders (France, Spain, Brazil, Argentina, Morocco, England, Germany, etc.), could have refused to participate under the US-imposed conditions or, at the least, demanded an ironclad agreement with the Trump government that FIFA policies on access would be respected. ___ International sport is inextricably entangled with diplomacy of different sorts, for good or ill, it cannot be considered to be in the purely private realm and left to revenue-maximizing private actors. ___ Why did neither FIFA nor the national football federations act to protect the interests of players, team staff, referees, fans, and spectators? In essence, the relentless engines of capitalism prevailed over norm observance, ethics, and fair play. The revenue interests of FIFA, sponsors, global media, and host cities won out. FIFA’s managers viewed hosting another World Cup principally in the United States as a veritable pot of gold for FIFA and its collaborators. FIFA has estimated its own revenue over the 2023-26 budget cycle, which includes the 2026 World Cup, at $13 billion, revised up from an initial projection of $11 billion, and 72% higher than the previous revenue cycle. Of that total, FIFA is estimated to have generated $8.9 billion from the Cup itself in revenue from TV rights ($3.92 billion), sponsorships ($2.69 billion), ticket sales ($3.1 billion), licensing rights, and other sources. A joint study by FIFA and the World Trade Organization estimates that the World Cup will contribute over $40 billion to global GDP, including nearly $14 billion in direct visitor spending in the three host countries (but principally in the United States, which hosted the lion’s share of the matches). The FIFA World Cup is now reportedly “the single most lucrative recurring commercial property in global sport.” And yet, notwithstanding the Trump government’s uses of the World Cup for sports anti-diplomacy, and the climate of anxiety that this created for participants and spectators, diplomacy that did not depend upon governments was able to thrive at the World Cup. Examples of successful people-to-people diplomacy were legion, as citizens of towns and cities across the States, as well as in Mexico and Canada, welcomed team members, their families and supporters, to training sites across North America. Fans of different teams joined together in person in stadiums for matches, at watch parties and bars, and at welcome events sponsored by host cities. The joy and camaraderie shared between the citizenry of Boston and Scotland’s “Tartan Army” of fans is but one example of how the “Beautiful Game” brings people together. Friendships forged across continents are likely to endure well beyond the Cup final. Even those achievements cannot be seen as unalloyed, however. As South African football fan Byron Pillay commented to Al Jazeera, “Football is called the Beautiful Game for a reason, for its ability to unite people. But it’s hard to believe in that magic with the politics and war rhetoric off the field of play, especially when one of the tournament hosts is central to that.” Ultimately, the experience of the 2026 FIFA World Cup illustrates that, as international sport is inextricably entangled with diplomacy of different sorts, for good or ill, it cannot be considered to be in the purely private realm and left to revenue-maximizing private actors. As long as there is the possibility of diplomatic progress in mediating estrangement between governments or between peoples, there is a broad and overarching public interest in international sport. Likewise, as it would be difficult to put on an international sport mega-event without international sporting organizations like FIFA and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), global media firms, and companies purchasing sponsorships, public and private interests in international sport must coexist, most likely somewhere on a shifting spectrum between partnership and rivalry or cross purposes. As the World Cup wraps up, the IOC needs to consider its lessons before the scheduled 2028 Los Angeles Olympics if they want to avoid a media-hyped Trump version of the 1936 Berlin Olympiad. The IOC and the National Olympic Committees need to set conditions on and make demands of Trump’s government with clearly articulated consequences for non-compliance, up to and including cancellation of the Games. Time is running out for the IOC, as unlike with the FIFA World Cup, there is no at-the-ready alternate venue for Los Angeles.
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