Why World Cup exit showed the limits to the USA’s power – on and off the pitch
Out in the last 16 – again. What to make of the USA’s World Cup campaign? Richard Jolly asks that very question.
Harry Latham-Coyle7 July 2026 16:30
VOTE: Should Gianni Infantino resign?
Harry Latham-Coyle7 July 2026 16:00
Fifa president clarifies Donald Trump conversation over rescinding Balogun ban
Here is how Gianni Infantino explained the Donald Trump phone call yesterday.
Michael Jones7 July 2026 15:45
Inside the world of Gianni Infantino: ‘The ass-kissing of Trump got us nowhere’
Want to know more about the relationship between Gianni Infantino and Donald Trump? Miguel Delaney has you covered with this excellent piece from before the World Cup.
Harry Latham-Coyle7 July 2026 15:30
Downing Street clarifies Starmer’s role in England World Cup kick-off talks amid political interference row
Harry Latham-Coyle7 July 2026 15:15
How Donald Trump has ruined the World Cup as well as America
The scenes from the World Cup have, at times, been reminiscent of a different era in global politics and a different America. Scottish football fans somehow managed to drink Boston out of lager. Skinny Europeans wondered at Texas-size portions on TikTok. Americans stood amazed at Japanese fans cleaning up the stadiums after their games. On the streets, there were festivals of celebrated difference and shared joy. Meanwhile the US government have continued its pursuit of random acts of cruelty: banning a Somali referee and forcing Iranian players to leave the country immediately after games. Its most recent controversy saw it abusing or ignoring the rules to nullify one of its players’ red cards. The tournament displayed, loudly, a reality that the world has been figuring out quietly since the beginning of the second Trump administration: Americans are one thing. America is quite another.
How Donald Trump has ruined the World Cup as well as America
Whether it was the president’s intervention in a player’s red card, his unpredictable attitude towards war in Iran or the divisive actions of ICE, the United States is becoming a country where the actions of its government must be separated from the will of its people, writes Stephen Marche
Stephen Marche7 July 2026 15:00
Fifa president Gianni Infantino faces calls to resign as Gary Lineker joins backlash to World Cup controversy
If you missed it earlier, Gianni Infantino, the Fifa president, is facing calls to resign over the Folarin Balogun saga and Donald Trump’s apparent interference in the World Cup.
Harry Latham-Coyle7 July 2026 14:30
Folarin Balogun confirms he was not involved in getting Belgium ban overturned
Folarin Balogun has acknowledged the “controversial” decision that allowed him to play for the United States against Belgium on Monday, but insisted he played no part in the process.
Harry Latham-Coyle7 July 2026 14:00
‘Fifa needs purging, top to bottom’: Readers demand action on Infantino after Balogun red card row
The decision let the USA striker play in their last-16 defeat to Belgium – a game the hosts lost heavily, with several Belgian players mocking Trump in celebration.
Independent readers agree emphatically. In yesterday’s poll on whether Fifa made the right call, more than 5,000 people voted – and 93 per cent said no. Just 5 per cent backed the decision, with 2 per cent unsure.
Lauren MacDougall7 July 2026 13:30
‘The Trump effect’: President ridiculed in US after team thrashed by Belgium at World Cup
Joe Sommerlad7 July 2026 13:00
.jpg?trim=0,0,0,0&width=1200&height=800&crop=1200:800 "Louise Lasser death: Mary Hartman star and second wife of Woody Allen dies at 87 – UK Times")