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Apple tests iOS 26.6.1 update
It seems that a bug found in iOS 26.6 has forced Apple to release iOS 26.6.1.
Did Caviar just spill the beans on the iPhone Ultra and the iPhone 18 Pro design, specs and release date?
The luxury phone customizer has fresh new “insider” details pages alongside its now-live pre-orders for the phones. It’s not uncommon for Caviar to kick...
Does the Galaxy Z Fold 8 owe its success to the iPhone Ultra?
Is Apple the reason the Fold 8 turned out so great?
Google Pixel 11 series and Watch 5: what to expect
Here is everything we know about the upcoming Pixel models both officially and unofficially ahead of the August 12 unveiling.
Pitt’s Victory Heights gives Olympic sports a modern $240M home
Pitt’s $240M complex gives volleyball, gymnastics and wrestling a new arena while supporting 16 varsity teams with training and recovery space.
Pitt’s Victory Heights gives Olympic sports a modern $240M home
Pitt’s $240M complex gives volleyball, gymnastics and wrestling a new arena while supporting 16 varsity teams with training and recovery space.
Arena AI CEO says enterprises don't know which AI models to trust
Arena CEO Anastasios Angelopoulos said companies are "terrified" of working with frontier AI companies and China-based open models.
AI wallpapers and more are coming to iPhone's lock screen in iOS 27
You'll be able to show off more of the wallpaper on your iPhone with iOS 27.
Apple just raised the trade-in values for iPhones, Watches, Macs, and iPads
Not all devices are eligible for credit, though. Apple has increased the trade-in values of most iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Watches in the US. The list also...
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 review
Exactly two years after the original, Samsung introduced the Galaxy Watch Ultra2, and honestly, that's the perfect upgrade roadmap. The two years between...
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra
We compare Samsung's new form factor foldable to the already established one. Which one is a better fit for you? Now that Samsung has a new form factor in...
Bad news for Galaxy S26 owners waiting on the One UI 9 beta
If you hoped to receive the latest One UI 9 beta build for your Galaxy S26 device, you're in for a disappointment.
IU Indy building ‘jewel box’ of an arena it sees as staple of Indianapolis sports
A sneak peek at construction of a cozy arena on IU Indy's campus will be home to a high-scoring basketball team and top setter in the Horizon League.
BKFC 94 Full Card, Date, Time And How To Watch
Darren Till meets Yoel Romero at Manchester's AO Arena on September 26. Full card, start time, broadcast details and what both men said at the press conference.
Proposed Gardner development would bring 15,000-seat concert pavilion, esports arena
A developer is betting a mix of live entertainment, education and hospitality can transform Gardner into a regional destination. Velocity Arts shared plans Wednesday for a 335-acre entertainment, arts, and education district anchored by a 15,000-seat indoor concert venue.
Pixel 11 disappointments continue after Google leaks another Pixel Glow detail
An app update may have confirmed part of how the rumored light on the back of the Pixel 11 will work.
Galaxy Z Fold8 duo and Flip8 exceed Samsung's pre-order targets in Europe
They go on sale starting August 7. Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Z Flip8, the Galaxy Z Fold8, and the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra on July 22, and all three of them...
Ted Leonsis co-founded Proxy Foods AI raises $6M
D.C. startup Proxy Foods AI raised $6 million in seed funding led by Ted Leonsis to expand its artificial intelligence platform for recipe development.
55% in 5 minutes: the Pixel 11 could reportedly charge at this blistering speed
If this leak is true, the higher price of the Pixel 11 is totally justified.
Anniversary iPhone 20 Pro display leaks again with new details
Fresh details reveal more about the anniversary iPhone's radically different display.
Diamondbacks' Nolan Arenado: Goes deep in Tuesday's loss
Diamondbacks' Nolan Arenado: Goes deep in Tuesday's loss
Leaked Apple memo reveals its iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Ultra plan
Apple has begun prepping for the launch event.
T-Mobile announces "Nothing," allowing the purchase of a new phone for $0 down
T-Mobile announces a change in how new and existing customers finance their new phone purchases.
OnePlus is sold out in the US and Canada - there are no more phones on the official site
You might still find a few leftover units at third-party retailers, but the brand is officially out of the North American market.
TKO, ARIZONA SPORTS & EVENTS ALLIANCE, AND LEGENDS GLOBAL ANNOUNCE NOCHE UFC, WWE ROYAL RUMBLE AND PBR WORLD FINALS COMING TO ARIZONA
PHOENIX, ARIZ. and NEW YORK, NY – Aug. 4, 2026 – TKO Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: TKO), Arizona Sports & Events Alliance, and Legends Global today announced that NOCHE UFC, WWE Royal Rumble, and the PBR World Finals: Championship will take place in Glendale at Desert Diamond Arena and State Farm Stadium, marking the first confirmed events under the organizations’ multi-year partnership announced this past May.
UTC DNP students provide free health screenings, build skills at Chattanooga Wellness Expo
Despite the rain, hundreds of Chattanooga community members came to McKenzie Arena and the Wolford Family Athletic Center on Saturday, Aug. 1, for the Chattanooga Wellness Expo. Among them were 20 faculty members and students from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program.
Lainey Wilson sold out at Iowa State Fair. Which concerts are next?
Iowa State Fair Grandstand concert tickets are selling quick, with one show already sold out. See which acts still have tickets.
UFC 330 Card Called ‘Underwhelming’ by Welterweight Contender
UFC welterweight contender Sean Brady called the upcoming UFC 330 card “underwhelming” ahead of its taking place.UFC 330 takes place on August 15 at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The main event features UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev vs. Ian Machado Garry, while the co-main event sees UFC women’s strawweight champion Mackenzie Dern battle […] The post UFC 330 Card Called ‘Underwhelming’ by Welterweight Contender appeared first on HEAVY.
Google tests new features designed to make the Google Messages app easier to use
For the first time ever, the Google Messages attachment sheet icons can be customized and made to take up a full page.
TCL Tab A1 Plus Nxtpaper is now available in the US
And its price is already reduced by 25%. TCL unveiled the Tab A1 Plus and its Nxtpaper variant in early March at MWC, and now the Nxtpaper version is...
Galaxy S27 Ultra camera tech might save it from iPhone 18 Pro Max's fate
Samsung will reportedly slim down all Galaxy S27 Ultra cameras.
FTC Live Investing In Ecuador's Live Entertainment Ecosystem With Arena Bicentenario
FTC Live, an Ecuadorian entertainment company that has produced some of the country’s biggest shows, is adding a venue to its portfolio and expanding the
Eagles announce official partnership with online marketplace & sports card grading platform Arena Club
Partnership kicks off with sweepstakes that will award one grand-prize winner with an Eagles gameday experience, a tour of the Jefferson Health Training Complex, and more.
First Galaxy S27 Ultra render floats and gets torn to pieces
A new image clearly shows a phone with four rear cameras; however, Samsung's upcoming flagship could pack no more than three.
Galaxy S27 Ultra is already cooking, and I know what software Samsung is testing it with right now
Galaxy S27 Ultra news has been making headlines in the past couple of weeks, and the latest leak details one key component — the software.
Morning Report: It's Politics Monday
We’ve opened up this week’s Politics Report for everyone because there is a lot. First: SB 958. The Midway Rising project provoked this bill in Sacramento that would exclude the […]
Palworld Online is a new MMORPG coming to iOS and Android later this year
Developed by Garena, Palworld Online is a shared world MMO where players can collect and level their Pals together.
Palworld Online announced for iOS, Android
Garena has announced Palworld Online, a “large-scale” multiplayer survival adventure game currently in development under licensing from Pocketpair. It will be available for iOS and Andr…
Detailed Pixel 11 series leak suggests the situation is worse than expected
The Pixel 11 could cost more and offer less than before.
Biggest Winners, Loser From UFC Belgrade
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) touched down in Serbia for the first time yesterday (Sat., Aug. 1, 2026) to stage UFC Belgrade from inside Belgrade Arena in Belgrade, Serbia, which saw Uros Medic absolutely destroy Daniel Rodriguez in just 30 seconds (see it again here). In the co-main event, Navajo Stirling secured one of the biggest […]
Jean Silva Vs. Yair Rodriguez Set To Headline Noche UFC
The upcoming Noche UFC card on Sept. 12 from inside Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, finally has a main event showdown as featherweight contenders Jean Silva and Yair Rodriguez will battle it out atop the Paramount+ card. This is according to a recent report by ESPN Brasil. See below: Silva, 29, is coming off […]
Mariners' Randy Arozarena hits homer to extend lead vs Twins
Randy Arozarena hit a home run that extended the Seattle Mariners' lead to 3-0 against the Minnesota Twins.
Deals: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra discounted, Galaxy Z Fold8 series up for pre-order
Pre-order offers on new Galaxy Z foldables and smartwatches include Amazon gift cards. Samsung will begin shipping its recently unveiled Galaxy Z Fold8,...
I spent a week with the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2: Why can't I see my workout stats?
The Watch Ultra 2 has many pros, but also some missing features.
UFC Belgrade Start Time, Full Fight Card Details
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is headed to Belgrade, Serbia, for the first time ever TODAY (Sat., Aug. 1, 2026), staging UFC Belgrade from inside Belgrade Arena, streaming live on Paramount+. Headlining the event will be a Welterweight fight between Uros Medic vs. Daniel Rodriguez. In the Light Heavyweight co-main event, former division champion, Jan Błachowicz, […]
Surprise! Google will introduce a new Pixel device on August 12
The Gemini AI assistant leaked some important information to me about this new Pixel device.
Caesars Entertainment, real estate firm developing plans for Las Vegas NBA arena
Real estate giant VICI Properties and casino operator Caesars Entertainment are actively collaborating on a plan to build a state-of-the-art arena
VICI Properties, Caesars Entertainment looking at building Vegas NBA arena
In an earnings call this week, VICI Properties President and COO John Payne said the company was looking at working with Caesars to build an NBA arena in Las Vegas.
D-backs @ Guardians Discussion
Today’s Lineups DIAMONDBACKS GUARDIANS Corbin Carroll – RF Angel Martinez – RF Geraldo Perdomo – SS Jose Ramirez – 3B Gabriel Moreno – C Chase DeLauter – DH Ketel Marte – 2B Rhys Hoskins – 1B Max Kepler – LF Brayan Rocchio – SS Nolan Arenado – 3B David Fry – LF Adrian Del Castillo […]
Caesars Entertainment, real estate firm developing plans for Las Vegas NBA arena
VICI Properties and Caesars are reportedly planning a new NBA arena behind the Las Vegas Strip for a potential expansion team.
Garth Brooks adds fourth Denver show due to high demand. Here's how to get tickets.
If you’re one of literally thousands of people who waited only to be told shows were sold out, you’re in luck: The country singer/songwriter is adding a third date with not one but two shows for his Ball Arena stop in September.
Say hello to my little foldable friend: this Galaxy Z Fold 8 costs $12,560
In this country, you gotta make the money first. Then when you get the money, you get the power. Then when you get the power, then you get this limited edition smartphone.
Weekly deals roundup: Galaxy Z Fold 8/Z Fold 8 Ultra/Z Flip 8 launch offers plus a whole lot more
Yes, Samsung's latest and greatest foldables should continue to top your summer shopping lists, but that's not all that's deeply discounted this week on the mobile tech scene.
I put Samsung’s first Galaxy Fold next to the Galaxy Fold 8 and the difference Is incredible
We've come a long way.
New set of leaked Pixel 11 marketing images reveals Google's real selling point
The hardware barely changed, so we have to look at what's on the screens instead.
LIVE! UFC Belgrade Early Weigh Ins Results!
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is just over 24 hours away from the upcoming UFC Belgrade mixed martial arts (MMA) event, which is set to go down this Sat. (Aug. 1, 2026) on Paramount+ from inside Belgrade Arena in Belgrade, Serbia. UFC Belgrade will be headlined by a Welterweight clash between hometown boy Uros Medic and […]
Samsung is also working on a pair of Galaxy Buds with an ear hook design
Looks like the Korean company is ready to enter two new earbud market segments all of a sudden. Yesterday we showed you what the Samsung Galaxy Buds On...
"Insane" demand has the Galaxy Z Fold 8 line generating more pre-orders than the Galaxy S26 series
Since when does a foldable series attract more pre-orders than a popular flagship series?
Google brings Nano Banana 2 to Google Earth
You can now generate stuff based on Google Earth’s satellite, aerial, and 3D imagery. Google's Nano Banana 2 AI image generation model is now available in...
WNBA suddenly wants to stick to basketball after years of making politics part of the product
The WNBA spent years integrating progressive activism into its product, but now its media wants to refocus on basketball after conservative voices arrived.
Samsung scores record pre-orders for the Galaxy Z Fold8, Fold8 Ultra, and Flip8
The new foldable device lineup seems to be much more successful than the previous one. Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Z Fold8, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, and...
I love that the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 lasts three days, but Samsung needs to fix charging
Samsung really needs to fix this.
Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Flip 8 early pre-order numbers reveal the most boring plot twist
Be honest: did you really think something else was gonna happen?
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 review
Samsung expanded its foldable lineup in a major way this year. Admittedly, the naming could have been better selected, but we now have a brand-new form...
Apple Home Hub smart speaker with a display is coming this year, here are its features
A new report claims Apple is diligently working on releasing it as soon as possible. According to a new report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is...
Another Pixel 11 leak all but confirms Google's disappointing battery choice
Pixel 11 could get a slight upgrade, while the Pro and XL models may have batteries with lower capacity than their previous models.
Samsung Launches AI Health Assistant, Indicating A Growing Trend Among Tech Giants
Many legacy hardware and software players are increasingly seeing value in entering the healthcare arena.
Samsung Galaxy S27 Pro and S27 Ultra battery capacities leak
Samsung may finally be adopting silicon carbon anodes for its flagship phones. A few days ago we heard some new details about the Galaxy S27 family's...
The Galaxy Z Fold 8's specs all but confirm a huge upgrade for the Galaxy S27 series
After years of waiting, Samsung's S series phones could finally get the upgrade Galaxy users have been waiting for.
Matches To Make After Busy Combat Weekend
UFC Abu Dhabi went down yesterday (Sat., July 25, 2026) inside Etihad Arena (a.k.a. Fight Island) in United Arab Emirates which saw Magomed Ankalaev stop Bogdan Guskov in the fifth and final round of their Light Heavyweight main event (highlights). But UFC wasn’t the only show on during a busy sports weekend that also included […]
Great news about the Galaxy Z Flip and Galaxy Z TriFold series has just emerged
Samsung is working hard to ensure that next year's foldable flagship lineup is full to the brim with quality choices.
One UI 9 makes 13 a very unlucky number for Samsung Galaxy phone users
The stable One UI 9 update debuts on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 series and the Galaxy Z Flip 8.
Deals: Galaxy Z Fold8, Z Fold8 Ultra and Z Flip8 go on pre-order
And so do the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Watch9. Plus, we look at some alternatives. This week, Samsung unveiled its next generation foldables, which included...
Mike Perry Headlines Upcoming Card for New MMA Promotion
Former UFC fighter Mike Perry is set to headline an upcoming card for a new MMA promotion when he takes on Dillon Danis.Duel: Arena is a new MMA organization and revealed that Perry vs. Danis will headline its upcoming fight card on August 29 at Kia Center in Orlando, Florida. In addition to Perry vs. […] The post Mike Perry Headlines Upcoming Card for New MMA Promotion appeared first on HEAVY.
Samsung considers returning S Pen support to future Galaxy Z Fold models
Samsung is working on a way to bring back the digitizer for Galaxy Z Fold models while keeping the book-style foldable thin.
‘Arenas Are Becoming True Lifestyle Destinations’: Q’s With Marie Balsaqc, CEO Paris Entertainment Company
Paris Entertainment Company operates three landmark buildings in the Franch capital – Le Bataclan, adidas arena, and Accor Arena – comprising a total of more
Mark Lamster: What a new Dallas Mavericks arena should look like
Mark Lamster on how the Dallas Mavericks can transform Valley View into a fan and environmentally friendly neighborhood.
Devonian’s Phase II/III Thykamine paediatric study secures Health Canada approval
Devonian Health Group has received authorisation from Health Canada for its CTA to begin a Phase II/III study of Thykamine cream to treat mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis in paediatric patients.
Apple Upgrade program is coming next week with up to 36-month payment plans
When this launches, the iPhone Upgrade Program will be discontinued. According to a new report from Bloomberg, Apple is planning to launch a new device...
36.0.3 Patch Notes
Check out the latest balance updates for Hearthstone, Arena, and Battlegrounds.
Arenado Hits 2,000, Joins Elite Baseball Club
Nolan Arenado reaches 2,000 career hits with a double against Oakland, becoming just the sixth active player to achieve this rare feat.
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...
Bayer and Henry Ford Health partner to boost clinical trial access
Bayer and Henry Ford Health have entered a strategic research partnership aimed at expanding access to clinical trials for patients.
Samsung lost the latest global foldable battle, and it wasn't even close
The last quarterly foldable smartphone market report before the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8 are released sees Huawei earn a blowout win over Samsung.
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...
Android lockscreen bypass allows Gemini to send SMS without verification
It is apparently a known issue, and a fix is incoming. These things happen from time to time, especially when dealing with such complex software with so...
Apple Music and Apple One subscriptions get more expensive
The price of the individual Apple One plan remains unchanged, though. Apple has increased the prices of Apple Music and Apple One subscriptions in the US...
Samsung's Galaxy Watch 9 just leaked in full, and it's not the chip that stands out
A health feature buried in the marketing images might be the bigger story here.
Samsung brand ambassador accidentally reveals Galaxy Z Fold 8
The Fold 8 looks adorable in a new video.
New leak by Evan Blass shows the Z Fold8, Z Fold8 Ultra and Galaxy Watch9, confirms some specs
The new set of renders is as official as they get. At this point, we've seen and we've heard it all. The Galaxy Z Fold8, Z Fold8 Ultra and Galaxy Watch9...
Penguins ticket prices reportedly trending down
Attendance across the NHL was up last season to record levels across the board. A rebound year on the ice meant improvements in Pittsburgh to fill the arena to 94% capacity in 2025-26, up from 91.5% in 2024-25. That 94% figure still ranks near the bottom of the league, with only six teams in the […]
The Odyssey to Gracie Abrams: your complete entertainment guide to the week ahead
Matt Damon dons the sword and sandals in Christopher Nolan’s epic, while the LA singer-songwriter shares more arena-friendly scream-along anthems
North Little Rock looks to enhance growing entertainment district with new downtown hotels
Two new hotels rising in downtown North Little Rock, the Tempo by Hilton and Aloft, will add just over 220 rooms within walking distance of Simmons Bank Arena, the newly opened North Little Rock Event Center and the Argenta Arts District.
GSK’s drops chronic cough drug, dampening $2bn Bellus Health bid
GSK will discontinue camlipixant’s late-stage RCC programme, though it will continue the drug’s development in two forms of IBS.
Google just inadvertently revealed the Pixel 11a
The Pixel 11a is under development, and this clue confirms it.
Portland councilors release draft term sheet as business coalition presses for public Moda Center funding
The draft term sheet kicks off a new round of negotiations with Trail Blazers owners over funding for arena improvements.
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.
Early date with Ducks, Black Friday home game and more on Flyers' 2026-27 schedule
Here’s a complete breakdown of the Flyers’ 2026-27 schedule.
Altitude Sports & Entertainment’s Tim De Lay on New SkyCam Digital Feed, Upgraded Studio Space
Along with a new studio at Ball Arena, the Colorado-based RSN is working with XR workflows to enhance coverage Altitude Sports & Entertainment has been fortunate to cover back-to-back championship...
Soccer stadium partners with Rock Entertainment Group
Cleveland Soccer Group (CSG) today announced that Rock Entertainment Group (REG) – the organization behind the Cleveland Cavaliers, Rocket Arena and Cleveland’s incoming WNBA franchise – will lead the naming rights and entitlement sales process for South Gateway Stadium, CSG’s planned 10,000-seat venue on the south side of downtown Cleveland. Read More