Instead of a soft power coup, the World Cup could be an ‘own goal’ for Donald Trump

There’s a crucial difference between soft power and spectacle. Early signs indicate the World Cup will offer more of the latter for Trump’s America.

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The Conversation

Referees, athletes, fans: how the US border crackdowns are tarnishing the World Cup

Instead of bringing people together, the World Cup is in danger of being remembered for the climate of exclusion and fear generated by one of its host nations.

Simon Adams, Professor of Human Rights, Murdoch University·Jun 11, 2026

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The Conversation

World Cup 2026 quiz

Test your knowledge of the beautiful game with this special World Cup trivia quiz based on The Conversation’s articles.

Matt Williams, Senior International Editor, The Conversation·Jun 10, 2026

Nautilus

The Healing Power of Dreaming Under Anesthesia

This new five-step protocol could make surgery a lot less painful The post The Healing Power of Dreaming Under Anesthesia appeared first on Nautilus.

Jake Currie·Jun 10, 2026

Wired

Free quota

Alex Vindman Survived Trump’s Retaliation Machine. Now He’s Running for Senate

In 2019, Alex Vindman testified during President Trump’s first impeachment trial–a decision that ended his military career. Now he wants to challenge the president from the halls of Congress.

Katie Drummond·Jun 9, 2026·27 min read

Anthropocene Magazine

Scientists have made jet fuel from plastic waste

A new process converts hard-to-recycle styrofoam waste into valuable jet fuel at a cost competitive with petroleum-based fuels.

Anthropocene Team·Jun 11, 2026

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Literary Hub

Is This the Strangest Soccer Novel Ever Written?

This piece was published in collaboration with Golden Goal, a literary magazine about the intersection of politics, culture and sport at the 2026 World Cup. To read more, visit their website: goldengoal.world. * Over the years, writers from around the world have tried their

Tobias Carroll·Jun 10, 2026