Salon.com

The American World Cup: Messi lost, but the Muppets sang

Jul 19, 2026Left

The lead-up buzz was Trump, security and spectacle. But Sunday's event was something simpler — soccer and Muppets

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3 related stories from other outlets

How the U.S. Lost the World Cup--and Won Over the World

RealClearPolitics

Jul 18, 2026

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How the U.S. Lost the World Cup--and Won Over the World

Despite political drama and a disappointing end to the U.S. team's run, the 2026 World Cup proved to be an eye-opening affirmation of American soft power.

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The Atlantic

Jul 20, 2026

Good Match

The World Cup Could Not Be Americanized

Spain’s 1–0 win over Argentina demonstrated all of the ways that this sport is still foreign in the United States.

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Lionel Messi to miss multiple Inter Miami games after World Cup

New York Post

Jul 20, 2026

Good Match

Lionel Messi to miss multiple Inter Miami games after World Cup

MLS may be back, but its biggest star won’t be back on the pitch.

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