The politician who kicked his way to power

Britain wouldn’t have its latest likely next prime minister if not for soccer. Andy Burnham, the former Greater Manchester mayor elected to the U.K. Parliament in a closely-watched by-election on Thursday, is expected to oust Prime Minister Keir Starmer as Labour Party leader in a matter of weeks. The sport propelled his political rise. The…

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Kennedy and Wright cheer on US

The U.S. delegation in Seattle includes HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Energy Secretary Chris Wright, according to a FIFA official, along with White House FIFA World Cup Task Force czar Andrew Giuliani. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy were among those who attended the…

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Where Massachusetts wants to take its Scottish love affair next

FOXBOROUGH, Massachusetts — Boston is bouncing and the Massachusetts governor wants to thank thousands of kilted Scottish soccer fans who have taken over the city between Scotland’s first match against Haiti last weekend and its second, against Morocco, today. The tournament’s shock love affair is sparking delight in Gov. Maura Healey’s office as the supporters…

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Inside FIFA’s plans to commemorate Juneteenth

FIFA rang in Juneteenth, the country’s newest federal holiday, with a video that played in Seattle ahead of the U.S. team’s pivotal showdown with Australia. It stars Seattle Supersonics legend and NBA Hall of Famer Gary Payton and features iconic Seattle locations. “Some remember, some reflect, while many others celebrate,” Payton says in the video,…

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Campaigns get in the game

You don’t have to rely on The Discourse to know whether soccer is finally being embraced by America. Political ad spending targeted to catch World Cup viewers tells you all you need to know. Look no further than today’s Susan Collins-aligned Pine Tree Results PAC launching the next phase of a seven-figure general election ad…

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