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Matt Crocker, US Soccer’s sporting director, announced his departure on Tuesday, moving to a similar role with the Saudi Arabia football federation with under two months remaining before the 2026 World Cup. US Soccer said the responsibilities formerly held by Crocker will be divided among COO Dan Helfrich, assistant sporting director Oguchi Onyewu, women’s youth national team development head Tracey Kevins, and the broader sporting leadership team. US Soccer CEO JT Batson praised Crocker, stating, “Matt helped guide important steps across our sporting organization, and we’re grateful for his contributions.” He added that the federation remains “well positioned to make the decisions needed in the short, medium, and long term.” Crocker, hired in 2023 after Earnie Stewart left for PSV Eindhoven, arrived with a strong pedigree from English football, having served as technical director at Southampton and later for England (2013‑2020), where he was tasked with modernising the national team’s playing style. During his US tenure, Crocker oversaw all national‑team operations, including youth programmes, and was chiefly responsible for senior‑team coaching appointments. His first high‑profile decision was to re‑hire Gregg Berhalter as USMNT manager after a brief contract lapse and a complex investigation involving player Gio Reyna and past domestic‑violence allegations. Following Berhalter’s second stint, which ended with a group‑stage exit at the 2024 Copa América, Crocker secured Mauricio Pochettino as his successor at the end of 2024. Under Pochettino, the United States have recorded 10 wins, 1 draw, and 7 losses in 16 matches, including recent defeats to Belgium and Portugal in March friendlies. On the women’s side, Crocker recruited Emma Hayes from Chelsea in late 2023 after Vlatko Andonovski’s departure. Hayes guided the USWNT to Olympic gold in 2024 and has the squad positioned as a contender for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil. Reflecting on his time, Crocker said, “It has been a privilege to be part of US Soccer during such an important period for the sport in this country. I’m grateful for the people I’ve had the opportunity to work with across the federation, from our coaches and players to our technical and administrative staff.” Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s national‑team structure is in flux ahead of its own 2026 World Cup appearance. Reports suggest head coach Hervé Renard may depart, and technical director Nasser Larguet is expected to step down, signalling a broader overhaul of the federation’s leadership.

Nicky Henderson, 75, has spent nearly five decades shaping British racing, yet the saga of his star gelding Constitution Hill still makes him pause. After a sun‑lit afternoon in Lambourn, the trainer watched the usually placid horse stroll into his stable, a stark contrast to the drama that has defined the horse’s recent career.Henderson, speaking alongside owner Michael Buckley, emphasized the personal bond they share with the animal, calling him “more a pal than a beast” and noting his unique appeal to the public.Constitution Hill burst onto the scene with a ten‑race winning streak, highlighted by a dominant 2023 Champion Hurdle victory at Cheltenham. Experts briefly hailed him as one of the greatest hurdlers of all time, lauding his speed and precision over obstacles.That dominance vanished almost overnight. The gelding began to experience what Henderson likened to a golfer’s “yips”, falling in three of his last four hurdle races. Even a race at Punchestown where he stayed upright ended in a “disconcertingly tame display”, according to Timeform, which had previously ranked him the best hurdler of recent decades.Plans for a Cheltenham return were scrapped, and the team pivoted to flat racing. Constitution Hill delivered two striking victories at Southwell and Kempton in early 2026, drawing crowds of all ages. Henderson said the flat races felt like a “glorious celebration”, and the horse’s performance on the flat has been “brilliant”.His newfound flat success has sparked global interest. Henderson received invitations from racetracks worldwide, though he dismissed wild speculation about the Melbourne Cup as “the least likely of the lot”. Instead, a more measured approach is being considered, with the John Porter Stakes at Newbury on the agenda if the ground suits.“It’s not everybody’s idea of the most sensible race for him,” Henderson admitted, but added that a second year of racing could still be on the cards. He stressed that the horse’s safety and public enjoyment remain paramount.When asked why Constitution Hill lost his jumping confidence, Henderson cited several factors, including the introduction of new padded hurdles, which the horse disliked. He also mentioned a series of well‑meaning consultants—from Australian “gurus” to renowned equestrian coach Yogi Breisner—none of whom could reverse the decline.Despite the setbacks, the horse’s flat form has been a commercial boon. Henderson reported an 800% surge in ticket sales at Southwell compared with the previous year, illustrating the public’s fascination with the “ridiculous horse that can’t stand up”.Looking ahead, Henderson is entertaining a range of international options: the French Prix du Cadran, the Irish St Leger, and even potential programs in Germany and the United States. Yet he remains realistic about travel logistics, noting that Constitution Hill requires companion horses for long trips.In the trainer’s words, “You’ve got to have fun,” and with Constitution Hill’s current trajectory, the aim is to bring that joy back to racing while navigating the horse’s unique needs and the sport’s evolving landscape.

Scientists have confirmed that March 2026 was the hottest March on record in the United States, underscoring the urgency of the climate crisis. Yet, a weekend gathering in a hotel basement near the White House, organized by the climate‑denying Heartland Institute, celebrated a very different narrative.The audience—predominantly middle‑aged men in suits—cheered the claim that the world is finally “waking up” to the idea that there is no climate crisis. Heartland Institute president James Taylor described the atmosphere as “wonderful” and declared that “the truth is winning out.”The event’s headline speaker was Lee Zeldin, the EPA administrator—a figure also rumored to be under consideration for the role of attorney general. Zeldin framed the conference as a day of “vindication,” accusing a “cabal of elites” of using climate science to push a political agenda.Booths and banners, sponsored by groups such as the CO2 Coalition, displayed slogans like “CO2 is a lifesaver” and “There is no climate crisis.” Pamphlets touted fossil fuels as the “greenest energy source” and dismissed net‑zero targets as unfounded.While some attendees denied the existence of global warming outright, others conceded that temperatures were rising but insisted it was not a human‑caused emergency. Taylor later clarified that “humans have played a role in climate change, but that is not the same as a ‘climate crisis.’”Harvard historian Naomi Oreskes noted that think tanks like Heartland portray themselves as underdogs, even though they receive substantial backing from powerful interests. The institute has historically been funded by major oil companies—including Shell and ExxonMobil—and by the Mercers, a prominent Republican donor family.When asked about current funding sources, Taylor dismissed the inquiry as “curious and disappointing,” insisting that the organization is supported by individuals who value “freedom and affordable energy.” He added that the institute has not received oil money for nearly two decades, though he would “gladly accept” it again.Under the Trump administration, groups such as the Heartland Institute, the CO2 Coalition, and the Committee for a Constructive Tomorrow (CFACT) have secured unprecedented policy influence. Their agenda includes the repeal of the EPA’s “endangerment finding,” a legal basis for most U.S. climate regulations. During Zeldin’s introduction, CFACT president Craig Rucker announced the rollback to a cheering crowd.CFACT’s lobbying helped cancel a California offshore‑wind project, while the CO2 Coalition’s founder helped establish a White House committee that questioned climate science during Trump’s first term. Most recently, the coalition succeeded in placing an ophthalmologist with no air‑pollution expertise on a key EPA advisory panel.Despite the deniers’ confidence, polling consistently shows that a **vast majority of Americans**—including 42 % of young Republicans—acknowledge climate change and view it as a pressing issue. Taylor countered by citing a 2019 survey indicating limited willingness to pay higher electricity bills for climate action, but the broader data suggest strong public concern.Younger activists disrupted a youth‑focused panel, arguing that the conference’s “geriatric white‑male” audience was out of touch with the climate realities that will affect their generation. One protester shouted, “There’s no such thing as fossil‑fuel‑caused climate change!” before being removed.The clash highlighted a growing divide: while right‑wing think tanks are consolidating power within the federal government, public opinion and scientific consensus continue to affirm the reality and urgency of global warming.

Peter Magyar, the leader of the Tisza party, announced a comprehensive reform agenda hours after his coalition was declared the winner of Hungary’s parliamentary election, ending Viktor Orban’s 16‑year rule. He emphasized that his government will work to restore the rule of law, plural democracy and a system of checks and balances that he says were eroded under the previous administration.At a news conference, Magyar detailed plans for a new anti‑corruption office and a separate body to oversee government spending, aiming to curb the graft that plagued the former regime. He also announced a constitutional amendment that will limit future prime ministers to two terms, a direct response to Orban’s repeated changes to the constitution designed to extend his hold on power.Regarding foreign policy, Magyar pledged that Hungary will remain a committed member of both the EU and NATO, describing these alliances as essential guarantees of peace. He vowed to phase out dependence on Russian oil and gas by 2035 and to pursue a cooperative, rather than confrontational, dialogue with Brussels.The new government is expected to unlock roughly €18 billion in EU funding, and Magyar highlighted that the parliamentary shift could also release a €90‑billion loan package for Ukraine that Orban had blocked a month earlier.Magyar’s position on Ukraine is nuanced. He called the country “the victim in the war” and said he would press President Vladimir Putin to end hostilities, yet he maintained that “fast‑tracking Ukraine’s EU accession is completely out of the question while the war continues.” He added that the restoration of ethnic Hungarian minority rights in Ukraine would be a precondition for deeper ties.On trans‑Atlantic relations, Magyar affirmed that the United States remains “a very important partner” and expressed a desire for “good relations” with the Trump administration, noting the recent visit of U.S. Vice President JD Vance to Budapest.Domestically, Magyar called on President Tamas Sulyok to expedite the transfer of power and urged the president to resign, reminding readers that the president must convene a new parliament within 30 days, after which lawmakers will elect the new prime minister.

Match details: Atletico Madrid will meet Barcelona on Tuesday at 21:00 CET (19:00 GMT) in the Metropolitano Stadium for the Champions League quarter‑final second leg. The fixture decides which side advances to the semi‑finals. After a 2‑0 first‑leg triumph at Camp Nou, Atletico enter the tie as favourites despite trailing Barcelona in the La Liga table. Their advantage stems from goals by Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sörloth, who capitalised on a red card for Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi. Barcelona, the reigning Spanish champions, are desperate to overturn the deficit. They bolstered their domestic campaign with a 4‑1 win over Espanyol, extending their lead over Real Madrid to nine points. Ferran Torres netted a brace, assisted by teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal, while Marcus Rashford added the fourth. Atletico’s weekend league performance was less convincing, suffering a 2‑1 loss to Sevilla after heavy rotation by Diego Simeone. The loss left them fourth in La Liga with 57 points, four behind Villarreal. Historical context: The two clubs have met 251 times, with Barcelona winning 115 matches, Atletico 79 and 57 draws. Their recent knockout encounters include Atletico’s victories in the 2014 and 2016 quarter‑finals, both decided over two legs. Team news: Atletico will miss Marc Pubill (suspension) and have Jose Giménez, Pablo Barrios and David Hancko listed as doubtful. Barcelona’s defender Pau Cubarsi is suspended, replaced by Ronald Araujo. Injuries rule out Marc Bernal, Raphinha and Andreas Christensen. Predicted line‑ups: Atletico – Musso; Molina, Le Normand, Lenglet, Ruggeri; Llorente, Koke; Simeone, Griezmann, Lookman; Alvarez.Barcelona – Joan Garcia; Koundé, Araujo, Martín, Cancelo; Eric Garcia, Pedri; Yamal, Fermin, Rashford; Lewandowski. Managerial insights: Simeone stressed the need to stay focused on the objective of advancing, while Barcelona coach Hansi Flick highlighted the quality of his squad and the importance of collective effort. With a slim margin separating the sides, the second leg promises a tactical battle that could see either club secure a coveted place in the Champions League semi‑finals.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer declared that the United Kingdom will not participate in the United States’ proposed blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, distancing London from President Donald Trump’s latest escalation against Iran.Speaking on BBC Radio, Starmer said, "We are not supporting the blockade," and added that the UK will not be "dragged into the US‑Israel war on Iran."The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic chokepoint through which about 20 % of the world’s oil supplies transit in peacetime. Starmer stressed that reopening the waterway is vital for global energy security and that the UK’s diplomatic efforts over recent weeks have focused on that goal.Meanwhile, the US Central Command announced it would block all maritime traffic entering or leaving Iranian ports from 14:00 GMT, though it provided few details on how the blockade would be enforced. The statement claimed the action would be applied impartially to vessels of all nations, yet it also noted that ships bound for non‑Iranian ports would not be impeded.President Trump, in a lengthy social‑media post, framed the operation as a mission to clear mines and prevent Iran from profiting from control of the strait.In a parallel diplomatic move, French President Emmanuel Macron said France and the United Kingdom will convene a conference in the coming days aimed at restoring freedom of navigation, reaffirming that “no diplomatic effort will be spared” to end the US‑Israel conflict over Iran.Nicole Grajewski, an assistant professor at Sciences Po, warned that the US blockade constitutes “more than a minor coercive signal” and effectively marks a resumption of hostilities.Other allies echoed criticism: Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles called the plan “makes no sense,” Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan urged “negotiations with Iran and the swift reopening of the strait,” and Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun emphasized that the strait’s security is “in the common interest of the international community.”Starmer’s stance reflects a careful balancing act—maintaining NATO solidarity while refusing to endorse direct military pressure on Iran—highlighting the complex geopolitics surrounding one of the world’s most crucial maritime corridors.

In a dramatic escalation, police in Noida, a suburb of the Indian capital, deployed tear gas to quell a four-day-old protest by factory workers on Monday. The demonstration had turned violent, with protesters torching vehicles and peltng stones in parts of the satellite city.The police stated that they used "minimum force" to maintain law and order. Narendra Kashyap, a lawmaker from the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, where Noida is located, urged protesters to engage in discussions with the government regarding their demands.Senior police and administrative officials are making persistent efforts to counsel the workers and encourage them to maintain peace and restraint, according to a statement by the Gautam Budh Nagar police.The protest visuals showed dozens of protesters marching on the street, chanting slogans, while security personnel in anti-riot gear looked on. Other images depicted an overturned vehicle with flames and protesters attempting to break through barricades.Noida, one of Asia's largest planned industrial townships, houses thousands of industrial units. The rising living costs globally, exacerbated by the US-Israel conflict with Iran which has impacted fuel supplies, have added to the workers' grievances.In a similar protest in the neighboring state of Haryana last week, the government ordered a 35 percent increase in minimum wages following demonstrations near production units of several car manufacturers.Vinay Mahoti, a 30-year-old worker from Bihar employed at a hosiery company in Noida, highlighted the workers' demands, including fixed duty hours, overtime pay, and adherence to federal government guidelines by companies.

Leeds United delivered a seismic upset at Old Trafford, beating Manchester United 2‑0 and moving six points clear of Tottenham in the Premier League table. The victory marked United’s first league loss at the stadium since February 1981, ending a 45‑year unbeaten home run.Michael Carrick recorded his first home defeat as United’s interim manager. The team never found rhythm, a situation worsened when defender Lisandro Martínez was shown a red card in the 56th minute for yanking Dominic Calvert‑Lewin’s ponytail. Martínez now faces a three‑match ban, with United considering an appeal.Noah Okafor proved decisive, netting a brace. His first goal arrived five minutes after the red card when a Jayden Bogle cross was flicked on by Leny Yoro and finished by Okafor. The Swiss striker celebrated with a calm, hands‑folded pose as the crowd chanted “Yorkshire, Yorkshire”. He added a second, long‑range strike later in the half, sealing the win.Leeds dominated the early exchanges, creating several chances through wing‑back Gabriel Gudmundsson and forward Jayden Bogle. United’s response was limited to a consolation header from Casemiro, but they could not threaten Leeds’ lead.The result has major implications: Leeds now sit comfortably in the Champions League race, while United’s relegation worries intensify. A win against Wolves on Saturday could further distance Leeds from the drop zone, especially if Tottenham falters against Brighton.Post‑match, Leeds manager Daniel Farke and his players celebrated exuberantly, kneeling on the pitch and shouting “We are Leeds”. The three points are described as “vital” for the club’s season ambitions.

Pope Leo XIV arrived in Algeria on Monday, inaugurating the first papal visit to the country and the opening leg of an ambitious 11‑day African tour that includes Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea. The trip, the longest since his election in May 2025, signals a strategic shift toward the continent.The choice of Africa sends a clear message, according to scholars, that the continent is now a top priority for the Church. Professor Adriaan van Klinken of the University of Leeds notes that Africa now accounts for roughly 20% of the world’s Catholics, making it one of the fastest‑growing Catholic regions, while western Europe’s Catholic numbers are in decline.In the past year, 14 new dioceses have been established across Africa, and the Catholic population has risen by 7 million, according to John Pontifex of Aid to the Church in Need UK. He describes the continent as “coming of age” in Catholicism.Upon landing at Algiers International Airport, Pope Leo was greeted by Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and later visited the Maqam Echahid, a monument honoring those who died in Algeria’s 1954‑62 war for independence.Father Peter Claver Kogh, rector of the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa, framed the visit as a bridge‑building effort between Christians and Muslims, emphasizing a “climate of peace and tolerance.” He added that the world “needs a fraternal living and harmony” now more than ever.For biographer Austen Ivereigh, the trip continues Pope Francis’s legacy of interfaith dialogue, recalling the 2019 “human fraternity” accord signed with Muslim leaders in the UAE. John Pontifex also highlighted the visit’s timing amid a decline in religious freedom for Christians and liberal Muslims in Algeria.Lucy Esipila of Caritas Africa expects the journey to bolster Catholic communities facing conflict, debt and inequality, describing it as a vivid expression of “synodality” – the Church walking together with peripheral voices.Algeria holds special significance for Pope Leo, the first pontiff from the Augustinian order, as the birthplace of Saint Augustine. Professor Anna Rowlands of Durham University points out that North Africa was a cradle of early Christianity, underscoring the region’s deep theological heritage.The African focus comes as Pope Leo declined an invitation to the United States, opting instead to visit Lampedusa on July 4, a key entry point for migrants crossing the Mediterranean. Historian Dr Miles Pattenden suggests this contrast sends a powerful message to both European leaders and African communities.Father Kogh summed up the atmosphere in Algiers: “It’s a feeling of joy… a message of peace, coexistence and fraternity.”