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Football World Gears Up For 2026 World Cup Draw As Trump Presides

By in News, sport-news

Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, paid Donald Trump a surprise visit in 2018 and presented him with an enormous red card that he joked he could use to “wake someone out whenever you want to kick someone out.”

Trump flashed the card quickly to the assembled press corps, a gesture that perfectly exemplifies his frequently conflicted relationship with the media.

What appeared to be the opening act of one of the most contentious alliances in sport would be a playful exchange between the US leader and the head of world football.

Trump and Infantino’s blossoming bromance will once again be seen in full force at the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington on Friday.

Since making his first trip to the Oval Office seven years ago, Infantino has been a regular visitor, consistently applauding Trump’s leadership as the World Cup, which will be hosted by Canada and Mexico, approaches.

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Infantino compared the US leader’s character to that of elite athletes at a 2020 dinner in Davos during the World Economic Forum.

“I have the good fortune to have encountered some of the most talented soccer players.” Additionally, Infantino claimed that President Trump is made of the same type of material.

‘Mutual interest ‘, &nbsp

Infantino has a pragmatist foundation, in part, in his desire to establish a close relationship with Trump.

It’s just good practice to form strong ties with Washington as the country prepares to face the logistical difficulties of hosting the majority of games for an expanded 48-team World Cup.

Gianni has a very close relationship with Trump, according to John Zerafa, a seasoned sports communications strategist in the UK, who is leveraging that to make 2026 work.

However, many critics have questioned whether Infantino’s relationship with Trump has crossed a line between rough riding over the frequently ambiguous line between sport and politics.

Infantino has appeared alongside Trump on the political stage in addition to his frequent trips to Washington.

Infantino raised eyebrows in October when he spoke at the US leader’s meeting in Sharm El-Sheikh, where he co-chaired discussions with other world leaders, at Trump’s invitation.

Infantino continued, “President Trump’s role has been absolutely crucial and fundamental in the process.” There wouldn’t be peace without President Trump.

Infantino’s remarks and presence at the summit were described as “deeply troubling,” according to FairSquare’s Nick McGeehan.

Infantino claimed that it had placed FIFA “firmly in the corner” of Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and that it had abandoned all pretenses of the political neutrality that FIFA endorsed and was legally committed to upholding.

A Trump “Peace Prize,” &nbsp?

After speaking out against the Trump administration’s policy agenda with Trump at the America Business Forum in Miami last month, Infantino was once again met with criticism.

Trump simply goes by what he promised to do, Infantino told the audience. “I believe we all should support what he’s doing because I think it looks pretty good,” he said.

Infantino’s remarks were in violation of FIFA’s statutes, according to former FIFA governance chief Miguel Maduro.

FIFA’s president can declare that the results of elections should be respected. Infantino went above and beyond, Maduro told The Athletic.

He is participating in what the US has known as an internal political debate.

Infantino, however, has not shown any signs of being dissuaded by the criticism.

FIFA announced plans for a new FIFA Peace Prize, which will be awarded at Friday’s drawing at the Kennedy Center in Washington, the day Infantino spoke in Miami.

It is crucial to acknowledge the outstanding contributions of those who work hard to end conflicts and unite people in a spirit of peace, according to Infantino in a statement.

‘I watched Meghan’s Netflix Christmas special – she sends biggest sign yet on royal feud’

By in Entertainment News, News

With Love, Meghan, a Netflix lifestyle show starring Meghan Markle, has lost its Christmas special, and Jennifer Newton, a writer for the Mirror, thinks one aspect of the story about the Royal Family was very moving.

As she decorates her Christmas tree in With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration, the Duchess of Sussex can’t help but gush about her love for the festive season.

She muses that placing the lights and baubles on her tree allows you to “really encapsulate your family story, really feel the passage of time and the different chapters of your life through the ornaments”. And certainly over the last decade, the Duchess of Sussex has gone through many life changes, not least marrying Prince Harry, joining the monarchy, dramatically quitting, welcoming two children and now trying to set up her business empire in California.

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Therefore, it should come as no surprise that her Netflix Christmas special has a distinct Californian vibe because she honors American customs like decorating sugar cookies and hosting a Christmas brunch in matched family pyjamas.

However, Meghan unintentionally recalls her time spent in the UK as she introduced her pal Will Guidara to the Christmas tradition of crackers in one of the cooking and crafting festa. Meghan and the Royal Family have a traditional roast turkey on Christmas Day, which is served with a traditional roast turkey and crackers at the beginning of the meal, which Meghan remembers spending two years doing in 2017.

She tells her friend Will about learning about the “connected and sweet” custom of tying crackers together by crossing arms. It’s just a part of the Christmas holidays because I live in the UK, she says. People typically cross their arms and do it, so they all pull simultaneously while they are seated around the table. It actually feels very connected and sweet. They would always have a joke or riddle that was almost fortune-size and something sweet in the beginning when I really got to know them.

Meghan’s mention of her time in the Royal Family is unheard of, of course. The controversies and accusations that were made in the infamous Oprah Winfrey interview and the contentious other Netflix show are all well known.

But this seems like the first time she has genuinely reflected on her time working for the Firm while still maintaining a level of respect for a place she hardly ever goes to. Perhaps Meghan wants to end the seemingly never-ending conflict between the Sussexes and the Firm by offering what might be seen as an olive branch, which could be the biggest sign yet?

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Or was it just another way for the Duchess to remind us of all of her royal connections, which made it possible for her to land on such a large platform as Netflix? Uncertain of the true purpose behind the decision, it may have been unexpected in some ways, but it’s still to be seen if it will truly begin the process of burying the hatchet.

South Korean president mulls apology to North

By in News, World News
by news organizations

Lee Jae Myung, the president of South Korea, has stated that he is considering apologizing to Pyongyang for allegedly ordering cross-border provocations under his leadership.

Following the indictment of former president Yoon Suk-yeol last month over alleged ordering of drones carrying propaganda flyers to fly over the North, Lee said on Wednesday that he felt an apology was appropriate in response. According to prosecutors, Lee said the move was to stir up tension and increase his political support.

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The comments were made as Seoul commemorated Yoon’s disastrous declaration of martial law, which was spurred by similar intentions but instead caused a severe crisis in South Korea.

Kim Jong Un, the North’s leader, has so far ignored Lee’s attempts to strike up a dialogue with Pyongyang after he became president.

Lee said at a press conference in Seoul, “I feel I should apologize, but I hesitantly say it out loud.”

If I do, he said, “I worry that it will serve as fodder for ideological rivalries or accusations of being pro-North.”

North Korea claimed that Yoon’s government flew drones over Pyongyang to drop propaganda leaflets three times in October 2024.

During the former administration’s time in power, the military also flew balloons carrying propaganda across the border, according to South Korean media on Monday.

deep division

Lee’s remarks coincided with Yoon’s attempt to implement martial law.

South Korea entered a unique crisis as a result of the decree, which saw lawmakers and protesters encroach on the country’s parliament.

The Supreme Court quickly upheld its constitutionality.

Yoon is currently imprisoned while awaiting trial for insurrection and other charges stemming from his unsuccessful martial law attempt. He was later impeached and removed from office.

However, the stunt has divided South Korea deeply, with Yoon’s supporters voicing their anger at his hardline policy toward the North and his political rivals accusing him of attacking the South’s democracy.

As Seoul celebrated its anniversary on Wednesday, opposing marches took place.

Dialogue

Lee, a liberal who won a slew of presidential elections in April of this year, stated to reporters that he is eager to mend relations with Pyongyang.

He has removed propaganda loudspeakers along the border since taking office in June, among other things.

A law in Seoul that forbids activists from flying balloons carrying propaganda into the North was passed on Tuesday.

Kim claims that his government isn’t interested in dialogue, despite Kim’s assertion that North Korea has so far refrained from trying to stop it.

The president of South Korea reaffirmed his resolve despite this. He suggested that Pyongyang might take advantage of the regular military exercises, which Pyongyang views as a provocation, to encourage the North to resume discussions.

Netflix fans can’t wait for Oscar-tipped film starring A-lister and comedy legend

By in Entertainment News, News

The movie has been hailed as an “adult coming-of-age” film. Fans of the movie are also eager to watch it because of the cast, but they also love the plot.

Assistant Editor, Social News, Samantha Bartlett

It’s the time of year when everyone is looking for a good new film to watch on Netflix as the evenings grow cold and dark. However, if festive flicks like Love Actually and The Holiday aren’t your thing, then you’ll be pleased to hear that the streaming service has other new titles on offer than don’t involve Santa and his sleigh.

Jay Kelly is a 2025 comedy-drama directed by Noah Baumbach that hits Netflix this week. The plot follows Jay Kelly, a well-known actor, who reflects on his life choices, relationships, and legacy while on a trip across Europe with his longtime manager. The movie has been hailed as an “adult coming-of-age” film. Fans of the movie are also eager to watch it because of the cast, but they also love the plot..

As well as starring A-lister George Clooney as Jay Kelly, the film also sees comedy legend Adam Sandler play his manager Ron.

The unlikely pair of actors working together is a big hit with many people, according to one person, “never would I have imagined George Clooney and Adam Sandler acting in the same movie.” Looking forward to this.

Another continued, “This is actually the first time I’ve seen these two in a movie together.”

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A third person chimed in, “George Clooney and Adam Sandler are amazing together!!” I’m anxious to see it.

While another wrote, “Who would have imagined that every A-list celebrity would eventually work for him at some point,” as Adam was on SNL 30 years ago?

Some fans said that George Clooney’s expressions, voice, and effortless charm made him feel like an actor straight out of the Golden Age of Hollywood. You just don’t see him very often anymore, especially when he has that timeless movie star presence.

While others were interested in the plot, another person referred to this movie as a “coming-of-age for adults,” which is something we rarely see these days. A story that explores that space once more is gratifying.

Clooney has been tipped for an Oscar nomination for his role in the film after it premiered at the Venice Film Festival in August, with The Times calling it the actor’s “best performance ever”.

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Clooney 64 also starred alongside Julia Roberts in the 2022 comedy/romance Ticket to Paradise alongside Brad Pitt in the action comedy Wolfs. Sandler, 59, is renowned for producing movies like Grown Ups and 50 First Dates, but this year he also made a comeback with Happy Gilmore 2.