NPR News: 07-06-2026 2PM EDT

Lakshmi Singh· Host0:01

Live from NPR News, I'm Lakshmi Singh. In a dispute that has rocked the World Cup, FIFA is rejecting Belgium's challenge of a decision to let US striker Folarin Balogun on the field tonight when his US men's national soccer team faces Belgium in the World Cup's round of 16. Belgium appealed after FIFA rescinded the red card Balogun got in last week's match against Bosnia-Herzegovina and delayed his one-game suspension. This a day after President Trump asked for a review of the suspension, stirring questions about political interference and, for some, deepening suspicions about corruption under FIFA. The president says he spoke with Russian leader Vladimir Putin over the July 4th weekend about the war in Ukraine. NPR's Frank Ordonez reports Trump says it was a good call.

Franco Ordoñez0:44

President Trump says he plans to discuss the conflict between Russia and Ukraine during his trip to Ankara, Turkey, for the NATO summit. He's also expected to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Donald Trump· Soundbite0:56

I think we're getting much closer than people realize, and, uh, President Putin wants it to end. I will tell you that very strongly. We had a good call, and, uh, President Zelensky actually wants it to end now.

Franco Ordoñez1:08

The president has said he's ready to focus more of his attention on helping end the war in Ukraine after signing a peace agreement with Iran. Zelensky has also spoken positively of prospects to end the war with the help of US-led diplomacy. Franco Ordonez, NPR News, the White House.

Lakshmi Singh· Host1:27

The window's closing to register to vote in this year's primary