Stories by
Russell Lewis
Deputy National Editor
10 things that wowed us at the 2026 World Cup
The United States, Mexico, and Canada co-hosted the nearly six-week tournament. NPR's team of journalists who covered the World Cup reflects on the experience.
Spain sparkles to shock France 2-0 and advance to the World Cup finalRussell Lewis | Jul 14, 2026, 8:59 PM UTC
In a nailbiter, England moves on to the World Cup semifinals, defeating Norway 2-1Russell Lewis | Jul 11, 2026, 11:46 PM UTC
France downs Morocco 2-0 to advance to the World Cup semifinalRussell Lewis, Jasmine Garsd | Jul 9, 2026, 10:01 PM UTC
Reigning champion Argentina escapes with remarkable World Cup victory over EgyptJasmine Garsd, Russell Lewis | Jul 7, 2026, 6:49 PM UTC
Portugal's Ronaldo shakes off World Cup doubters, scores 2 after sluggish start
At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the oldest players in the World Cup. Against the Democratic Republic of Congo he was mostly invisible and questions mounted. Against Uzbekistan, he sparkled.
Russell Lewis | Jun 23, 2026, 6:59 PM UTC
A larger World Cup had some worrying the competition would suffer. It hasn't
This year's edition of the FIFA World Cup continues to be thrilling with unexpected performances from tournament first-timers and surprising results from some of the favorites.
Russell Lewis | Jun 22, 2026, 5:00 AM UTC
No Pulisic, no problem: U.S. tops Australia 2-0 in World Cup despite missing its star
As Christian Pulisic sat with a hurt calf, the U.S. dominated to remain undefeated in group play. With Turkey's loss to Paraguay Friday, the Americans won Group D and advanced to the knockout round.
Becky Sullivan, Russell Lewis | Jun 19, 2026, 9:00 AM UTC
Soccer's premier goal scorers, led by Lionel Messi, show up to the World Cup with a bang
The World Cup might be less than a week old, but the goal scoring at this year's tourney has been sublime. Argentina's Lionel Messi netted three goals the same day France's Kylian Mbappé scored two.
Russell Lewis | Jun 17, 2026, 9:00 AM UTC
It's been a thrilling start to the World Cup. Here are the highlights and what's next
Now that the FIFA World Cup is underway in Mexico, Canada and the U.S., the drama has shifted to the fields, where there have been several surprising results heading into the first full week.
Russell Lewis | Jun 15, 2026, 9:00 AM UTC