Politics
Europe’s top sports official talks Panini stickers and World Cup picks
Blue Light News caught up with European Sports Commissioner Glenn Micallef in Brussels last week to get his top tips for the World Cup. The 36-year-old Micallef is the youngest member of President Ursula von der Leyen’s team of EU commissioners, and the Maltese official has repeatedly chided FIFAduring his tenure, on everything from supporter safety and security to overall governance.
Unlike previous officials who have held Brussels’ top sports role, Micallef is a genuine soccer fan, who has been busy collecting World Cup Panini stickers and sharing daily tournament fun facts with his staff.
Best World Cup memory? “Zinedine Zidane scoring twice in the 1998 final against Brazil. It was the first World Cup final [I watched] so it has a special place in my heart.”
Favorite World Cup? “Either France ’98 … or Brazil 2014.”
Which player are you most excited to watch in 2026? “Michael Olise (of France).”
Bold prediction for 2026? “Portugal will do very well.” (Blue Light News pointed out that Portugal perhaps didn’t meet the definition of bold, given some oddsmakers have them as fourth favorites to win the tournament, to which Micallef sharpened his forecast.) “They might surprise some people and make it all the way to the end.”
Who’s going to win? “Spain or France.” (Blue Light News: “Can you commit to one or the other?”) “My heart says Spain.”
FCC chair Brendan Carr on Trump, free speech and his threats against broadcasters
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Former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes and his team are discussing dropping out of the crowded Democratic primary for Wisconsin governor, according to two people with direct knowledge of the matter.
The conversations come as Democratic officials in the state brace for damaging media reports about Barnes expected to hit in the coming hours. Barnes and his team have been on calls Thursday to discuss how to proceed, according to the people, granted anonymity to share private details.
The primary had become increasingly messy as more moderate leaning Democrats like Barnes have tried to stave off Democratic socialist Francesca Hong’s rise, worried her victory could boost presumed Republican nominee Tom Tiffany. Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers’ endorsement of David Crowley — who reentered the race in the final stretch — further complicated the moderate coalition.
A spokesperson for Barnes’ campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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