Saturday, July 18, 2026 - The Christian Science Monitor Daily

The World Cup final on Sunday is booked. But much focus will be on how the match highlights the changing of the guard at the pinnacle of soccer, between Argentine elder statesman Lionel Messi and Spanish prodigy Lamine Yamal. Also: today’s stories, including how a resurgence of group songs and anthems at World Cup games offers a reminder on how shared music can bridge divides; how one bicentennial class of students reflect a divided yet hopeful America; and how a traveler’s frantic sprint for a seat in Amtrak’s Quiet Car led to a humorous breach of conduct. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins for today's news.