Latin America

A World Cup Surprise: Arias In The Heart Of The Amazon

9:30pm June 25, 2014

by Russell Lewis

The final World Cup game in the Brazilian city of Manaus is on Wednesday. For fans who made the trek to the jungle for games this tournament, many were rewarded by something else: seeing a centuries-old opera house in the heart of the Amazon.

Queue Listen Now

FIFA Probes Whether Uruguay Star Bit Italian Opponent

12:48pm June 25, 2014

by Tom Goldman

Uruguay beat Italy in a close match. But instead of celebrating, the team finds itself embroiled in controversy. Star player Luis Suarez was seen on TV worldwide apparently biting an Italian defender.

Queue Listen Now

World News

Cuba Maintains U.S. Embargo Is Harsh Financial Persecution

12:48pm June 25, 2014

On his recent trip to Cuba, David Greene sat down with Josefina Vidal to talk about the state of U.S.-Cuban affairs. Vidal is director of U.S. Relations for the Cuban Foreign Ministry.

Queue Listen Now

World News

Change Is Coming But What Does That Mean For Communist Cuba?

1:14pm June 24, 2014

Renee Montagne talks to David Greene about his recent trip to Cuba, where the government and people are experimenting with looser economic and social restrictions.

Queue Listen Now

Portugal Snatches Victory From U.S., Match Ends 2-2

11:11am June 23, 2014

by Tom Goldman

The U.S. men's soccer team had a chance to secure its spot in the second round of the World Cup, but it failed to hold on to its lead in the final moments of the match.

Queue Listen Now

Ecuadoran Province Churns Out Top-Notch Soccer Players

7:29am June 20, 2014

by John Otis

Ecuador produces some excellent soccer players, but they predominantly come from the same area. The sparsely populated Pacific coast province of Esmeraldas. What makes it Ecuador's soccer hotbed?

Queue Listen Now

In Brazil, Predictions Of Doom And Gloom Give Way To Minor Annoyances

4:32pm June 18, 2014

by Russell Lewis

Brazil's World Cup preparation endured some heavy criticism leading up to the games. Stadiums were still under construction, Internet connections were sketchy and transportation faced major challenges. A week into the tournament, NPR's Russell Lewis has traveled to three airports and three cities so far. He talks to Melissa Block about what has worked and what remains a challenge.

Troubles Put Aside, Brazilians Embrace World Cup

7:09am June 18, 2014

by Lourdes Garcia-Navarro

In World Cup action Tuesday, Brazil and Mexico played to a draw. Despite the dashed hopes of the home team, Brazilians are feeling more buoyant generally about hosting soccer's biggest tournament.

Queue Listen Now

Third Time's A Charm: U.S. Beats Ghana In World Cup Match

7:26am June 17, 2014

by Tom Goldman

The U.S. Men's National Team has beaten Ghana in the group stage of the World Cup in Brazil. The score was 2-1. The U.S. team had lost to Ghana in the previous two World Cups.

Queue Listen Now

The pillars of Caribbean cuisine, framing the front of a streetside stall.

World News

Don't Be A Jerk. There's A Lot More To Island Cooking

4:29pm June 16, 2014

by NPR Staff

Drawing on a history both savory and sweet, two sisters are reintroducing Caribbean cooking to the world beyond the islands. And they'd like to make one thing clear: It's not just about jerk spice.

Queue Listen Now