Return to Transcripts main page

What We Know with Max Foster

Madrid Throws Parade To Welcome Home World Cup Champions; Trump: Iran To Pay "Many Times Over" For Killing U.S. Troops; Andy Burnham Replaces Starmer As U.K. P.M.; Tate Brothers Arrested After Request From U.K. Officials; Hamas Names Khalil Al-Hayya As New Overall Leader; Judge Puts Temporary Pause On Paramount-WBD Merger. Aired 3-4p ET

Aired July 20, 2026 - 15:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

[15:00:35]

ISA SOARES, CNN HOST: I'm Isa Soares, in for Max Foster.

And this is WHAT WE KNOW.

Let me show you the live pictures coming to us from a jubilant Spain, more particularly Madrid, where the men's World Cup winning team -- he's not one

of them -- is getting a victory parade through the streets of Madrid. Spain's dominant World Cup campaign came to a climax yesterday, if you're

watching, after defeating Argentina 1-0 extra time.

And as you can imagine, the nation is becoming used to parties like this. We are -- we have been seeing in the last hour and a bit a homecoming

parade for the Spanish team, for La Roja. Remember, there they are. They've been in the bus. You can see, Lamine Yamal right at the front.

Those just moments ago, people on the streets taking to the streets all throughout central Madrid as we see the team. That's Nicolas right there as

well. And quite rightly celebrating because what a championship it has been, what a match it has been, incredibly well deserved.

Remember, they're European title holders and they created so many incredible opportunities. I'm not going to tell you how many shots on goal

they had because I lost count at one point, but they went up against the defending world champion. Argentina, and quite rightly, they have the right

to wear the crown.

Let's get more on all of this and what this means. Let me bring in Spanish football journalist and author Guillem Balague.

Guillem, these are incredible. First of all, in Orihuela, congratulations to you. What an incredible moment. We are looking at these images right now

of the team.

I know you're celebrating the team, Reyes El Mundo, the kings of the world, as the bus stays there, celebrating. Just explain what this moment means to

you and to so many Spaniards.

GUILLEM BALAGUE, SPANISH FOOTBALL JOURNALIST: The first thing to say is that I cannot believe that we can call ourselves the most successful side

of the 21st century, national level that is. And how did that happen?

There's a reason why it happened. It has to do with an idea implemented 30 years ago about controlling the game, getting players that are technically

able, practically intelligent as well. And Bruce de la Fuente, the manager, has added good people.

All of that is the perfect cocktail. But honestly, because we are a nation of nations, there is very strange moments or unique moments when we

actually all like one. You can be both. You can be Catalan and Spanish. And not many people defend that or not many people show the way to be that way.

And when you see the squares in Catalonia, in the Basque country, in the south of Spain, everybody celebrated with the red shirt or the white one,

that's also nice.

Basically, you feel like something special has happened. This is temporary -- ideology, politics, they will interfere in all of this. But this moment

and what's happening in Madrid at the moment certainly is unique and a reason to celebrate.

SOARES: Yeah, look, I think if we take it just for what they achieved yesterday and the entire tournament, I think they did concede, what, one

goal, if that, in the entire tournament. I'm sure you can correct me, Guillem, but we're looking moments ago of this young boy Lamine Yamal

wearing a fake crown, robbing the trophy there quite rightly.

He was a sensation. But like him, there are so many other that really impressed. What do you think was the main, the tactical success or decision

for this championship, I mean, indeed, for this last match against Argentina? Because it got heated at moments, Guillem.

BALAGUE: But you have to deal with that. I've got no problem with it. I've got a bit of a problem with after the game, the behavior of some

Argentinian players. I understand that passion sometimes can always overspill. But with the Spain, the idea is very simple. keep the ball.

Because if we have the ball, they don't have it.

So they cannot attack us. We can defend with it. And this simple idea has been put in the DNA of Spanish football. The coaching, the players, they've

all been chosen by the federation because of that intelligence, because the ability to pass the ball at the right time, and because the understanding

of what every game requires.

We can win in different ways. We're not very efficient up front, but still has been enough to dominate games and deserve to win every single game.

[15:05:03]

In fact, we're a winning machine in the Euros 2024. We won every game. Here, we won every game apart from a draw against Cabo Verde. So basically,

the system and the style works.

SOARES: And then it start works. So, then what makes this group so unique then? Speak to that because you know it doesn't matter who you would

substitute, who the coach would substitute. Every single one was just as equally talented. I'm thinking obviously, Ferran Torres, Pau Cubarsi was

outstanding and I think he got FIFA Young Player Award.

Every time there was a substitution, my mouth would be left aghast because they're equally talented. So, just give me a sense of what stood out to you

as the defining moment, then.

BALAGUE: Oof. What happened 30 years ago? Let me take you there.

In Yaqui side, Ines Menendez, people that you never heard of, probably will never hear again, they decided that it was a good idea, as we weren't as

tall, as strong as other nations, what we were good at, passing, well, let's make style based on that. And then let's choose the players and the

managers that can do that. Luis de la Puente comes into the federation 10 years ago and he adds, let's have good people. Because if you have good

people, you can mold them into whatever you want to become as a team.

And you are first a team. Well, every single of these guys know that the team goes first. Even Lamine Yamal, who is our player that will take us to

the next level when we need to. And he hasn't been able to for physical reasons. We haven't needed him either.

So, there's not one single moment, but I go back thinking of it, semi- finals against France, halftime, already one nil up, and Rodri voted the MVP of the tournament, tells Lamin Yamal and everybody else before coming

into the pitch, guys, two passes. And he didn't need to finish the sentence. Everybody understands if you keep two passes, the gaps will

appear.

And that's just a reminder of the style, how they do it. And it kind of explains where we've gone so far. And as I said, we're the most successful

side of the 21st century.

SOARES: Yeah, and Rodri, like you clearly mentioned, Guillem, was truly outstanding. I'm just going to stay with me, Guillem. I'm just going to ask

my producer.

Tom, do we have any audio on this? It's just incredible scenes that we are looking out as you are talking right now, as of course the team has this

homecoming parade. They're being treated like kings and quite rightly so. I'm not sure if we've got any more images, but I wonder whether you think,

Guillem, that this is a gold, this now begins a golden era for Spanish football compared to the likes of 13 years ago. Is this it? Speak to the

next stage here.

BALAGUE: Luis de la Fuente was asked by one of his players at the end of the World Cup final in the changing room, Boss, what are we going to win

next? Look what we've done already, because the golden era has already happened. It's happening in front of our eyes. We won two World Cups since

2008, three European Championships, one Nations League, and we also won the World Cup with the women's. So, what next?

And he said, let's win the next game. And I'm telling you the same. Let's keep winning with a style that is dominating style right now in the scene,

with players that are picking right now. Would Rodri, Unai Simon, or Oyarzabal be ready for another World Cup in Spain? We will see, but you

know what? As you said, there'll be somebody else that will do that job.

And that's incredible, to create a factory with everybody thinking the same way, with a DNA that others have tried to replicate. But you cannot

replicate nations and essence and passion in another country. It works for us, and it works very well.

SOARES: Yeah, and we're seeing as you're talking, we're seeing Pau Cubarsi. I think that's Pau Cubarsi. It is Pau Cubarsi there on the bus

celebrating what an incredible moment for this young man, as well as for Lamine Yamal winning a World Cup at such a young age. But you're looking,

these are live pictures coming to us from Central Madrid as the football team of La Roja there on the bus that reads "Kings of the World", take in,

of course, the crowds and the applause, and quite rightly so, incredible players there. Rodri, Lamine, Nico, Ferran Torres, Cucurella, one of my

favorites in that, including Pedro Porro.

Just fantastic to see these images and what this moment means for Spain, who are now World Cup champions.

Guillem, huge congratulations to you and to Spain. Thank you very much, Guillem, really appreciate it.

BALAGUE: My pleasure.

SOARES: Right. We're going to leave that for just a moment and continue to keep an eyes on that on the celebration in Madrid, because what a night it

has been for them.

In other news, and a threat of retribution from the president of the United States is among the many fast-moving developments, fueling fears of a wider

war breaking out across the Middle East.

President Trump posted this online message earlier. Let me show it to you. "Every time Iran kills an American soldier, they will pay for that killing

many times over."

And it follows the death of three American service members over the weekend. Two were killed in Jordan, a third died in Iraq.

Most of what we know so far about their deaths has been attributed to anonymous officials, as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth maintains a

chokehold on information during the war.

Kevin Liptak joins me now.

So, Kevin, just bring us up to date with the very latest here, because we have seen from the U.S. signs of being stepping up, of pressure on Iran,

while the death toll is increasing the number of service personnel.

How much pressure does this push on President Trump to bring this to a conclusion?

KEVIN LIPTAK, CNN SENIOR WHITE HOUSE REPORTER: I think it puts an enormous amount of pressure on him. Remember, previously, he had said that if Iran

killed American servicemen, that he could potentially start the war again. Now, what's happening now certainly looks like a war, but I think the

implication was that he could perhaps intensify the American engagement there.

We know that behind the scenes, the president is hearing options for perhaps widening this conflict, and I learned today that American fighter

jets are now heading to the Middle East, more of them, F-16s and F-35s, all coming from bases in Europe, as well as aerial refueling tankers, which I

think is giving the president options should he decide to go in the direction of a more intense engagement going forward.

But I think, in reality, you know, the number of palpable or palatable options are kind of dwindling for the president. There are all kinds of

economic pressures, political pressures, to not become engaged any further. And I think that's weighing on him as well.

And this has, I think, when you really look at it, been one of the deadliest stretches of days four American troops since the war began more

than four months ago, and it seems likely to rise. In addition to the two troops that died in that attack on an air base in Jordan, the military is

also examining unidentified remains that were found at the scene, and so it seems likely that the death toll will continue to tick up.

And I think it has led to fears that you hear among American officials that, one, Iran seems to have been able to reconstitute some of the missile

and drone capabilities that the president has been saying for so long have been completely decimated. But as well, they seem to be able to evade

American air defenses in a way that they weren't previously, suggesting that they have learned certain capacities over the course of this war,

which I think will factor into the president's decision-making as he decides what to do going forward.

You also hear from diplomats who are involved in this the idea that perhaps they could return eventually to the negotiating table. We heard from Marco

Rubio, the American secretary of state, overnight, saying that they had received indications from the Iranians that they do have an interest in

getting back to these talks. Now, tomorrow evening, the president will attend the dignified transfer of the remains of those fallen American

servicemen and women up at Dover Air Force Base, that, I think, a very solemn moment that will just reinforce to him the responsibility that's on

his shoulders as commander-in-chief as he decides how to proceed.

SOARES: Kevin Liptak for us there at the White House -- thanks very much, Kevin.

And here in the U.K., new Prime Minister Andy Burnham is wasting no time in laying out his plan for Britain. He has become the seventh British prime

minister in about a decade, replacing Keir Starmer after a leadership battle within the Labour Party.

A few hours ago, Mr. Burnham promised to make politics, quote, "work better" and to outline cost-of-living measures on Tuesday.

Our Max Foster has more on what has unfolded in British politics today.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MAX FOSTER, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Britain's new prime minister, the seventh in just over a decade of political turmoil,

arriving at Downing Street on Monday with a promise of change.

ANDY BURNHAM, BRITISH PRIME MINISTER: I know people at home are fed up with politics. I hear you, and I want to be honest with you. We have not

been good enough, and we need to be better.

We will be. We will make this moment a circuit breaker for Britain, bringing forward the biggest changes in the last 40 years.

FOSTER (voice-over): Doing away with the traditional Downing Street speech lectern, Burnham pledged to restore faith in government, bring down the

cost of living, and end rough sleeping.

[15:15:06]

BURNHAM: I will put the care of people at the heart of everything I do.

FOSTER (voice-over): It came after a warm goodbye to the former leader, Keir Starmer, earlier on Monday.

KEIR STARMER, FORMER BRITISH PRIME MINISTER: My work is done.

FOSTER (voice-over): His resignation making him the shortest-serving Labour Prime Minister in history.

STARMER: I go with good grace, I go with a smile, and I go proud of everything that we have achieved.

FOSTER (voice-over): It was less than two years ago that Starmer led his party to its biggest majority in parliament this century. But the British

public soon soured on him, and ultimately, it was pressure from within his own party amid lagging poll ratings that led to his exit. and this moment.

STARMER: As I now pass the baton to Andy Burnham, I wish him every success. He has my full support.

FOSTER (voice-over): After leaving Downing Street, Starmer travelled the short journey to formally offer his resignation to King Charles at

Buckingham Palace.

Burnham then seamlessly stepped into his place as he was invited to form a government by the monarch.

FOSTER: For Andy Burnham, this is actually a return to Westminster. He was a member of Parliament here for 16 years. He was a member of the Cabinet as

well, before going on to Greater Manchester, where he became mayor and one of the most popular politicians in the country.

Now he's urging everyone, his supporters and the general public, to get behind him as he takes on his biggest job yet, the biggest job in the

country.

BURNHAM: I will give this my all, and I ask you all to pull with me. Let's build a new national sense of unity, of common purpose and positivity. Let

us make this the moment when Britain starts to believe again, the moment we bring back hope.

FOSTER (voice-over): But as the man, dubbed the "King of the North", takes office behind the shiny black door in Westminster, the difficult decisions,

both at home and abroad, begin.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SOARES: And Max Foster, I believe, joining me live from 10 Downing Street.

So, Max, give us a sense of how his cabinet is shaping up, because he had promised to have a more inclusive government from all walks, of course, of

the Labour Party. Is that being reflected in what we've seen so far?

FOSTER: It is. I don't think everyone's got what they wanted. So, you had Shabana Mahmood on the right, who wanted the top job in the Treasury. You

also had other members of government basically maneuvering for those positions, Ed Miliband, who's from the left. So, we're wondering how he's

going to manage that.

In the end, he actually went to John Healy, a former defense minister, who's actually pretty much in the middle. He is someone that's fought for

more defense spending. So, we can expect to see that come out of this.

So, John Healey, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, we've got Ed Miliband now representing the U.K. around the world as Foreign Secretary. We still

haven't actually heard about the defense secretary position, but many of the others, Yvette Cooper used to be foreign secretary, will now be health

secretary.

So, you know, it's not a complete change, but many of the key figures in Starmer's government, all those lawless, they've all been kicked out. This

is a fresh start, but it's also about unity and trying to include all elements of the Labour Party, because that's really the first step in this,

bringing the Labour Party together and then trying to bring the country together around an agenda.

He's trying to get rid of this divisiveness, which some people do say is a bit ironic, considering he created some divisiveness to actually get Keir

Sarmer out of the job and get into Downing Street in the first place. But now that he's here, he is starting to clarify his position and what his

government may look like, because, of course, he wasn't elected. We haven't actually heard about any of these policies yet.

SOARES: Yeah, and we'll get a better sense of those policies in the coming days. Max, they're outlining the ironing that we often see in politics.

Always good to see you, Max. Thanks very much.

Now, sources tell CNN, President Trump is not expected to intervene in the extradition case of the Tate brothers. Andrew and Tristan Tate appeared in

a Miami courtroom today, hoping to prevent the U.S. from sending them back to the U.K. U.S. Marshals arrested the Tates on Saturday after British

prosecutors requested their extradition. They've been charged with dozens of offenses, including rape and sex trafficking.

Let's go to Carolina Peguero in Miami.

So, Carolina just give us a sense then of their appearance because I'm seeing that only lasted what seven minutes or so.

CAROLINA PEGUERO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: That is correct and from being known as influencers worldwide that travel the world and having very

controversial stances, the tape brothers were seen in beige prisoner jumpsuit and shackles in the courtroom that lasted, yyes, a hearing of a

total of seven minutes.

[15:20:09]

This after them facing several charges, including rape, sexual assault, human trafficking, and even indecent images of children. This as well after

the has requested an extradition to the country so they can face those charges formally.

Now we've known about this case a little bit as far as that they are being accused of abuse of at least seven victims between the years of 2010 to

2017 in London, as well as England and their lawyers. They're. whole team of lawyers and defense team that now is representing them and saying that

they will take this up even to the Supreme Court.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JOSEPH MCBRIDE, ANDREW AND TRISTAN TATE'S ATTORNEY: It's garbage. It's a stitch up job. They're after us to punish us with the process. The process

is the punishment.

When you drag somebody's name through the media, when you slander them, when you defame them, when you accuse them of heinous and terrible

allegations, the process becomes the punishment until you can clear your name.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PEGUERO: Andrew Tate is facing 42 charges while his brother Tristan is facing at 17 charges. We also have to let the audience know that they're

facing two criminal charges overseas and their plaintiffs in a civil case here in Florida. While the judge decided that they will remain in a federal

custody until the next hearing, that briefing for the lawyers only on July 27th.

SOARES: Carolina Peguero, thank you very much. Carolina, live for us there in Miami, Florida.

So, what we want to know is, will the Tate brothers be extradited to the U.K.?

Joining me now is David Weinstein, partner at Jones Walker and former federal prosecutor in the Southern District of Florida.

David, great to have you on the show.

So, look, it is extraordinary. They face something like 59 charges between them, spanning, from what I understand, multiple jurisdictions. I mean,

legally, is this a slam dunk or does the sheer number of charges complicate things?

DAVID WEINSTEIN, FORMER STATE & FEDERAL PROSECUTOR: Well, I think it's a combination of both of those things, he said, because, remember, no case is

a slam dunk. It counts on the evidence that's been collected and then witnesses to support that evidence. Now, the sheer number of charges that

are out there, indicating, to me at least, a large number of victims indicates that the people over in the U.K. have done their homework.

They've talked to witnesses and they've put a case together, and they're going to have to present the nuts and bolts of it to the magistrate judge

here in Miami to support their extradition request.

SOARES: Right. So, as we heard from Carolina, this request comes from right here in the U.K., where they face charges of sexual offenses,

including rape and sex trafficking. And if you just take a step back for us, David -- I mean, what does the prosecution have to prove in an

extradition hearing? Just talk us through how it works and how it differs, for example, from a criminal hearing.

WEINSTEIN: Well, it's not going to be proof beyond a reasonable doubt. They have to establish a couple of things right from the beginning. They

have to establish that the Tate brothers are, in fact, the individuals that they've named in their extradition request. And they'll do that through

what's called an identity hearing, where they'll present evidence that will show that these are the individuals who have been charged in the U.K. with

the variety charges you just talked about.

The next step is then proving up, not beyond a reasonable doubt, but just at a lower level, what the charges are, what evidence they have that shows

that these extradition requests are supported. And then at that point, once a hearing has been held, the judge will make a determination and then the

Secretary of State, if there is sufficient evidence at that lower level, will sign the extradition order and they will be sent back to the UK.

SOARES: Right. So how long does a process like this normally take? Could it normally take, I should say?

WEINSTEIN: Nothing normally takes anything, unfortunately, anymore, but they've reset the hearing for a week. That should be enough time for the

lawyers to file whatever motions that they want to file, and then present the evidence on behalf of the U.K. through the prosecutors here in the U.S.

Now, from what I have heard and what we've all heard, their lawyers are claiming that this was politically motivated.

SOARES: Yes.

WEINSTEIN: There is a clause within the extradition treaty between the U.S. and the U.K. that says if the executive branch of the US government

finds that it was politically motivated, they can deny the extradition request. So, I think behind the scenes, The lawyers for the Tate brothers

are going to be working the executive branch to convince them that this was politically motivated.

SOARES: Yeah, let's expand on that.

[15:25:01]

I think this is really interesting, because just for context for our viewers, the lawyer for the Tate brothers called this a political hit or a

political kidnap, something along those lines. And you did talk about the treaty, of course, between the U.S. and the U.K. and the language there on

political offenses.

How then would they -- how would they prove their lawyers prove this?

WEINSTEIN: Well, they would have to show that the evidence that the law enforcement has in the U.K. is not based on real actual evidence, but

rather on rank second or third level hearsay, unsupported by any physical examinations or tests, meaning DNA, rape test kits, anything other than

words of alleged victims.

They would then make an argument that there's not sufficient evidence to show that there was a criminal offense committed, and that in fact the

reason they're being sought for extradition was based on statements they made publicly, that were political statements that didn't sit well with the

people in the U.K. for a variety of reasons. It's a tough burden to bear, but those are the arguments that they're going to try to make.

David Weinstein, we shall see how this develops.

Good to see you, David. Thank you very much indeed.

And coming up right here on the show, Palestinians fight -- you're very welcome.

Palestinians fight to save an ancient archaeological site in the West Bank, but Israel is standing in the way. We'll have the details after the break

for you.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

SOARES: Welcome back, everyone.

Hamas has elected a new overall leader for the first time since the killing of Yahya Sinwar in Gaza in October 2024. The militant group announced

Khalil al-Hayya, who served as the group's chief negotiator during ceasefire talks with Israel, will now lead. And this comes just two weeks

after Hamas announced it would dissolve its government in Gaza.

[15:30:03]

Meantime, Palestinians are trying to preserve an archaeological site in the West Bank that dates back thousands of years. They say Israel is

interrupting their efforts, while the Israeli government accuses Palestinians of not protecting the site from looters.

Our Jeremy Diamond has this report from Sebastia.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JEREMY DIAMOND, CNN JERUSALEM CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): On this West Bank hilltop, a battle over the past will shape the future. And archaeology

is the weapon of choice.

DIAMOND: So, this is the line right here?

ZAID AZHARI, SEBASTIA HISTORIAN: Yes, exactly. The first line of these columns, it's an Area C. But it's the Area C started.

DIAMOND: And so what does that mean for Palestinians in this area?

AZHARI: It's mean that we are losing our heart by losing this area and not having access to our agricultural fields and our archaeological sites.

DIAMOND (voice-over): Sebastia is an archaeological treasure, home to thousands of years of Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman history. It is now

enmeshed in the fabric and economy of the Palestinian town of the same name, but risks being cut off from it.

AZHARI: If we looked at the examples we had already, maybe they will build a wall. Who knows?

DIAMOND (voice-over): It is also home to ruins from the ancient kingdom of Israel.

DIAMOND: Archaeologists say, these ruins date back to the ninth century B.C., part of the capital city of the ancient kingdom of Israel. And now

the current Israeli government wants to use these ruins as a justification for seizing hundreds of acres of land on an archaeological site that

includes ruins from many other periods in history.

DIAMOND (voice-over): The goal, an Israeli tourist site with a focus on its Jewish heritage. The man behind that project is far right heritage

minister, Amichai Eliyahu, who has, among other things, said he would be open to nuking Gaza.

He says Palestinians have failed to preserve the site and protect it from looters.

DIAMOND: In order to protect the site, why is it necessary to expropriate privately held Palestinian lands?

AMICHAI ELIYAHU, ISRAELI HERITAGE MINISTER (through text translation): The area is Israeli territory. It belongs to the Jewish people. It is not

occupied.

I am not willing to have the story of the Jewish people destroyed, sabotaged, robbed, dismantled, or erased.

DIAMOND (voice-over): But Palestinians say, it's Israel standing in the way of efforts to rehabilitate these ruins.

AZHARI: We tried to do a rehabilitation, an urgent and emergency rehabilitation. During the work, settlers, soldiers came, they stopped all

the labors.

ALON ARAD, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, EMEK SHAVEH: So, they keep on repeating this argument that the Palestinians are destroying archaeological remains

but have not shown any data to support it.

DIAMOND (voice-over): Alon Arad leads a group of Israeli archaeologists fighting against what they say are the real intentions of this government

and Eliyahu.

ARAD: He doesn't care about antiques. He wants to annex. It's not about the site. It's the ability to use the site as a weapon, as an instrument to

take more land, to shrink this Palestinian space.

DIAMOND (voice-over): The Palestinian Authority, supported by archaeologists like Arad, has filed an emergency petition to designate

Sebastia as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

ELIYAHU (through text translation): UNESCO can say whatever it wants. If it tries to go against the truth and invent narratives here, it will not

succeed.

DIAMOND: It seems like ultimately, you are trying to strengthen Israel's position on the grounds in that territory.

ELIYAHU: The land is irrevocable. The facts irrevocable, that we let them erase our heritage? The facts are that this is the land of our fathers and

mothers.

DIAMOND (voice-over): Palestinians are also deeply rooted in this land, like the olive trees, Sebastia's families have cultivated amid the ruins

for generations.

AZHARI: This is everything for us. I cannot imagine Sebastian without archaeological site. It's like your children, you cannot like leave one of

them.

This is the heart of people of Sebastia and Sebastia at the same time.

DIAMOND (voice-over): Jeremy Diamond, CNN, Sebastia, the West Bank.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[15:37:27]

SOARES: Welcome back, everyone.

Hamas has elected a new overall leader. We have done -- we're not going to Hamas, we've done this, right, for the first time since the killing of

Yayha Sinwar in Gaza in October 24. We were telling you that a short time ago as we brought you that report.

Let me bring you just very quickly before we go any further to Wall Street. We're keeping an eye on the markets. It is down, if I can quickly look,

it's down 292 points. If we bring that, yes, down half of a percent.

We are in the final moments of trading on Wall Street and stocks are mostly flat today. The Dow Jones edging low at the start of the trading week, as

investors. remain cautious, of course, amid those renewed fighting, that renewed fighting that we were talking about at the top of the show with our

Kevin Liptak in the Middle East.

Let me bring you up to date with our Middle East update here breakout. There could be more disruptions for global trade on the horizon. The Iran-

backed Houthi group in Yemen has declared a maritime blockade on Saudi shipping. The militant group has accused Saudi Arabia of carrying out

strikes on Yemen's capital city, warning the attack marks the end of a years-long truce with Riyadh.

Ryanair's profits have taken a big hit with a company blaming the war in the Middle East. The conflict has pushed up fuel prices, while the low-

budget carrier has also had to cut airfares to try and entice customers to fly. The airline posted more than $600 million in profit last quarter, down

more than a third when compared to the same time last year.

We want to stick with business news and some developments we've had in the last, what, hour or so. The merger of Paramount and Warner Brothers

Discovery is officially on hold after a judge issued a temporary restraining order against the deal, and that comes after 12 U.S. states

objected to the merger. While the holdup is only expected to be short, both Paramount and Warner Bros., the parent company of this network of CNN right

here, says it will aggressively fight the injunction.

Brian Stelter is on this story.

So, Brian, I mean, how short is short?

BRIAN STELTER, CNN CHIEF MEDIA ANALYST: How short is short? Two weeks. This is a two-week restraining order and the judge has the option to extend

it for two more weeks which she likely will do because she has scheduled an all-important hearing for August 3rd. That's what's known as the

preliminary injunction hearing and in these types of corporate merger battles, sometimes it all comes down to the preliminary injunction hearing

because if a judge decides to block this deal for months on end, then Paramount will have to reevaluate its options or at least that's what the

history of corporate merger and acquisition would tell you.

[15:40:00]

Conversely, if the judge hears the arguments on August 3rd and she's not persuaded and she rejects the state's request for preliminary injunction,

then Paramount will be free to complete the merger and take over Warner Bros. Discovery.

So those are the stakes. That's the drama now that this temporary restraining order has been put in place. And this, by the way, today was

not necessarily a surprise because it gives the judge more time to evaluate arguments. But here's what she said in the ruling today.

This is Judge Araceli Martinez-Olguin. She said, Because the states make a strong showing that the transaction will substantively lessen competition

in the wide-release theatrical distribution market, they demonstrate irreparable harm would result if a restraining order was not issued today.

So, the judge is saying that she does seem to be persuaded by the state's argument that the combined Paramount-Warner would be too big and would

violate antitrust law.

This all comes down to how the people involved define a marketplace. How do you evaluate what the media marketplace looks like? What does it mean to be

a blockbuster tentpole movie? What does it mean to be in the basic cable business?

Paramount's now going to spend the next couple of weeks trying to refute the state's arguments and refute how the states are defining the

marketplaces.

Here's a statement just in from Paramount saying, "We are confident the evidence will demonstrate that the state attorneys general's antitrust

arguments are without merit, as their alleged markets and claims of anticompetitive effects are without any crisis in modern market realities."

So, if I had to sum it up for normal folks like you and me, I would say Paramount's going to go out there and say the industry's changing

dramatically, Hollywood's evolving dramatically, YouTube and Netflix and Apple are all on the same turf as Paramount now. So, Paramount has to be

able to get bigger in order to compete.

But these state attorneys general, they are saying that merging Paramount and Warner would hurt the movie theater marketplace and would hurt basic

cable licensing. And yes, streaming's really important, but this case isn't about streaming, it's about those other markets.

So, the headline here, August 3rd will be a very high stakes hearing for the future of Paramount and Warner.

SOARES: I know you'll be right across it for us all. Brian Stelter, thank you very much indeed. Good to see you, Brian.

We're going to leave the U.S. for just a moment and take you to Madrid because what incredible scenes we've been seeing in the streets of Madrid,

of Spain. Let me show you these live images. As you can see there, really a city decorated in yellow and red as the team has their homecoming parade.

They are the champions of the world, and quite rightly so. What a match that was fully well deserved.

We'll talk about this after a very short break. You are watching CNN.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[15:45:37]

SOARES: You are looking, look at this, and listen to the sounds just for a second. There's images right there from a very jubilant Madrid and jubilant

Spain, where the men's World Cup winning team is on that bus there, "Kings of the World," it reads. And they are celebrating, of course, and quite

rightly so.

Spain's dominant World Cup campaign came to a climax yesterday, for those of you who didn't watch, after defeating Argentina, 1-0 after extra time.

Pau Mosquera is in Madrid for us as we look at the scenes. There's almost quarter to 10:00 in the evening.

And Pau, what a moment for Madrid, and indeed for Spain.

PAU MOSQUERA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, this is an incredible day for most of La Roja fans because they have taken to the streets of the Spanish

capital to celebrate this very unique moment. It is the second time the Spain national team makes or claims a victory in a World Cup final. And

this is why Madrid looks like this right now, Isa.

Have a look. Thousands and thousands of Spain national team fans are already flooding downtown the city. And what you're watching right now is

most of them taking down this Alcala Street, right straight to Cibeles Square, which is located at the end of this avenue on here is the place

where the authorities have set a giant stage to allow the players to take it and proudly present the trophy to everybody that is gathered down there.

And I'm being told, or at least most of the fans that are here right now, downtown Madrid, that they're going to be celebrating players (AUDIO GAP)

over there. So, it's going to be kind of similar to what we saw yesterday after Spain beat Argentina with that goal.

But, well, the real challenge, I guess, Isa, that will be from tomorrow, Tuesday, and on, as most of them, they will have to get back to normal

after these many celebrations. But the good news, they also tell me, is that they will keep this excitement for a long time -- Isa.

SOARES: And as you are talking, we are seeing the players on the bus jumping for joy. Some of them have already lost their T-shirts as they

celebrate, of course. in Madrid. And I'm guessing they're making their way to the main square there. Well, they'll be celebrated once more, and quite

rightly so. What a homecoming parade, as we see that bus move closer.

Do we have no power at any moment whether a national holiday has been given as a result of this?

MOSQUERA: No, not so far. I guess that most of La Roja fans would love this to happen, but we won't have any national holiday as a result of this

victory.

But let me say that having a victory like this, bringing the trophy to Spain, it may feel like this national holiday because at least you get to

share this moment of joy with. There are thousands of fans that are already taking to the streets. So somehow it feels like today was a national day,

Isa.

SOARES: Yeah, thank you very much, Pau.

And, looking there at those images. as the bus makes its way to center of the main square. We were just seeing just moments ago where as Powell was

speaking, Lamine Yamal, the great, the fantastic star of the Spanish team, the wonder kid really of that team singing. I wish I would want to know

what he was singing.

We should play it back and see what he was singing. But we keep across those images that, of course, Spaniards across the country welcome them

home and congratulate them on an incredible win at the second World Cup victory for Spain.

[15:50:01]

Pau, thank you very much.

We're going to take a short break. We'll see you on the other side.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

SOARES: Maybe the last time you hear that music. Three host nations, 104 games at the end of it. Well, one worthy champion.

There is incredible live images for you from Spain right now as the red bust of La Roja, the football team. They're having the homecoming parade.

The players right there taking their moment.

That is Moreno. Is that him? I can't tell him that. It's not him. Apologies. I couldn't tell because the camera angles are all from the back,

but we have seen all the players there. singing, dancing, drinking, some have lost their tops, but you can see what this moment means for Spain

after winning and beating former world champions, of course, Argentina, 1- 0, an incredible match.

That's unfortunately meant the end for the GOAT, Lionel Messi, does not mean he won't -- we won't see him again. We do not know a huge question

mark on that. Tonight, though, it's all about La Roja as they arrive. They're expected to arrive any moment now and take to that stage and be

celebrated as the kings of the world.

We're going to continue looking at these images and what this moment means.

I want to -- what I want to do now and what to know now is, was this, and I want to get your thoughts, the best World Cup ever?

Joining me now is Coy Wire, who followed the excitement firsthand.

So, Coy, give us a sense of whether you think this was the best one, because on this side of the pond, huge questions over hydration breaks,

VAR. What did you make of it?

COY WIRE, CNN SPORTS CORRESPONDENT: Yeah, that hydration breaks, we're kind of used to that, right? And seeing that in the NFL world, now seeing

that trickle into some of this. Was this the greatest World Cup ever? I mean, that is a really tough question.

Well, if your team got knocked out early. This was the worst. But if you are Spain, absolutely look at these scenes.

La Roja's capturing the second men's World Cup title in their history, adding to its European championship to the Olympic gold and becoming the

first nation ever to simultaneously host a -- hold both the men's and women's World Cup crowns. Not bad for a summer's work for those guys right

there hoisting that trophy.

[15:55:01]

Now, even if you don't call it the greatest, it's certainly the biggest. We had 48 teams for the first time. It was co-hosted for the first time by

three nations. I mean, we saw games in the legendary Estadio Azteca in Mexico. We had the billion-dollar NFL stadiums rocking right here in the

U.S. from Atlanta to LA, and of course right there in New Jersey and then sold-out crowds in Canada where soccer's popularity is growing faster than

ever.

The game truly belonged to the world, Isa, and what a cast of characters we saw during this World Cup, right? Kylian Mbappe coming out, shining,

getting the golden boot with 10 goals. Lionel Messi proving why he's the greatest of all time. Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane shining as well.

And how about Erling Haaland? I mean, he just absolutely was a force to be reckoned with the entire tournament. We had the first ever halftime show

with Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber. Again, some of that NFL, you know, vibe coming.

But I have to ask you, Isa -- certainly a lot to love. What was one of your favorite parts of this World Cup? I know you're probably a Portugal fan.

SOARES: I love Cape Verde. I love -- I love -- yeah, I am, but I loved Cape Verde, the success story. I loved the Scottish team and Norway.

That does it for us. I've been told to wrap. Thank you very much.

That's it for us. Do stay right here. We'll have much more after this short break.

END

TO ORDER VIDEOTAPES AND TRANSCRIPTS OF CNN INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMMING, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS