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10 Soccer Players With the Most Instagram Followers in 2026

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Cristiano Ronaldo

Instagram remains the undisputed king of social media for soccer stars. With over 2.5 billion monthly active users worldwide, the platform has become the primary stage where athletes showcase their lives, brands, endorsements, and football highlights. In 2026, the gap between the top influencers and the rest of the pack has widened dramatically, driven by global stardom, off-field charisma, and massive commercial deals.

Here are the 10 soccer players with the most Instagram followers as of February 2026, complete with exact follower counts (real-time verified), key growth stats, content style analysis, and why each player dominates the platform.

Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo

1. Cristiano Ronaldo – 715.8 million followers

@cristiano The undisputed No. 1. Ronaldo crossed 700 million followers in late 2025 and continues to add roughly 1.2–1.8 million new followers every month. His account is a masterclass in personal branding: daily workout videos, family moments, luxury lifestyle posts, Al-Nassr highlights, and motivational captions. Key stat: His “Siuuu!” celebration reel from a 2025 friendly has over 1.4 billion views — the most-watched sports video in Instagram history. Why he leads: Ronaldo posts more frequently than any other athlete (often 3–5 times daily), engages personally in comments, and has mastered Reels algorithm domination.

2. Lionel Messi – 532.4 million followers

@leomessi Messi trails Ronaldo by a significant margin but still holds second place comfortably. His growth accelerated in 2025–2026 thanks to Inter Miami’s MLS success, the 2026 World Cup hype, and his family-oriented content. Key stat: His post announcing the birth of his third child in 2025 garnered 78 million likes — an Instagram record for a sports figure. Content style: Much quieter than Ronaldo — fewer posts (1–2 per week), but each one is high-impact (family, trophies, Miami highlights). Growth driver: Messi’s move to MLS and World Cup ambassador role have exploded his North American following.

3. Neymar Jr. – 238.7 million followers

@neymarjr Neymar remains the third-most-followed athlete globally. Despite injury setbacks and his move to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, his flamboyant lifestyle, music releases, and frequent party content keep engagement sky-high. Key stat: His 2025 music video collaboration with Anitta racked up 420 million views on Instagram Reels. Why he stays top 3: Neymar’s off-field persona (fashion, tattoos, celebrity friendships) generates massive viral moments.

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4. Kylian Mbappé – 192.1 million followers

@k.mbappe Mbappé overtook David Beckham in late 2025 to become the fourth-most-followed soccer player. His move to Real Madrid in 2025, combined with France’s World Cup qualification, sent his numbers soaring. Key stat: His debut goal for Real Madrid in LaLiga generated 92 million views in 24 hours — the biggest single-post spike of 2025. Growth driver: Mbappé’s clean image, fashion collabs (Louis Vuitton, Dior), and status as the “next face of football” make him irresistible to brands and younger fans.

5. Mohamed Salah – 105.4 million followers

@mohsalah The Egyptian King crossed 100 million in mid-2025 and continues to grow steadily. Salah’s content mix of intense training, family moments, charity work, and Liverpool highlights resonates deeply in the Arab world and Africa. Key stat: His Ramadan posts in 2025 consistently receive 15–20 million likes — among the highest engagement rates in sports. Why he ranks so high: Salah is a cultural icon in the Middle East and North Africa, where Instagram penetration is exploding.

6. Karim Benzema – 89.3 million followers

@karimbenzema Despite leaving Real Madrid for Al-Ittihad, Benzema’s follower count keeps climbing thanks to his lavish lifestyle in Saudi Arabia, business ventures, and occasional football highlights. Key stat: His 2025 luxury car collection post received 28 million likes — one of the most-liked soccer posts of the year. Growth driver: Benzema’s “Ballon d’Or aura” and Middle Eastern fanbase.

7. Erling Haaland – 78.6 million followers

@erlinghaaland The Norwegian striker’s numbers exploded after winning the 2025 Ballon d’Or and leading Manchester City to another Premier League title. His content focuses heavily on training, diet, and absurd goal-scoring reels. Key stat: His “hat-trick in 3 minutes” compilation from 2025 has 1.1 billion views across platforms. Why he’s rising fast: Haaland is the face of the next generation — young, dominant, and marketable.

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8. Vinícius Júnior – 67.2 million followers

@vinijr Vinícius crossed 60 million in 2025 and is growing faster than any other top-10 player. His dance celebrations, charity work, and Real Madrid highlights keep fans engaged. Key stat: His 2025 Ballon d’Or runner-up speech post received 45 million likes. Growth driver: Vinícius is a cultural icon in Brazil and Latin America, with massive appeal to Gen Z.

9. Sergio Ramos – 62.1 million followers

@sergioramos Even at 40, Ramos remains a social media powerhouse. His retirement announcement in 2025, followed by his move to a Saudi Pro League club, kept him relevant. Key stat: His farewell post from Sevilla in 2025 garnered 38 million likes. Why he stays high: Ramos’ controversial personality and legendary status ensure constant engagement.

10. Ronaldinho – 58.9 million followers

@ronaldinho The Brazilian legend has the most passive growth of the top 10 — almost no new content, yet his classic highlights and throwback posts keep him in the top 10. Key stat: His 2025 freestyle video with his son garnered 320 million views. Why he endures: Ronaldinho is football nostalgia personified.

Key Takeaways & Trends for 2026

  • Ronaldo vs. Messi gap widens: Ronaldo adds followers faster due to volume and engagement; Messi grows steadily but at a slower pace.
  • Saudi Pro League boost: Players like Neymar, Benzema, and Ramos benefit from massive Middle Eastern followings.
  • Real Madrid dominance: Mbappé, Vinícius, and Bellingham (just outside top 10 at ~55M) show the club’s social media power.
  • Young stars rising fast: Haaland, Vinícius, and Pedri (emerging top-15 candidate) are the fastest-growing active players.
  • Engagement over followers: Messi and Salah often have higher like-to-follower ratios than Ronaldo due to more curated posting.

As soccer’s global audience continues to explode, Instagram follower counts have become a legitimate measure of stardom, marketability, and cultural influence. In 2026, the top 10 list reflects both on-field greatness and off-field charisma — a perfect blend of football talent and digital dominance.

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Alphatec Holdings director Ward W. Woods retires; board reduced to seven members

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Alphatec Holdings director Ward W. Woods retires; board reduced to seven members

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StubHub launches all-women’s sports ticketing platform

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StubHub launches all-women's sports ticketing platform

In honor of Women’s History Month, StubHub is jumping on the train of women’s sports and its continued growth.

The ticketing platform announced Tuesday that they will be launching “HerSportsHub,” the first dedicated women’s sports ticket destination in the resale industry.

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HerSportsHub centralizes access to WNBA, NWSL, PWHL, NCAA Women’s Basketball, and more in one place, giving women’s sports fans a one-stop shop to search for a variety of women’s sports experiences. 

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Women's US Hockey team

Team United States celebrates the winning goal during the Women’s Ice Hockey Gold Medal Game between USA and Canada on day 23 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on Feb. 19, 2026 in Milan, Italy.  (EyesWideOpen/Getty Images)

“HerSportsHub builds on the momentum we’re seeing, creating a centralized space for fans to discover and secure tickets across leagues,” said Jill Gonzalez, Head of Consumer Communications at StubHub. “Although the hub launches this week, it’s here to stay to provide access beyond Women’s History Month.”

StubHub saw an increase in women’s sports ticketing demand following the Olympics, especially in hockey after Megan Keller’s golden goal against Canada. Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) demand jumped nearly 60% immediately following Team USA’s gold medal win at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

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This was no fluke, either, as ticket demand for women’s sports also grew after the 2024 Paris Olympics

Members of Team USA

Gold medalists Megan Keller (5), Aerin Frankel (31) and Hayley Scamurra (16) of Team United States celebrate the victory after the Women’s Ice Hockey gold medal game between USA and Canada at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Milan, Italy. (Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)

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WNBA demand surged over 360% year-over-year during the Olympic year (largely in part due to Caitlin Clark’s presence), and National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) demand jumped over 150% during the Olympics. In total, eight WNBA and NWSL teams saw at least a 215% in search spikes post-Paris Olympics. In the 30 days post-Paris Olympics, demand accelerated again — up 170% in the WNBA and 330% in the NWSL.

In the 30 days after the Paris Games, buyers jumped nearly 200% — and 88% were first-time women’s sports purchasers, and multi-game buyers nearly tripled.

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To celebrate its launch, StubHub will be hosting a watch party for the NWSL’s Gotham FC on April 4 at Blazers in Brooklyn, a woman-owned sports bar, to watch a game against the KC Current.

At the party, StubHub will announce the first recipient of StubHub Access: New York, a $100,000 youth ticket fund to give young sports fans the chance to experience live sports.

Gotham FC

A general view of the inside of the stadium as players of Gotham FC walk over for their team photograph prior to the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup 2026 Third Place Play Off match between ASFAR and Gotham FC at Arsenal Stadium on Feb. 1, 2026 in London, (Harriet Lander – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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Keller and Hilary Knight were joined by Jack and Quinn Hughes on “Saturday Night Live” over the weekend.

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Volatility Spikes as US-Iran Conflict Sends Stocks Lower. Why Confidence Could Be Slow to Return.

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Applied Materials, Rivian, Moderna, Arista, Fastly, Coinbase, Robinhood, DraftKings, and More Stock Market Movers

Volatility Spikes as US-Iran Conflict Sends Stocks Lower. Why Confidence Could Be Slow to Return.

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Prediction markets face scrutiny over Iran strike betting profits

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Prediction markets face scrutiny over Iran strike betting profits

A single digital gambler known only as “Magamyman” walked away with $600,000 this weekend after successfully betting on the U.S. military’s strike against Iranian leadership—and he was not alone.

As millions of dollars flooded into controversial prediction markets tied to U.S. strikes on Iran and the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, blockchain investigators say a handful of suspected insiders may have used non-public information to turn the fog of war into a personal windfall.

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Just before the U.S.-led strikes that rocked Iran early Saturday, Reuters and other outlets reported a surge of “suspiciously timed bets” that generated significant profits. Blockchain analytics firm Bubblemaps identified six suspected insiders in a post on X, saying they collectively netted $1.2 million on Polymarket just hours before the conflict began.

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Total trade volume on the fate of Khamenei reached more than $55 million on Kalshi and more than $58 million on Polymarket.

Iran bomb strike and New York Stock Exchange

Traders on prediction market platforms Kalshi and Polymarket made millions on trades related to the Iran conflict. (Getty Images)

Kalshi faced intensified scrutiny after the federally regulated exchange voided some trades made on the position, “Ali Khamenei out as Supreme Leader?” as fine print indicates that individuals cannot profit directly from death. Instead of settling the “Yes” contracts at the full $1 value, Kalshi invoked a “death carveout” rule, settling positions based on the last traded price before his death was officially confirmed and refunding all trading fees.

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“As an exchange, we resolve the market according to the rules, even when there is disagreement with the resolution. I understand many of you are frustrated about the Khamenei market,” Kalshi co-founder Tarek Mansour posted on X.

“No trader lost money on this market. While the rules were clear and we tried our best to highlight them, traders vocalized they were not prominent enough,” Mansour continued. “We learned a lot from this market. We are updating how we present similar markets (e.g., those with a death carveout or where a death might be a likely scenario) so traders can see the exception more clearly before they trade.”

Neither Polymarket nor Kalshi immediately responded to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

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“Gambling on war and death doesn’t just present national security risks, it also raises serious concerns about potential insider trading—presenting unscrupulous government officials with a chance to profit off the new war in Iran,” Senate Minority Leader Adam Schiff, D-Calif., posted to X on Monday. “These contracts are immoral. [Commodity Futures Trading Commission] can and must ban them.”

However, this is not the first time prediction markets have faced scrutiny for alleged insider trading. Just last month, Kalshi took action by suspending and fining two users — including an employee of the world’s most-subscribed YouTuber, MrBeast — for trading on material, nonpublic information.

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Global Stocks Drop as Middle East Conflict Spooks Investors

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Global Stocks Drop as Middle East Conflict Spooks Investors

Stocks across the world took a battering on Monday as investors ditched risk assets and piled into safe havens following the strikes by the U.S. and Israel on Iran.

Europe’s flagship Stoxx 600 index slid 1.2% in early trading. Frankfurt’s Dax slumped 1.7% and Paris’s CAC 40 plunged 1.5%.

London’s FTSE 100 slipped 1%. Citi analysts upgraded the U.K. to overweight from underweight, citing the country’s concentration of commodities and defense stocks. Aerospace company BAE Systems and oil majors Shell and BP were the FTSE 100’s top three performers on Monday.

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The Best Business Mini PC for Remote Work: Performance, Reliability, and Value

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The Best Business Mini PC for Remote Work: Performance, Reliability, and Value

Remote work is no longer a temporary trend. It has become a long-term business model for startups, agencies, consultants, and enterprise teams.

As professionals continue to work from home offices, co-working spaces, and while traveling, choosing the right hardware is critical. A compact yet powerful solution is now the preferred choice for many professionals looking for the best business mini PC for remote work.

Mini PCs are no longer limited to light tasks. Modern models offer enterprise-grade processors, high-speed storage, and multi-display support — all within a compact footprint. This article explains what makes a mini PC suitable for business use and why the GEEKOM mini PC stands out in today’s competitive market.

Why Mini PCs Are Gaining Popularity in Business Environments

Conventional desktop towers require both physical space and power consumption to operate. Laptops offer portability to users but they struggle with thermal management and long-term performance during heavy usage. Mini PCs provide a balanced alternative.

The GEEKOM mini PC functions as a well-engineered product which delivers desktop computing capabilities through its small design. The device occupies space on a desk or can hide behind a monitor or be stored in a compact workspace area. This design element provides a useful solution for remote workers who need to maintain both their efficiency and their organized workspace.

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From a cost-to-performance perspective, many IT consultants now consider a high-quality mini PC as the best business mini PC for remote work, especially for distributed teams that need scalable and manageable systems.

Core Features to Look for in a Business Mini PC

Decision-makers are required to assess performance, connectivity, expandability, and security while evaluating a variety of options.

1. Processor and Performance

Remote professionals use demanding applications such as:

  • Video conferencing platforms
  • Cloud-based customer relationship management systems
  • Data analytics dashboards
  • Graphic design and content editing tools

A dependable mini PC needs to have current Intel Core processors or AMD Ryzen processors that support multiple processing cores. The GEEKOM mini PC lineup typically integrates high-efficiency processors designed for multitasking without performance throttling.

If your workflow includes heavy browser usage and multiple SaaS tools and video meetings running at the same time, you need to choose the best business mini PC for remote work which should have at least 16GB RAM and NVMe SSD storage to ensure smooth operation.

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2. Multi-Display Support for Productivity

Using two or three computer monitors leads to major productivity improvements. Marketers and remote managers and developers use multiple screens to optimize their work processes. GEEKOM mini PC models support 4K multi-display output through their HDMI and USB-C ports. Users can handle their spreadsheet work on one monitor while they conduct video meetings on another and use communication tools on a third screen. The essential requirement for remote work at business mini PCs demands multi-display support for professional work productivity.

3. Compact Design with Enterprise Build Quality

A business device needs to endure its complete daily operational requirements. The high-quality mini PCs use aluminum chassis designs which provide both better heat dissipation and superior structural strength.

The GEEKOM mini PC operates without making any sound because its compact dimensions allow for use in both home office and shared work environments. The client calls and virtual presentations require special importance on maintaining low noise levels.

Professionals seeking the best business mini PC for remote work should select devices with thermal management systems that maintain operational performance throughout their work sessions.

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Security and Remote Management Capabilities

Cybersecurity is a critical concern for remote teams. Business hardware should support:

  • TPM (Trusted Platform Module) for data encryption
  • Secure Boot features
  • BIOS-level protection
  • Enterprise-grade operating systems compatibility

The GEEKOM mini PC series is engineered to support modern security standards, allowing businesses to protect sensitive data and comply with regulatory requirements.

Organizations need to identify the ideal business mini PC model for remote work which enables their IT administrators to handle remote management tasks through cloud-based IT systems.

Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

The operational expenses of organizations experience direct effects from energy-efficient practices which become more pronounced during team expansions.

Mini PCs typically consume far less power than traditional desktop systems. The GEEKOM mini PC achieves high performance through its capability to run at reduced power consumption. The process results in cost savings for both electricity and cooling expenses throughout the duration of time.

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Organizations evaluating the best business mini PC for remote work need to calculate total cost of ownership (TCO) through an assessment of power consumption and hardware longevity and maintenance expenses.

Real-World Use Cases

Mini PCs are suitable for a wide range of business applications:

  • Remote accounting and finance teams
  • Digital marketing professionals
  • Software developers and programmers
  • Virtual assistants and administrative staff
  • E-commerce store managers

The GEEKOM mini PC provides reliable performance for daily tasks because it operates without required desktop equipment.

The product includes an ideal combination of portability and performance and reliability according to industry analysts who view it as the best remote work business mini PC.

Why Businesses Trust Compact Workstations

Trust develops through repeated performance and transparent product details and verified customer reviews. Reputable manufacturers provide customers with detailed product specifications and warranty information and various support options.

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The GEEKOM mini PC brand has positioned itself within the business computing market by focusing on performance optimization and hardware reliability. Organizations that implement compact systems experience better workspace organization combined with reduced maintenance requirements.

Decision-makers must assess independent performance benchmarks together with warranty conditions and upgrade options when they choose the optimal remote work mini PC for business use.

Conclusion

Workers who perform their jobs from remote locations require technology that delivers dependable security features and energy-efficient performance together with its ability to support work-related tasks. Mini PCs have developed into advanced business systems which match the performance of standard desktop computers while consuming only a small amount of physical space.

A GEEKOM mini PC provides professional users with essential processing power and multiple connectivity solutions and maintains high durability standards needed for their work. Organizations and independent professionals who need to find the best business mini PC for remote work should select a compact workstation which offers both efficient performance and extended product lifespan as their optimal choice. The selection process for the appropriate system today leads to improved business operations and enhanced teamwork abilities which support sustainable business development in the remote work environment.

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US may cut off trade with Spain over Iran, other disputes, Trump says

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US may cut off trade with Spain over Iran, other disputes, Trump says

President Donald Trump on Tuesday threatened to cut off trade with Spain, accusing the NATO ally of failing to meet defense spending commitments and refusing to allow U.S. forces to use Spanish bases to support operations related to strikes against Iran.

Speaking during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the White House, Trump said he had directed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to “cut off all dealings with Spain,” calling the country “unfriendly” and criticizing its leadership.

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“We’re going to cut off all trade with Spain,” he told reporters. “We don’t want anything to do with Spain.”

THE ONE SENTENCE IN RUBIO’S MUNICH SPEECH THAT REVEALED TRUMP’S RED LINE FOR EUROPE

President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting in the Oval Office at the White House.

President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the Oval Office on March 3, 2026, in Washington, D.C. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

The president claimed Spain was the only NATO country that refused his call to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP and said Madrid had indicated Washington could not use certain Spanish bases in support of Operation Epic Fury.

Trump did not specify which military installations he was referring to. The United States maintains access to Naval Station Rota and Morón Air Base under a long-standing defense cooperation agreement with Spain.

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Under that agreement, U.S. forces can operate from designated Spanish installations, but Spain retains sovereignty over the bases and must authorize any use beyond the scope of the agreement.

NATO CHIEF DEFENDS TRUMP TO CRITICAL MSNBC HOST, SAYS ‘HE WAS RIGHT’ TO HIT ALLIES ON DEFENSE SPENDING

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker moves along the runway at Moron Air Base in southern Spain.

File photo of a U.S. Air Force Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker at Moron Air Base in Moron de la Frontera, Spain, on Aug. 27, 2021. (Marcelo Del Pozo/Reuters)

Combat operations or offensive strikes launched from Spanish territory would generally require Madrid’s approval.

Trump later argued that he has broad executive authority to restrict trade with Spain without congressional approval, citing what he described as Supreme Court-affirmed powers to halt business with countries that are “not treating us well.”

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SPAIN VOTES IN ELECTION THAT COULD SHIFT POWER FROM SOCIALISTS TOWARD THE RIGHT, IN TREND FOR LIBERAL EUROPE

Spain’s King Felipe VI stands in a formal hall at the Royal Palace of Madrid during a credential ceremony with Bulgaria’s ambassador.

King Felipe VI receives the Letter of Credence from Bulgaria’s new ambassador, Todor Stoyanov, at the Royal Palace in Madrid on Feb. 18, 2026. (A. Perez Meca/Europa Press via Getty Images)

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Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, who were present at the meeting, said the administration could pursue investigations and take further action if Trump chooses to move forward.

According to U.S. Census Bureau data, total goods trade between the United States and Spain reached roughly $47 billion in 2025, with the U.S. running a trade surplus of about $4.8 billion.

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JBS breaks ground on beef plant

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JBS breaks ground on beef plant

Part of $150 million expansion project.  

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Why Haven’t Oil Prices Surged More?

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Rebecca Feng hedcut

Brent crude jumped more than 7% on Monday to trade above $78 a barrel. That’s a big rise but not as large as some had predicted.

Over the weekend, traders and analysts suggested the conflict in the Middle East would push oil prices above $90 a barrel—with some predicting prices could top $100 a barrel.

So why haven’t oil prices shot up further this morning? Here are some potential reasons.

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Cal-Maine Foods adds to portfolio with acquisition

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Cal-Maine Foods adds to portfolio with acquisition

Creighton Brothers produces shell eggs and prepared egg products. 

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