Football

Trump envoy seeks to replace Iran with Italy in upcoming World Cup - Financial Times

Iran had said earlier that it would decide on participation in the World Cup only after receiving a response from FIFA regarding the relocation of its matches from the US to Mexico.

A picture shows flags of Italy and of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) at the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) headquarters during a meeting of the Italian football authorities after the national team failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup, in Rome on April 2, 2026.
Pro-Palestinian activists protest with a football-shaped sign and a Palestinian flag outside Wembley Stadium on October 2nd, 2025 in London, United Kingdom.

Trump’s antisemitism envoy says US will bar World Cup attendees tied to antisemitism abroad

FIFA President Gianni Infantino (R) awards US President Donald Trump (L) with the FIFA Peace Prize, December 5, 2025; illustrative.

FIFA considers requesting Trump to issue ICE raid moratorium during World Cup - report

TAI BARIBO finds the net for D.C. United, emblematic of a new wave of Israeli soccer stars thriving on American soil.

Star-Spangled exodus: How MLS became a Mecca for Israeli soccer stars


Tech and AI brands drive record Super Bowl LX advertising boom

The average price for a half-minute ad at Super Bowl LX reached a record $8 million, with some slots going for higher than $10 million, far above the $42,000 charged in 1967.

The Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots logos projected on the Ferry Building.

‘48 points to fight for’: Ronny Deila takes over at Maccabi Tel Aviv

Ronny Deila has been named Maccabi Tel Aviv’s new head coach, bringing championship experience from Europe and the US for the run in.

 Maccabi Tel Aviv's new head coach Ronny Deila.

“Israel’s team” – could the new England patriots and the NFL come to Jerusalem?

Despite challenges, there is potential for the NFL to hold a game in Israel with support from Robert Kraft.

Israeli football in 2026 – growth, trends and more

Israeli football continues to go from strength to strength.

West Midlands Police chief steps down over Maccabi Tel Aviv fan ban scandal, offers no apology

CC Craig Guilford offered no apology for the erroneous policing of the Maccabi match, blaming "political and media frenzy" for his departure.

Police officer and security staff look on as protesters display banners before Maccabi Tel Aviv faces Aston Villa, in Birmingham, UK, November 6, 2025

Israel's Manor Solomon enjoying life playing for Fiorentina

Israeli winger Manor Solomon was unveiled as a Fiorentina player, discussing his move to Serie A, differences between leagues, and his focus on football rather than politics.

Manor Solomon of ACF Fiorentina looks on during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and AC Milan at Artemio Franchi on January 11, 2026 in Florence, Italy.

Iranian filmmaker Javad Ganji killed in Tehran protests, anti-regime data shows

Iranian filmmaker Javad Ganji, 39, was shot during protests in Tehran's Sadeghiyeh area, according to Hengaw and the National Council of Resistance of Iran's data.

Iranian filmmaker Javad Ganji, believed to be killed during a protest in Tehran, in an undated picture.

Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair wears ‘stop the genocide’ eye black

“Given the recent events in Israel and Gaza, this nonprofit provides medical aid and essential supplies to children injured and left homeless by the bombings in Gaza,” said Al-Shaair.

Azeez Al-Shaair, a longtime pro-Palestinian advocate, answers a postgame question while donning the message "STOP THE GENOCIDE" on his eye black, Jan. 12, 2026.

Xavi Alonso leaves Real Madrid by mutual agreement after loss to Barcelona in Super Cup final

"Real Madrid will always be his home," the club said in a statement.

Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso during a press conference, January 10, 2026; illustrative.

Maccabi Haifa wins north soccer derby against Hapoel Haifa 2-0

It may not have been one of the Haifa derbies that will go down in the annals of history, but it did offer some sense of closure for Maccabi after what went down last May.

MACCABI HAIFA midfielder Eitan Azoulay (back) celebrates after scoring his side’s first goal in the 2-0 derby victory over city rival Hapoel Haifa in Israel Premier League action.