World cup soccer
FIFA assigns LGBT-themed World Cup game to Iran, where homosexuality is punishable by death
As with many Islamic countries, homosexuality is outlawed in Iran and punishable by death. Many LGBTQ+ Iranians have fled the country, looking for asylum in the United States or the Middle East.
US President DonaldTrump wins FIFA's inaugural peace prize after Nobel controversy
Messi's Argentina, Ronaldo's Portugal, alongside best World Cup games to watch from Israel
Mexico to kick off 2026 World Cup against South Africa
Iran to boycott World Cup draw over US visa issues
"The Iranian delegation will not be present for the World Cup draw in relation to the latest status of issuing visas for the Iranian delegation", federation spokesman Amir Mehdi Alavi said.
‘We’ll reach a major tournament’: Coach confident despite Israel's exit from World Cup qualifiers
“The harshest criticism we’ll hear is the criticism we direct at ourselves. We have a goal, and we know and will know how to reach it. I’m very proud of the players," said the team's coach.
Blue-and-white closes campaign in style: Israel impresses in 4-1 victory in Moldova
Israel finished its World Cup qualifying campaign on a high, defeating Moldova 4-1 in Chisinau, powered by a brace from defender Roy Revivo, his first two international goals.
Israel national soccer team aims to finish 2026 World Cup qualifiers on a strong note
Ben Shimon & Co. close World Cup qualifiers at Moldova seeking redemption, growth, and steps toward future success
Cristiano Ronaldo clarifies 'soon' means one or two years before retirement
"I feel very good in this moment. I score goals, I still feel quick and sharp. But of course, let's be honest. What I mean by soon is probably one or two years," he said.
Irish soccer's governing body overwhelmingly backs call for UEFA to ban Israel
If UEFA decided to ban Israel, it would put the organization on a collision course with the government of the US, co-hosts for the 2026 World Cup, which strongly opposes such an action.
FIFA chief welcomes presence of female fans at Iranian Cup match
FIFA President Gianni Infantino called the event an "encouraging development" since women were banned from attending a previous 2022 World Cup qualifier.
Doha clears UK activist Andy Hall of defamation over migrant rights case
A Doha court overturned the 2022 defamation conviction of British activist Andy Hall, clearing him of charges linked to his advocacy for migrant workers’ rights ahead of the 2022 World Cup.
Blue-and-white bows out of World Cup race race
Mistakes proved costly in the qualifier in Italy, with a 3-0 defeat officially eliminating the Israelis from contention.
Clashes at pro-Palestinian march against Italy vs Israel FIFA World Cup qualifier
The march was attended by over 5,000 participants according to preliminary police estimates, and preceded the soccer match, which Italy ultimately won 3-0.
Israel set for pivotal World Cup qualifiers against Norway, Italy
With key road tests at Norway and Italy, Ben Shimon’s squad aims to keep World Cup dream alive.
