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.

A match ball is seen in front of a Pride flag during the round 21 A-League Women's match between Newcastle Jets and Western United at No.2 Sportsground, on March 30, 2025, in Newcastle, Australia.
US President Donald Trump (L) speaks after receiving the FIFA Peace Prize from FIFA President Gianni Infantino (R) during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Draw at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, in Washington, District of Columbia, USA Dec 5, 2025.

US President DonaldTrump wins FIFA's inaugural peace prize after Nobel controversy

Official FIFA World Cup 2026 host city poster collection. Toronto, Canada.

Messi's Argentina, Ronaldo's Portugal, alongside best World Cup games to watch from Israel

 FIFA World Cup 2026 - FIFA World Cup 2026 Draw - John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, D.C., U.S. - December 5, 2025 Musicians Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger perform during the FIFA World Cup 2026 draw

Mexico to kick off 2026 World Cup against South Africa


Lionel Messi wins his eighth Ballon d'Or

Messi claims his Ballon d'Or. Haaland second, Mbappe third. Bonamati wins the women's title, Bellingham is Young Player of the Year, Martinez is Goalkeeper of the Year.


Messi's menacing on-field bodyguard is always by his side

A former soldier in the US Army's special unit and an MMA fighter protects Lionel Messi on and off the field.


Spanish soccer chief's mother goes on hunger strike after son kissed player

Angeles Bejar said her strike would last "until a solution is found to the inhumane and bloody hunt they are carrying out against my son with something he does not deserve."

  FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Group E - Japan v Spain - Khalifa International Stadium, Doha, Qatar - December 1, 2022 President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation Luis Rubiales in the stands before the match.

Saudi Arabia seeks Iran’s support for World Cup bid - Iranian politician

The Iranian politician added that Saudi Arabia invited Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi to visit the kingdom.

Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud hold a press conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, August 17, 2023.

Qatar's tourism industry thrives post-World Cup: 347% increase in arrivals expected

Doha is increasingly competitive with more traditional tourist centers such as Dubai and Manama.

  Fans arriving in Qatar - Hamad International Airport, Doha, Qatar - November 19, 2022

A Jewish guide to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup

Here’s a Jewish guide to the Women’s World Cup, which started Thursday and concludes Aug. 20.

Soccer ball (illustrative)

Grapevine July 19, 2023: Au revoir, Monsieur Ambassadeur

Movers and shakers in Israeli society.

 OUTGOING FRENCH AMBASSADOR Eric Danon and his wife, Marie.

The world needs to achieve gender equality in sports - opinion

The growth of women’s sports demonstrates to young girls that they have the same opportunities as boys. It allows them to see and display leadership.

 Soccer: 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup Send Off-Wales at USA

Historic 1989 Israel-Colombia soccer match showcased in new documentary

Ambassador Gali Dagan

Editor's Notes: Israel’s World Cup Cinderella story

“There is only one big, united family. If only we would learn to live in such brotherhood and peace in our country.”

 ISRAELI PLAYERS celebrate after defeating South Korea to take third place in the FIFA Under-20 World Cup tournament, last Sunday in La Plata, Argentina.