Football

A Messi conspiracy: Egyptian pundit blames Israel for Egypt's World Cup loss against Argentina

"We played like heroes, but Israel - meaning FIFA and the referees - had something to say about it, and we couldn't overcome these circumstances," said Egyptian commentator Mohammed Nour.

Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrates with teammates after the 3-2 victory during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium on July 07, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Union's Anan Khalaili pictured during a friendly soccer game between Diegem Sport and Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, in Diegem, on Tuesday 30 June 2026.

Arab Israeli soccer star Anan Khalaili to join Inter Milan in record transfer for Israeli player

Left: The 1976 letter telling Norberto Rud that his design had been chosen as the Argentine Football Association's official crest; at right, Rud's son Oliver wears a jersey featuring his father's design.

Crest worn by Messi, Argentina’s soccer team designed by Jewish superfan 50 years ago

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal in tears after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 16 match between Portugal and Spain at Dallas Stadium on July 6, 2026 in Arlington, United States.

Good thing it's over: Cristiano Ronaldo’s cult of personality became unbearable - opinion


How Jewish soccer legends forced to flee the Holocaust built modern football

Béla Guttmann changed the shape of modern Brazilian soccer - and changed the sport forever - when he imported the revolutionary 4-2-4 system from Hungary to São Paulo in 1957.

Benfica coach and manager Bela Guttmann (1900-1981), blowing a whistle, during a training session at White City Stadium in London, England, 5th April 1962.

FIFA World Cup 2026: The beautiful game in an unbeautiful world - opinion

The world is not beautiful at the moment. But the 'beautiful game' still has the capacity to gather people, distract people, delight people, and occasionally inspire people.

A general view of FIFA World Cup 2026 signage at Kansas City Stadium on June 08, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri.

Iran seizes exiled soccer star Ali Karimi's villa, assets over alleged Israel ties

Karimi, who is currently living in exile in the United States, became a major voice of anti-regime protests in 2022. This is not the first time his assets have been seized by the regime.

Iran's Ali Karimi speaks during a pre-match news conference during the 2007 AFC Asian Cup soccer tournament in Kuala Lumpur July 14, 2007.

World Cup referee from Somalia denied entry to US

Omar Artan was the only Somalian referee on FIFA's World Cup list, with the nation on the US list of "fully suspended" countries for entry.

Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 match between Equatorial Guinea and Guinea at Alassane Ouattara Stadium on January 28, 2024 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

Danish soccer player Eriksen collapses for second time in career, is conscious, DR reports

Danish soccer player Christian Eriksen collapsed on the pitch in a match against Ukraine on Sunday, but was conscious, public broadcaster DR reported.

Danish soccer player Christian Eriksen, pictured May 21, 2026.

World Cup 2026: Why millions of Iranians refuse to cheer for the regime’s team - opinion

When a state actively wages war against the core pillars of a country’s heritage, any institution operating under its direct banner loses its national legitimacy. 

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

Iraq World Cup star Aymen Hussein detained at Chicago airport, team photographer barred

Hussein was finally allowed in, but the team's photographer was barred from entering the US, said the official, who works for the Iraqi Olympic Committee and has close contacts with the team.

 Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup - Inter-Confederation Playoffs - Final - Iraq v Bolivia - Estadio Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico - March 31, 2026 Iraq's Aymen Hussein arrives before the match.

Israel beats Albania in tense soccer friendly after booing of Hatikvah

“Throughout the three years of the war, I’ve become used to boos," said midfielder Eliel Peretz. "It’s unpleasant and disrespectful. But in the end, we’re professionals."

ISRAEL STRIKER Oscar Gloukh and Albania's Elseid Hysaj are shown a yellow card by referee Milija Savovic after an altercation stemming from the booing of Hatikvah before Israel's 1-0 friendly victory over host Albania in Tirana.

Southampton soccer scandal: Coach pressured interns to spy, WhatsApp messages reveal

WhatsApp messages reveal Southampton coach Tonda Ackert pressured junior staff to spy on rival clubs, calling it a "calculated top-down plan" that led to playoff disqualification.

DANIEL PERETZ rose to the moment with a series of stunning saves vs Arsenal, carrying Southampton to a memorable FA Cup quarterfinal upset this week.

Mac TA, Holon notch opening playoffs wins

The head coach may not travel with the team due to an injury, but Hapoel Beersheba midfielder Eliel Peretz is not concerned about his potential absence.

MACCABI TEL AVIV forward Jaylen Hoard goes up to the hoop for two of his  team-high 20 points in the yellow-and-blue’s 106-90 victory over Hapoel Beersheba in Game 1 of their best-of-three quarterfinals series.