Soccer

Israeli soccer set for another thrilling season

Defending champion Hapoel Beersheba leads a crowded field of contenders, with Beitar Jerusalem, Hapoel Tel Aviv, and the country’s traditional powerhouses all eyeing the title.

REIGNING CHAMPION Hapoel Beersheba (in red) and Maccabi Tel Aviv (in yellow) battle for possession as the two Israeli giants prepare for another season of Premier League competition, which begins this weekend.
Maccabi Haifa Reconsiders Its Plans. Benson’s Injury Moment.

Benson to be released or frozen: Maccabi Haifa will sign another foreign player

Peter Agba, Maccabi Haifa player.

Hungarian champions in talks to sign Maccabi Haifa's Peter Agba

FIFA PRESIDENT Gianni Infantino faces growing questions over the direction of world soccer after Israel withdrew its support for his leadership ahead of next year’s presidential election.

Israel withdraws support for embattled FIFA President Gianni Infantino


Former soccer players show brain changes but no cognitive decline, researchers find

The study, by researchers at Imperial College London, included 142 former players aged between 30 and 60 and compared them to 56 similarly aged healthy people with no history of contact sports.

Argentina players celebrate after the match as Argentina qualify for the semi finals of the World Cup.

South Africa's Jayden Adams, 25, dies after playing in World Cup

No official cause of death was released. "The South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) is devastated by the untimely passing of Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana midfielder Jayden Adams.

Jayden Adams of South Africa runs with the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match between Mexico and South Africa at Mexico City Stadium on June 11, 2026.

Is Lionel Messi a Zionist? The Argentine soccer star’s long history with Jewish and Israeli life

Some critics of Israel have surfaced his past activities and affiliations to make the case that opposing Argentina is the anti-Zionist choice. Many Israelis, meanwhile, favor the team.

Lionel Messi, then with FC Barcelona, puts a paper with wishes in a crack in the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest site, in Jerusalem during a team trip to Israel and the West Bank, Aug. 4, 2013.

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.

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

According to the report, Khalaili will be transferred to Inter Milan for 25 million euros, with a salary of approximately 2 million euros per season, including bonuses.

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.

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

Fifty years later, the crest remains largely unchanged and is one of the most widely worn team logos in the world, with Messi jerseys popular worldwide.

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.

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

"In today’s media climate, the individualists with the most Instagram likes are celebrated, while players who know how to connect with their teammates are left to the soccer nerds."

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.

Trump intervention prompts FIFA to reverse World Cup red card ban for US striker Folarin Balogun

The unprecedented move has thrust FIFA's disciplinary process into the global spotlight and prompted an angry response from Belgium, which plays the US on Monday for a place in the quarter-finals.

Folarin Balogun of the US is shown a red card by referee Raphael Claus on July 1, 2026.

Humanoid robot Atlas delivers match ball during Brazil v Norway FIFA World Cup game

The robot, presented by tournament sponsor Hyundai Motor, has previously danced and engaged in parkour.

Hyundai robot Atlas brings the match ball out before the second half of the Brazil v Norway FIFA World Cup game, July 5, 2026.

Trump called FIFA chief, urging a review of US star's suspension before sudden reversal - report

The US received a major World Cup boost after FIFA ruled Folarin Balogun eligible to face Belgium, suspending the immediate enforcement of his red card suspension.

US President Donald Trump holds up a red card as he meets with FIFA President Gianni Infantino in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, August 2018; illustrative.