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


'The number 5 remains reserved': The legacy of Franz Beckenbauer

Beckenbauer's number 5 jersey, iconic during his time at FC Bayern, will never again be worn by another player at the club.

 'The number 5 remains reserved': The legacy of Franz Beckenbauer.

Uruguayan footballer Mathías Acuña, 32, found dead in Ecuador hotel room

In the months leading up to his death, Acuña had been embroiled in personal difficulties. He was under investigation for alleged physical and psychological abuse by his ex-girlfriend, Lu Rodríguez.

 Ambato, Ecuador.

Antarctica now has about 2,000 football fields more of vegetation

From 1986 to 2021, moss-covered areas on the Antarctic Peninsula expanded from less than one square kilometer to nearly 12 square kilometers.

 Antarctica now has about 2,000 football fields more of vegetation.

Great-grandson of Mussolini scores first goal for Juve Stabia, fans celebrate with fascist salute

Fans of Juve Stabia celebrated with fascist salutes after Romano Floriani Mussolini, great-grandson of Italian fascist dictator Benito Mussolini, scored his first goal for the team.

 Romano Floriani Mussolini, the great-grandson of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini, warms up before the Serie A soccer match in Verona, October 24, 2021.

Norway requests FIFA investigate Israel before World Cup

The Norwegian Football Federation president said she stands behind her government's call to end the war in Gaza.

 Norway's Jens Petter Hauge celebrates with teammates.

Eyes on 2026: Road to World Cup begins for the Israel national team

Despite some nerves, the blue-and-white are working hard to make their 2026 World Cup dreams a reality

MANOR SOLOMON (pictured above in a Israel-Belarus Euro 2024 qualifier in September 2023) and the National Team hope to soon get back to playing at Bloomfield Stadium as the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign is set to kick off.

Lanistar on Brazil, Reinventing Itself, and Targeting Multi-Billion-Dollar Market


BYU’s Jake Retzlaff signs historic NIL deal with Manischewitz

“Manischewitz has always been part of my life," Retzlaff said.

 Jake Retzlaff with a box of Manischewitz latke mix.

Lior Refaelov's late heroics secure Maccabi Haifa win over Petah Tikva

Refaelov’s brilliance lifts Mac Haifa • Beitar and Hapoel draw in front of record Teddy crowd.

 Israel soccer story by Joshua Halickman on Page 8 – Picture of Beitar Jerusalem's Patrick Twumasi.

Israel National Team defeats Belgium 1-0, in first win of the campaign

Shua’s late strike lifts Ben Shimon & Co. to landmark Nations League conquest of Belgium

 ISRAEL TEAMMATES Daniel Peretz (left) and Raz Shlomo celebrate after the blue-and-white beat Belgium 1-0 late Sunday in Nations League action in Budapest.