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


Desert diamond: Or Divan and the new dawn of Israeli women’s soccer

Divan is a rare talent in the local landscape, her superb aerial game making her a constant threat on high balls, completing the profile of a truly modern and well-rounded player.

AT JUST 16, Or Divan has skipped the natural order of Israeli soccer. From scoring over 100 goals in a season to her time in the World Cup qualifiers, the striker is proving that greatness doesn’t wait for age.

Getting back to the games while under fire

Israeli sports leagues prepare to resume under strict safety guidelines, with empty stadiums and arenas.

Football and basketball leagues across Israel are pushing ahead with plans to complete their seasons as the war continues.

Iranian football players face government pressure to return to Iran, as families warn against it

The exact number of delegation members seeking protection remains unclear, with accounts from activists, officials, and Iranian state media differing.

THE REMAINING members of Iran’s women’s national football team embrace a member of the support staff who had refused to board the plane.

Omri Airlines: The meteoric rise of Israeli midfielder Gandelman with Italy’s Lecce

Gandelman has transformed into the “new face” of US Lecce in just a few short weeks, a player in the right place at the right time to secure a vital 2-1 victory.

WHETHER AT the club level for US Lecce or playing for the Israel national team Omri Gandelman has become a reliable contributor and fan favorite.

Australia to grant visas to five members of Iranian women's soccer team after Trump appeal

The players, who were playing in the Women’s Asian Cup in Australia, stood silent last week during the Iranian national anthem, which was interpreted by hardliners in Iran as a sign of treason.

Fatemeh Pasandideh of Iran during the AFC Women's Asian Cup Group A match between South Korea and Iran at Robina Stadium on the Gold Coast, Australia, March 2, 2026.

Luka Gadrani anchors Beitar Jerusalem’s defense as championship race heats up

Gadrani, who joined the club at the end of September from Kairat Almaty, has been one of the standouts as the Georgian national team defender provides a cool, calm, and collected presence.

BEITAR JERUSALEM defender Luka Gadrani has brought stability to the club’s back line since arriving from Kairat Almaty, helping the capital side stay in title contention.

Maccabi Haifa goalkeeper Yermakov’s resolve in uncertain times

Some foreign players have left Israel and plan to return once the situation calms down. Some, like Georgiy Yermakov, have stayed.

MACCABI HAIFA goalkeeper Georgiy Yermakov remains in Israel during the league’s wartime pause, while balancing the reality of conflict in both his homeland of Ukraine and his adopted home.

Iranian women's soccer team refuses to sing national anthem, chess player calls out regime

The players' actions came as Israel continued its war against Iran in the form of Operation Roaring Lion. As the war progressed, Israel successfully eliminated many of the country's leaders.

MEMBERS OF the Islamic Republic of Iran team pose prior to the AFC Women's Asian Cup Group A match between South Korea and Iran at Robina Stadium on the Gold Coast, Australia, March 2, 2026.

Ireland commits to Israel fixtures despite calling for their expulsion

Ireland and Israel will face each other in September and November 2026, home and away. The FAI had requested in November 2025 that Israel be expelled from UEFA competitions.

 Barnot Toth of Hungary is challenged by Jack Taylor of Republic of Ireland during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Republic of Ireland and Hungary at on September 06, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland.

Seattle Seahawks win Super Bowl LX 29-13 over New England Patriots

This was the Seahawks' first Super Bowl appearance since they lost the 2015 Super Bowl to the Patriots in Glendale, Arizona.

A detailed view of the Vince Lombardi Trophy during Super Bowl LX Opening Night at San Jose McEnery Convention Center on February 02, 2026 in San Jose, California.