Football

No. 50: Deni Avdija, Matt Turner, Zach Hyman, Oscar Gloukh, and Daniel Peretz

Five athletes carrying Jewish and Israeli pride onto the world stage.

 (L-R, clockwise): Deni Avdija, Oscar Gloukh, Zach Hyman, Matt Turner, and Daniel Peretz
Football’s match day no longer begins at kickoff - it now extends across screens, platforms and digital experiences.

How online gaming is changing the way football fans experience match day

Kraft Stadium in Jerusalem, seen from above.

From Jerusalem to LA28: American Football is flourishing in Israel at the Kraft Stadium

Leuven, Belgium mayor Mohamed Ridouani.

Belgian mayor blocks Hapoel Beersheba Europa League match over alleged safety concerns


Iran secures a 2-2 draw against New Zealand amid protests at an intense World Cup encounter

A goal was celebrated by some fans critical of the Iranian government, many of whom carried Iran's pre-revolutionary Lion and Sun flag. Some also booed Iran's national anthem before kickoff.

 FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group G - Iran v New Zealand - Los Angeles Stadium, Inglewood, California, U.S. - June 15, 2026 Iran's Mohammad Mohebbi scores their second goal past New Zealand's Max Crocombe.

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.