FIFA staff concerned fan water-bottle ban was influenced by commercial considerations
Members of FIFA’s security and safety teams expressed concerns during internal debates over the organization’s decision to ban…
Diverse. Complicated. United. This is what it is to be a USMNT soccer fan
As part of our Language of Soccer World Cup series, The Athletic is speaking to supporters of all…
FIFA U-turns on World Cup water bottle policy, bans fans from bringing them into stadiums
FIFA has performed a last-minute U-turn on its stadium policy for the World Cup, no longer allowing supporters…
The Transfer DealSheet: Latest on Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool, Real Madrid and more
Welcome to the first 2026 summer window edition of The Transfer DealSheet. Our team of dedicated writers, including…
The Soccer 100: Franz Beckenbauer — Der Kaiser and the slap that helped make Bayern Munich a force
As part of our buildup to the 2026 FIFA men’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and…
The Soccer 100: Zinedine Zidane — The summer of 2006 and the love of an old flame
As part of our buildup to the 2026 FIFA men’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and…
The Soccer 100: Garrincha — The king of the playground
As part of our buildup to the 2026 FIFA men’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and…
2026 World Cup Odds: Will There Be a First-Time Winner?
Only eight nations have ever won the men’s FIFA World Cup since the tournament began in 1930, which…
Iran soccer’s only U.S. visit: death threats, diplomacy, jarring security and joy
The once-outlandish idea went from private meetings to the highest levels of government, from Chicago to Washington, D.C.,…
‘You feel it shaking’: Watching a game from Toronto’s new temporary World Cup stands
TORONTO – When Lionel Messi burst towards goal early in the first half of Saturday’s game between Toronto…
Iran soccer officials turned away by Canadian authorities, poised to miss FIFA Congress
VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Iranian soccer officials were turned back by Canadian authorities en route to this week’s…
Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike suffers ruptured Achilles tendon, set to miss several months
Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike is unlikely to play again for several months after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon.…