Soccer – Page 2 – War Watch

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Seattle’s Plans for a Pride Match at World Cup Infuriates Iran and Egypt
ByFarnaz Fassihi December 10, 2025

The two countries, which criminalize homosexuality and impose severe punishments for it, were picked to play on a day celebrating L.G.B.T.Q. communities.

Read More Seattle’s Plans for a Pride Match at World Cup Infuriates Iran and Egypt
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How Saudi Arabia and Qatar Benefited From Rule Changes to Reach the World Cup
ByTariq Panja October 31, 2025October 31, 2025

A soccer governing body that both countries have helped bankroll gave them extra rest and home-field advantage to set up World Cup qualification.

Read More How Saudi Arabia and Qatar Benefited From Rule Changes to Reach the World Cup
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Starmer Objects as Police Bar Israeli Team’s Fans From U.K. Soccer Game
ByTariq Panja October 17, 2025October 17, 2025

Confrontation has shadowed Israeli teams’ games in Europe since the start of the Gaza war. Local authorities sought to bar visiting fans at a game in central England next month.

Read More Starmer Objects as Police Bar Israeli Team’s Fans From U.K. Soccer Game
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Why Was the President of FIFA at the Gaza Summit?
ByTariq Panja October 14, 2025October 14, 2025

Gianni Infantino, the head of soccer’s global governing body, frequently appears alongside President Trump at events outside the realm of sports.

Read More Why Was the President of FIFA at the Gaza Summit?
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Why Cristiano Ronaldo’s Engagement Raised Eyebrows in Saudi Arabia
ByVivian Nereim August 13, 2025August 13, 2025

The soccer star has been living in the country with Georgina Rodríguez, the mother of his children, testing the boundaries of social change in the conservative Islamic kingdom.

Read More Why Cristiano Ronaldo’s Engagement Raised Eyebrows in Saudi Arabia
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Conquering Soccer and Arming Warlords
ByDeclan Walsh and Tariq Panja June 29, 2025June 29, 2025

The Emirati vice president is best known as the owner of Manchester City, a top English soccer team. Behind the scenes, he has been described as the “handler” guiding his country’s secret foreign wars.

Read More Conquering Soccer and Arming Warlords