World cup soccer

Ex-FIFA chief Sepp Blatter backs boycott of US World Cup over Trump policies

Sepp Blatter backed calls to boycott the US hosted World Cup, as international soccer figures raised concerns over travel bans and immigration policies under the Trump administration.

|BySHOSHANA BAKER
Joseph S. Blatter attends a press conference at the Extraordinary FIFA Executive Committee Meeting at the FIFA headquarters on July 20, 2015.
A match ball is seen in front of a Pride flag during the round 21 A-League Women's match between Newcastle Jets and Western United at No.2 Sportsground, on March 30, 2025, in Newcastle, Australia.

FIFA assigns LGBT-themed World Cup game to Iran, where homosexuality is punishable by death

As with many Islamic countries, homosexuality is outlawed in Iran and punishable by death. Many LGBTQ+ Iranians have fled the country, looking for asylum in the United States or the Middle East.

|ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
US President Donald Trump (L) speaks after receiving the FIFA Peace Prize from FIFA President Gianni Infantino (R) during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Draw at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, in Washington, District of Columbia, USA Dec 5, 2025.

US President DonaldTrump wins FIFA's inaugural peace prize after Nobel controversy

"I don't need prizes. I need to save lives," Trump said. "I saved millions and millions of lives, and that's really what I want to do."

|ByCORINNE BAUM, REUTERS
Official FIFA World Cup 2026 host city poster collection. Toronto, Canada.

Messi's Argentina, Ronaldo's Portugal, alongside best World Cup games to watch from Israel

The games would not be held during the middle of the day, as was the case with many matches during the Club World Cup back in July, mainly because of the high temperatures expected in North America.

|ByTOBIAS HOLCMAN

Israel beats Moldova 4-0, gets key win to aim for playoffs in WC Qualifiers round

With goals from Dror Peretz, Manor Solomon, Tai Baribo, and Oscar Gloukh, Israel left Moldova with three points and a good form to face Italy on Monday.

SEPTEMBER 6, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
The World Cup qualifier soccer match between Moldova and Israel at Zimbru Stadium in Chisinau, Moldova, September 5, 2025.

Israel's national soccer team back to 2026 World Cup qualifying

Ben Shimon sets high goals for matches Moldova and Italy while balancing security challenges, player form, and squad unity.

SEPTEMBER 4, 2025ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
ISRAEL WINGER Manor Solomon (10) finalized a loan this week from Tottenham to Villarreal ahead of the blue-and-white’s pair of World Cup qualifiers this weekend, against Moldova and Italy, in which the 26-year-old is slated to feature.

Tensions mount as Norway restricts Israel's world cup qualifier entry

Israel has been told it can only enter one day prior to kickoff due to what the Norwegians cited as security concerns.

SEPTEMBER 1, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
DAN BITON and the Israel national team resumes its World Cup qualifying campaign this week against Moldova.

Morocco’s field of opportunities ahead of the 2030 World Cup - opinion

Morocco's consistent policy views sports as a key driver of social, economic, and educational development.

AUGUST 5, 2025ByEINAT LEVI
FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Quarter Final - Morocco v Portugal - Al Thumama Stadium, Doha, Qatar - December 10, 2022 Portugal's Bruno Fernandes shoots at goal.

Israel defeats host Estonia 3-1, dedicates win to soldiers

Both sides had chances early on, but it was Estonia who would find the back of the goal first as Mattias Kait beat Bayern Munich’s keeper Daniel Peretz for a 1-0 lead in the 31st minute.

JUNE 8, 2025ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
ISRAEL'S DAN BITTON scores his side’s first goal during the blue-and-white’s 3-1 road victory over Estonia in their Group I World Cup qualifier.

Blue-and-White eyes second win as World Cup qualifying heats up

The team that will face Estonia will be composed of some of the veteran Israeli players as well as a number of up-and-coming stars.

JUNE 6, 2025ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
OSCAR GLOUKH, still just 21, is expected to play a key role in Israel’s World Cup qualifier tonight at Estonia and in the following friendly against Slovakia.

Ben Shimon preps Israel squad for World Cup qualifiers vs Estonia, Slovakia

The blue-and-white team aims to improve its record of one win and one loss, seeking another victory against the Estonians, whom they defeated in March.

MAY 29, 2025ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
ISRAEL COACH Ran Ben Shimon had to make a number of difficult roster decisions ahead of the upcoming international window of contests.

Gary Lineker to leave BBC after sharing antisemitic content to social media - report

Last week, Lineker received backlash after he reposted a pro-Palestinian video on social media that criticized Zionism and included a rat emoji, and later apologized for the post. 

MAY 19, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Soccer Football - FA Cup Final - Manchester City v Manchester United - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - June 3, 2023 BBC presenter Gary Lineker after the match Action Images

'Qatargate' scandal: Investigation team traces money trail back to Doha - KAN

The team analyzed bank accounts, data extracted from the suspects' phones, testimonies, and additional evidence to discover how the transfer of funds occurred, KAN stated.

MAY 11, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
(L to R): Eli Feldstein, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Yonatan Urich (illustration).

Judge rejects 'Qatargate' suspect's appeal against extended detention

"Qatar is not an enemy state, senior officials in the security system work with Qatar," the appeal argues.

MAY 9, 2025ByBINI ASCHKENASY, EFRAT FORSHER
Attorney Amit Hadad arrives for a court hearing of Yonatan Urich and Eli Feldstein who were arrested in the so-called Qatargate investigation, at the Magistrate's Court in Rishon Lezion, April 1, 2025.