Football

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.

|ByJONATHAN LIEBERMAN
A general view of FIFA World Cup 2026 signage at Kansas City Stadium on June 08, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri.
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.

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.

|ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
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.

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.

|ByREUTERS
Danish soccer player Christian Eriksen, pictured May 21, 2026.

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.

|ByREUTERS, JERUSALEM POST STAFF

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.

FEBRUARY 13, 2026ByREUTERS
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.

FEBRUARY 9, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
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.

Tech and AI brands drive record Super Bowl LX advertising boom

The average price for a half-minute ad at Super Bowl LX reached a record $8 million, with some slots going for higher than $10 million, far above the $42,000 charged in 1967.

FEBRUARY 8, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
The Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots logos projected on the Ferry Building.

‘48 points to fight for’: Ronny Deila takes over at Maccabi Tel Aviv

Ronny Deila has been named Maccabi Tel Aviv’s new head coach, bringing championship experience from Europe and the US for the run in.

FEBRUARY 2, 2026ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
Maccabi Tel Aviv's new head coach Ronny Deila.

“Israel’s team” – could the new England patriots and the NFL come to Jerusalem?

FEBRUARY 1, 2026ByDAVID RABINOWICZ
Despite challenges, there is potential for the NFL to hold a game in Israel with support from Robert Kraft.

Israeli football in 2026 – growth, trends and more

JANUARY 28, 2026ByHANNAH SCHWARTZ
Israeli football continues to go from strength to strength.

West Midlands Police chief steps down over Maccabi Tel Aviv fan ban scandal, offers no apology

CC Craig Guilford offered no apology for the erroneous policing of the Maccabi match, blaming "political and media frenzy" for his departure.

JANUARY 18, 2026ByMATHILDA HELLER
Police officer and security staff look on as protesters display banners before Maccabi Tel Aviv faces Aston Villa, in Birmingham, UK, November 6, 2025

Israel's Manor Solomon enjoying life playing for Fiorentina

Israeli winger Manor Solomon was unveiled as a Fiorentina player, discussing his move to Serie A, differences between leagues, and his focus on football rather than politics.

JANUARY 16, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
Manor Solomon of ACF Fiorentina looks on during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and AC Milan at Artemio Franchi on January 11, 2026 in Florence, Italy.

Iranian filmmaker Javad Ganji killed in Tehran protests, anti-regime data shows

Iranian filmmaker Javad Ganji, 39, was shot during protests in Tehran's Sadeghiyeh area, according to Hengaw and the National Council of Resistance of Iran's data.

JANUARY 14, 2026ByJAMES GENN
Iranian filmmaker Javad Ganji, believed to be killed during a protest in Tehran, in an undated picture.

Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair wears ‘stop the genocide’ eye black

“Given the recent events in Israel and Gaza, this nonprofit provides medical aid and essential supplies to children injured and left homeless by the bombings in Gaza,” said Al-Shaair.

JANUARY 14, 2026ByJOSEPH STRAUSS/JTA
Azeez Al-Shaair, a longtime pro-Palestinian advocate, answers a postgame question while donning the message "STOP THE GENOCIDE" on his eye black, Jan. 12, 2026.