Soccer Watchalongs Like Stretford Paddock Offer a Broadcast Alternative
Soccer fans are tuning out broadcasts in favor of watchalongs: streaming parties where you hear what you want to hear and see everything except the game.
Swedish Soccer Prioritized Fans Over Finances. Now, Business Is Booming.
While most of Europe’s leagues engage in a Sisyphean quest to source as much money as possible, Sweden has chosen a different model. But its rewards come with risk.
Xabi Alonso Isn’t Coming to Save Your Team. Not Yet.
The patience of Alonso, the Bayer Leverkusen manager, says a lot about him, and just as much about a sport perpetually chasing the next big thing.
Saudi Arabia Is Sole Bidder for 2034 World Cup
Australia announced it would not bid, clearing the way for the Saudis to bring soccer’s biggest tournament back to the Gulf.
Everton, 777 and the Business of Premier League Soccer
777 Partners had been scooping up big-name soccer teams for two years when it bid for Everton. Doubts about its finances could kill the deal.
Americans Love Soccer Stars Who Aren’t Made in America
The United States has gone wild over foreign-born players on several occasions. Now the largest World Cup ever is arriving.
Amid War, Iran’s Soccer Leader Works to Get His Team to the World Cup
Mehdi Taj said his federation has been dealing with FIFA, not the United States, in trying to obtain visas for Iran to play in the tournament that begins next week.
The Premier League Needs a Commissioner
Allowing clubs to block rule changes and money to delay punishments feeds the perception that the same rules do not apply to everyone.
North Korea’s Han Kwang-song Returns to International Soccer
Han Kwang-song’s recent appearances in World Cup qualifiers were his first ones overseas since 2020, when U.N. sanctions led to an involuntary career break.
Everton Docked 10 Points, a Premier League Record, in Financial Case
The penalty adds to the problems of a team operating under a mountain of debt. It vowed to appeal.
How Lionel Messi Made a Pink Jersey Soccer’s Must-Have Item
In the span of three months, the soccer superstar has made Inter Miami’s eye-catching jersey the hottest piece of sports merchandise on the planet.
Everton Sale Stalls Amid New Questions About 777 Partners
The U.S. firm bidding for the Premier League club, 777 Partners, has failed to provide required information to a British regulator.
Iran’s Soccer Team Allowed Into U.S. for World Cup, but Many Staff Denied
After months of doubts over their participation, Iran’s players have received visas for the United States just days before the World Cup begins.
Iran’s Team Trains in Limbo for World Cup Overshadowed by War
The Iranian soccer players, still awaiting visas to the U.S., are practicing in Turkey and making backup plans.
Messi Surcharge: Red Bulls, Other M.L.S. Teams to Charge More for Miami Games
A Red Bulls promotion has some fine print: If Inter Miami is the opponent, you get a different game.
How FIFA Handed Saudi Arabia the 2034 World Cup
FIFA’s president, Gianni Infantino, cheered a plan to take soccer’s richest event to the kingdom. He has said little about his years of work to make that happen.
Megan Rapinoe, Emma Hayes and a Women’s Soccer Crossroads
Rapinoe, who helped define U.S. soccer for a decade, is retiring after this week’s N.W.S.L. final. Hayes, the Chelsea coach, will try to put her stamp on it next.
FIFA Bans Luis Rubiales, Former Soccer Chief in Spain, for 3 Years
Luis Rubiales, who led the country’s soccer federation, departed in disgrace after he forcibly kissed a player after the Women’s World Cup final.
Mexico City’s Airport Got a $500 Million Renovation for the 2026 World Cup. Was It Enough?
The nearly 100-year-old airport has undergone a rapid $500 million renovation. But experts say it’s not enough.
U.S. Amputee World Cup Contenders Are Fierce on Crutches
With the Amputee Football World Cup nearing, an elite squad of athletes gathered on Long Island to vie for a spot on the national men’s team, displaying skill and grit.