Soccer

Megan Rapinoe Kneel

The Megan Rapinoe Era Only Ends When We Stop Fighting Back The Megan Rapinoe Era Only Ends When We Stop Fighting Back

The most important soccer player of her generation is saying goodbye after the 2023 World Cup. But her legacy will persist as long as athletes stand up for those who can’t stand up...

Jul 10, 2023 / Dave Zirin

Protesters near the State Palace in Jakarta, Indonesia

FIFA Shuns Indonesia Over Palestinian Solidarity FIFA Shuns Indonesia Over Palestinian Solidarity

There is no longer the pan-national solidarity needed for countries like Indonesia to stand up to FIFA.

Apr 12, 2023 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

Argentina World Cup celebration

Argentina’s World Cup Hangover Argentina’s World Cup Hangover

After its thrilling victory on the world stage, the nation of Maradona and Messi gazes into the political abyss.

Jan 11, 2023 / Jacob Sugarman

Argentina wins the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Lionel Messi celebrates with his team.

What Qatar’s World Cup Tells Us About the World in 2022 What Qatar’s World Cup Tells Us About the World in 2022

The soccer tournament offered signs that billions of people no longer think the United States and its entourage run the world.

Dec 21, 2022 / Tony Karon and Daniel Levy

Wide shot of inside of World Cup stadium

The Big Winners of the 2022 World Cup? Qatar and Despots the World Over (and Messi) The Big Winners of the 2022 World Cup? Qatar and Despots the World Over (and Messi)

Even “sportswashing” that costs over $200 billion appears to be money well spent.

Dec 18, 2022 / Jules Boykoff and Dave Zirin

A picture of US journalist Grant Wahl projected on screen announcing his death during the England versus France World Cup quarter final match in Al Khor, Qatar.

The Best of Us: A Tribute to Grant Wahl The Best of Us: A Tribute to Grant Wahl

The great soccer writer never hesitated to speak truth to power, and his sudden death sent shock waves through the World Cup.

Dec 12, 2022 / Dave Zirin

Four surveillance cameras hang inside a stadium.

The Qatar World Cup Ushers in a New Era of Digital Authoritarianism in Sports The Qatar World Cup Ushers in a New Era of Digital Authoritarianism in Sports

With drones, video cameras, facial recognition software, and undercover police, the tournament may be the most-surveilled sporting event ever.

Dec 8, 2022 / Karim Zidan

Soccer fans unfurl a flag that reads Free Palestine at the World Cup in Qatar.

Palestine: The Unexpected Star of the 2022 World Cup Palestine: The Unexpected Star of the 2022 World Cup

From player demonstrations to unfurled flags, Palestinian struggle has been visible and fearless at the World Cup. 

Dec 7, 2022 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

Fans of German soccer team Sport-Club Freiburg display a banner about boycotting the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar prior to a Bundesliga league match against FC Bayern München.

Will Players Help Raise Awareness About the Horrors Surrounding the World Cup? Will Players Help Raise Awareness About the Horrors Surrounding the World Cup?

We are seeing some people from the soccer world speak out about the Qatar World Cup. We need more.

Nov 16, 2022 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

Portland Thorns women's soccer fans light a smoke bomb as part of a protest of the sex scandal in the National Women's Soccer League during a Thorns game against the Chicago Red Stars at Providence Park on November 14, 2021, in Portland, Oregon.

Is Portland About to Have Two Supporter-Owned Soccer Teams? Is Portland About to Have Two Supporter-Owned Soccer Teams?

Forcing a franchise owner to sell the team? Community ownership? It’s on the table for the raucous fans of the Portland Thorns and Timbers.

Oct 24, 2022 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

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