<a href="https://mobile.twitter.com/realdailywire/">Twitter</a> erupted Sunday afternoon after a tweet resurfaced from a user who accurately predicted seven years ago that Lionel Messi of the Argentina National Football Team would win the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Argentina defeated reigning champions France in the World Cup final in Qatar on Sunday in a penalty kick shootout following a 3-3 tie. The victory, led by Messi, capped a surprising comeback after an early loss to Saudi Arabia earlier in the tournament.
Amid an outpour of excitement and support worldwide for the team&#8217;s victory, soccer fans everywhere are shocked after a Twitter account @josepolanco10 prophesied Messi&#8217;s historic win in 2015.
&#8220;December 18, 2022. 34 year old Leo Messi will win the World Cup and become the greatest player of all times. Check back with me in 7 years,&#8221; José Miguel Polanco, the name attached to the account, said on March 20, 2015.
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December 18, 2022. 34 year old Leo Messi will win the World Cup and become the greatest player of all times. Check back with me in 7 years.
&mdash; José Miguel Polanco (@josepolanco10) <a href="https://twitter.com/josepolanco10/status/579016398694805504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2015</a></blockquote>
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In the now-viral tweet, Polanco either used the power of prophecy by speaking Messi&#8217;s success into existence, or he somehow rendezvoused with Doc Brown and Marty McFly in &#8220;Back to the Future Part II&#8221; and glanced at McFly&#8217;s fictitious Grays Sports Almanac.
Either way, Polanco nailed the prediction on every point but Messi&#8217;s age — the soccer star turned 35 in June.
Earlier this year, Polanco posted a reply to his original tweet, saying, &#8220;the number of people who put the reminder in the tweet scares me, at the end of the year they are going to lynch me I am going to stay in Qatar with a tunic as the doc said&#8221; as translated from Spanish.
On Saturday, Polanco further tweeted, &#8220;Well this exploded so all I will say is that I was in Doha and the hope is bigger than ever, hay que CREER,&#8221; which translates to &#8220;you have to believe.&#8221;
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Well this exploded so all I will say is that I was in Doha and the hope is bigger than ever, hay que CREER. Follow my Instagram <a href="https://twitter.com/aworldcuplife?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@aworldcuplife</a> and YouTube Channel A World Cup Life to see content from my 6th World Cup I travelled to. <a href="https://t.co/ue3gXfSLO2">pic.twitter.com/ue3gXfSLO2</a>
&mdash; José Miguel Polanco (@josepolanco10) <a href="https://twitter.com/josepolanco10/status/1604125195874160640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2022</a></blockquote>
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One fan <a href="https://twitter.com/crazeclown/status/1604541751980597248">replied</a>: &#8220;I&#8217;m checking back with you! The GOAT did it and ended the debate!&#8221;
Another replied: &#8220;This is just too weird man, how on earth did he get this so spot on?!&#8221;
Emotions ran high as Messi finally secured the trophy in what will likely be his last World Cup performance.
Before Sunday&#8217;s historic win, Messi said the 2022 World Cup would be his last after the semi-final victory against Croatia.
Messi <a href="https://theathletic.com/live-blogs/argentina-vs-france-world-cup-2022-final-live-score-result/5vwJ9BknaKUL/">reportedly</a> has not made plans to retire from the sport because he wants to &#8220;continue playing as a champion.&#8221;
&#8220;It is impressive to end up playing a final,&#8221; Messi <a href="https://theathletic.com/live-blogs/argentina-vs-france-world-cup-2022-final-live-score-result/5vwJ9BknaKUL/">said</a>. &#8220;There&#8217;s a long way to go for the next one, there are many years, and surely because of age, I won&#8217;t get to it.&#8221;
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni <a href="https://theathletic.com/live-blogs/argentina-vs-france-world-cup-2022-final-live-score-result/5vwJ9BknaKUL/">said</a> if Messi chooses to continue his career, he would stay with the team.
&#8220;He&#8217;s more than entitled to decide what he wants to do with his career,&#8221; Scaloni said. &#8220;It&#8217;s just such a privilege to coach him and to have him on the team. Everything that he transmits to his teammates, it&#8217;s just unparalleled. I&#8217;ve never seen a person who gives so much to their team.&#8221;
Messi was awarded the Golden Ball following the match, recognizing him as the tournament&#8217;s most outstanding player.
The celebration comes after much frustration when Messi nearly kicked a game-winning goal in the 96th minute from about 25 yards away.
The famed Argentinian player scored seven goals throughout the World Cup tournament.
As for Messi&#8217;s future, only time will tell — or perhaps José Miguel Polanco has an idea.
Dillon Burroughs contributed to this report.

Argentina v France: Final – FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

Soccer Fan Predicted On Twitter Seven Years Ago Lionel Messi Wins 2022 FIFA World Cup

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Journalist Grant Wahl&#8217;s cause of death has been revealed following an autopsy after his sudden passing while reporting at the World Cup in Qatar.
Wahl&#8217;s widow, Dr. Celine Gounder, told CBS News on Wednesday that her husband&#8217;s death was due to a heart condition.
&#8220;He had an autopsy done here in New York by the New York City medical examiner&#8217;s office, and it showed that he had an aortic aneurysm that ruptured,&#8221; Gounder <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/grant-wahl-cause-of-death-aortic-aneurysm-wife-dr-celine-gounder-interview/?ftag=CNM-00-10aab7e&amp;linkId=193622498" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> during the interview.
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Grant Wahl’s wife, Dr. <a href="https://twitter.com/celinegounder?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@celinegounder</a>, reveals that the renowned journalist died due to an aortic aneurysm that ruptured at the World Cup.
Gounder says she hopes he is remembered as a “kind, generous person who was really dedicated to social justice.” <a href="https://t.co/aaVkb2dhrb">pic.twitter.com/aaVkb2dhrb</a>
&mdash; CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSMornings/status/1603022622572281856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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&#8220;It&#8217;s just one of these things that had been likely brewing for years, and for whatever reason it happened at this point in time,&#8221; she told &#8220;CBS Mornings&#8221; co-host Gayle King in her first interview since Wahl&#8217;s death.
Wahl, 49, died on Friday in Doha while covering the World Cup. CBS News <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/news/grant-wahl-renowned-american-soccer-journalist-dies-at-age-48/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">initially reported</a> that he had experienced a heart attack.
Gounder released an update on Wednesday with additional details.
&#8220;The chest pressure he experienced shortly before his death may have represented the initial symptoms,&#8221; she explained. &#8220;No amount of CPR or shocks would have saved him. His death was unrelated to COVID. His death was unrelated to vaccination status. There was nothing nefarious about his death.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
On behalf of myself and our family, I want to express our deepest gratitude for the outpouring of support, love, and sympathy from around the world. Here is a message from our family and the latest update surrounding our beloved Grant:<a href="https://t.co/jPsggW6gfd">https://t.co/jPsggW6gfd</a>
&mdash; Céline Gounder, MD, ScM, FIDSA 🇺🇦 (@celinegounder) <a href="https://twitter.com/celinegounder/status/1603019043010908160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The Daily Wire previously reported that Wahl <a href="https://www.wcvb.com/article/american-journalist-grant-wahl-dies-while-covering-world-cup/42204330">said</a> he went to a medical facility to receive treatment the Monday before his death because he was not feeling well.
“My body finally broke down on me. Three weeks of little sleep, high stress and lots of work can do that to you,” Wahl wrote. “What had been a cold over the last 10 days turned into something more severe on the night of the USA-Netherlands game, and I could feel my upper chest take on a new level of pressure and discomfort.&#8221;
Wahl returned for additional medical treatment on Thursday after his condition had not improved. He died suddenly on Friday following the World Cup&#8217;s quarterfinal match between Argentina and the Netherlands.
The soccer journalist received treatment on-site from paramedics and was rushed by ambulance to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
&#8220;I am so thankful for the support of my husband @GrantWahl ‘s soccer family &amp; of so many friends who’ve reached out tonight,” Gounder <a href="https://twitter.com/celinegounder/status/1601404727014879232" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tweeted</a> on Friday following his death. &#8220;I am in complete shock.&#8221;
Wahl sparked controversy during the World Cup in November after he said he was denied entry to the venue because he wore a <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/brother-of-u-s-journalist-grant-wahl-who-collapsed-and-died-at-world-cup-i-believe-he-was-killed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">rainbow t-shirt</a> in support of gay rights. Gay and lesbian sex is a criminal offense in Qatar.
Wahl&#8217;s brother, Eric Wahl, initially said he believed his brother was killed since he was healthy prior to his death.
“My name is Eric Wahl. I live in Seattle, Washington. I am Grant Wahl’s brother,” he <a href="https://twitter.com/JeannaTrotmanTV/status/1601414091205390337" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> in a video posted to Twitter. “I’m gay, I’m the reason he wore the rainbow shirt to the World Cup.”
“My brother was healthy. He told me he received death threats. I do not believe my brother just died,” he continued. “I believe he was killed and I just beg for any help.”
Eric Wahl later said that he had changed his mind and was no longer suspicious about the circumstances.
&#8220;The family will release a statement as to cause of death soon. I no longer suspect foul play. It was not PE,&#8221; he <a href="https://twitter.com/ziplamak/status/1602657364250861568" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wrote</a>, ruling out pulmonary embolism.

Grant Wahl

Sports Journalist Grant Wahl’s Cause Of Death Revealed

Death

Media

The brother of U.S. journalist Grant Wahl believes that his death in Qatar while covering the World Cup was not an accident.
CBS News <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/news/grant-wahl-renowned-american-soccer-journalist-dies-at-age-48/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a> that Wahl “suffered a heart attack” while in the press box of Lusail Stadium in Doha.
Wahl generated international headlines during the World Cup in November after he wore LGBT gear in support of members of that community who live in fear of criminal prosecution in Qatar. Wahl was detained for wearing the shirt and was told to change his shirt because it was not allowed. He was released after roughly half an hour.
Eric Wahl says that he believes that his brother was killed because he was a healthy person.
&#8220;My name is Eric Wahl. I live in Seattle, Washington. I am Grant Wahl&#8217;s brother,&#8221; he said. &#8220;I&#8217;m gay, I&#8217;m the reason he wore the rainbow shirt to the World Cup.&#8221;
&#8220;My brother was healthy. He told me he received death threats. I do not believe my brother just died,&#8221; he continued. &#8220;I believe he was killed and I just beg for any help.&#8221;
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This is a video posted to the Instagram account of Eric Wahl, saying that he is Grant Wahl’s brother.
In the video, he said he is the reason Grant wore the rainbow shirt to the World Cup &amp; that he believes Grant was killed. (Instagram: <a href="https://twitter.com/eewahl?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@eewahl</a>) <a href="https://t.co/krOoXuSjVc">pic.twitter.com/krOoXuSjVc</a>
&mdash; Jeanna Trotman (@JeannaTrotmanTV) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeannaTrotmanTV/status/1601414091205390337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2022</a></blockquote>
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On Monday, Wahl <a href="https://www.wcvb.com/article/american-journalist-grant-wahl-dies-while-covering-world-cup/42204330">wrote</a> on his website that he went to a medical facility to receive treatment because he was not feeling well.
“My body finally broke down on me. Three weeks of little sleep, high stress and lots of work can do that to you,” Wahl wrote. “What had been a cold over the last 10 days turned into something more severe on the night of the USA-Netherlands game, and I could feel my upper chest take on a new level of pressure and discomfort.”
“I didn’t have Covid (I test regularly here), but I went into the medical clinic at the main media center today, and they said I probably have bronchitis,” he added. “They gave me a course of antibiotics and some heavy-duty cough syrup, and I’m already feeling a bit better just a few hours later. But still: No bueno.”
Wahl <a href="https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/35221443/american-soccer-journalist-grant-wahl-dies-49-qatar">said</a> on a Thursday podcast that he was not feeling well again went back to the clinic for treatment.
“I basically canceled everything on this Thursday that I had, and napped and I’m doing slightly better that you can probably tell in my voice that I’m not at it at 100 percent here,” he said.
“The only thing that’s surprising to me actually is there isn’t that much COVID here. I thought there might be a real issue with that,” he continued.
Wahl’s wife released a statement upon learning of her husband&#8217;s death, saying that she was “in complete shock.”
“I am so thankful for the support of my husband @GrantWahl ‘s soccer family &amp; of so many friends who’ve reached out tonight,” she said.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
I am so thankful for the support of my husband <a href="https://twitter.com/GrantWahl?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GrantWahl</a>&#39;s soccer family &amp; of so many friends who&#39;ve reached out tonight.
I&#39;m in complete shock. <a href="https://t.co/OB3IzOxGlE">https://t.co/OB3IzOxGlE</a>
&mdash; Céline Gounder, MD, ScM, FIDSA 🇺🇦 (@celinegounder) <a href="https://twitter.com/celinegounder/status/1601404727014879232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2022</a></blockquote>
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AIPS FIFA Journalists Award Ceremony – FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

Brother Of U.S. Journalist Grant Wahl, Who Collapsed And Died At World Cup: ‘I Believe He Was Killed’

Brother Of U.S. Journalist Grant Wahl, Who Collapsed And Died At World Cup: 'I Believe He Was Killed'

Middle East

U.S. journalist Grant Wahl collapsed and died Friday in Qatar while covering the <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/world-cup" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Cup</a> quarterfinal match between Argentina and the Netherlands.
CBS News <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/news/grant-wahl-renowned-american-soccer-journalist-dies-at-age-48/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a> that Wahl &#8220;suffered a heart attack&#8221; while in the press box of Lusail Stadium in Doha.
Wahl generated international headlines during the World Cup in November after he wore LGBT gear in support of members of that community who live in fear of criminal prosecution in Qatar. Wahl was detained for wearing the shirt and was told to change his shirt because it was not allowed. He was released after roughly half an hour.
On Monday, Wahl <a href="https://www.wcvb.com/article/american-journalist-grant-wahl-dies-while-covering-world-cup/42204330">wrote</a> on his website that he went to a medical facility to receive treatment because he was not feeling well.
&#8220;My body finally broke down on me. Three weeks of little sleep, high stress and lots of work can do that to you,&#8221; Wahl wrote. &#8220;What had been a cold over the last 10 days turned into something more severe on the night of the USA-Netherlands game, and I could feel my upper chest take on a new level of pressure and discomfort.
&#8220;I didn&#8217;t have Covid (I test regularly here), but I went into the medical clinic at the main media center today, and they said I probably have bronchitis,&#8221; he added. &#8220;They gave me a course of antibiotics and some heavy-duty cough syrup, and I&#8217;m already feeling a bit better just a few hours later. But still: No bueno.&#8221;
Wahl <a href="https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/35221443/american-soccer-journalist-grant-wahl-dies-49-qatar">said</a> on a podcast Thursday that he again was not feeling well and went back to the clinic for treatment.
&#8220;I basically canceled everything on this Thursday that I had, and napped and I&#8217;m doing slightly better that you can probably tell in my voice that I&#8217;m not at it at 100 percent here,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Hopefully I will not cough during this podcast. I&#8217;m coughing a lot. Everyone&#8217;s coughing here in like this is by no means limited to me like so many journalists have got a crazy cough. It sounds like a death rattle sometimes.
&#8220;The only thing that&#8217;s surprising to me actually is there isn&#8217;t that much COVID here. I thought there might be a real issue with that,&#8221; he continued. &#8220;We&#8217;re not really seeing COVID cases. We&#8217;re just seeing a lot of general sickness, coughing, colds, and I can&#8217;t wait to be on the other side of what I have. But I am going to be ready to go. I&#8217;m attending on Friday.&#8221;
Wahl&#8217;s wife released a statement upon learning of her husbands death, saying that she was &#8220;in complete shock.&#8221;
&#8220;I am so thankful for the support of my husband @GrantWahl &#8216;s soccer family &amp; of so many friends who&#8217;ve reached out tonight,&#8221; she said.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
I am so thankful for the support of my husband <a href="https://twitter.com/GrantWahl?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GrantWahl</a>&#39;s soccer family &amp; of so many friends who&#39;ve reached out tonight.
I&#39;m in complete shock. <a href="https://t.co/OB3IzOxGlE">https://t.co/OB3IzOxGlE</a>
&mdash; Céline Gounder, MD, ScM, FIDSA 🇺🇦 (@celinegounder) <a href="https://twitter.com/celinegounder/status/1601404727014879232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2022</a></blockquote>
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&#8220;The entire U.S. Soccer family is heartbroken to learn that we have lost Grant Wahl,&#8221; U.S. Soccer said in a statement. &#8220;Fans of soccer and journalism of the highest quality knew we could always count on Grant to deliver insightful and entertaining stories about our game, and its major protagonists: Teams, players, coaches and the many personalities that make soccer unlike any sport.&#8221;
&#8220;Here in the United States, Grant&#8217;s passion for soccer and commitment to elevating its profile across our sporting landscape played a major role in helping to drive interest in and respect for our beautiful game,&#8221; the statement continued. &#8220;As important, Grant&#8217;s belief in the power of the game to advance human rights was, and will remain, an inspiration to all.&#8221;
&#8220;Grant made soccer his life&#8217;s work, and we are devastated that he and his brilliant writing will no longer be with us. U.S. Soccer sends its sincerest condolences to Grant&#8217;s wife, Dr. Celine Gounder, and all of his family members, friends and colleagues in the media,&#8221; the statement concluded. &#8220;And we thank Grant for his tremendous dedication to and impact on our game in the United States. His writing and the stories he told will live on.&#8221;
This report has been updated to include additional information.

U.S. Journalist Grant Wahl Collapses And Dies While Covering World Cup Soccer Games

The Biden administration announced Tuesday a $1 billion arms sale to Qatar, despite the Arab nation&#8217;s strong ties to groups the United States has listed as terrorist organizations.
The announcement from the State Department came as Qatar hosts the World Cup and during halftime of the match between Iran and the U.S. The State Department said the move will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the U.S., and called Qatar &#8220;an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.&#8221;
&#8220;The proposed sale will improve Qatar’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing electronic and kinetic defeat capabilities against Unmanned Aircraft Systems,&#8221; the State Department said in a statement that appeared to allude to attacks carried out or sponsored by Iran.
While it is true that Iranian-backed proxies have targeted Qatar, the Gulf country does have deep ties to terrorism. Earlier this month, The Times of Israel <a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/qatars-regional-role-as-a-mediator-between-west-and-middle-east/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">noted</a> that three neighboring countries, along with Egypt, severed ties with Doha in 2017, accusing it of financing terrorism.
Members of the Committee on Foreign Affairs in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2017 <a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CHRG-115hhrg26427/html/CHRG-115hhrg26427.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">accused</a> Qatar of funding U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organizations, such as Hamas, as well as several extremist groups operating in Syria.
&#8220;Qatar has openly housed Hamas leaders, Taliban leaders, and has several individuals who have been sanctioned by our U.S. Treasury Department, and it has failed to prosecute them,&#8221; former Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) said during testimony. &#8220;At least one high-ranking Qatari official provided support to the mastermind of the 9/11 terror attacks against our country, Khalid Sheikh Mohammad.&#8221;
The report also noted Qatar&#8217;s ties to international terrorist Khalifa Mohammed, who financed al-Qaeda and the 9/11 mastermind. Mohammed was tried and convicted in absentia in 2008 by Bahrain for his terrorist activity, and arrested, only to be released by Qatar six months later, she added.
“Many individuals and charities in Qatar have been known to raise large sums of money for al-Qaeda, the Nusra front, Hamas, and even ISIS,&#8221; Ros-Lehtinen said. &#8220;In Qatar, there are three buckets: Terror financing by the government; terror financing done in Qatar through their own citizens that their government may not know about; and terror financing in Qatar that the government knows about but does nothing to stop.”

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Biden Approves $1 Billion Arms Sale To Qatar, Despite Longstanding Terror Ties

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Biden Administration

Terrorism

American forward Christian Pulisic was taken to the hospital Tuesday for evaluation after he was injured while scoring the U.S.&#8217;s game-winning goal against the Islamic Republic of Iran in the World Cup.
While playing in Qatar, Pulisic scored the United States’ only goal of the contest in the first half, propelling the team to a 1-0 win.
He was sidelined for the second half after he had a serious collision with the goalkeeper for Iran during his game-winning goal.
U.S. Soccer confirmed that he had some sort of an abdominal injury and that he was taken to the hospital for scans.
ESPN highlighted a photograph that was taken of Pulisic from his hospital bed.
Pulisic said, “So f***ing proud of my guys. I’ll be ready Saturday, don’t worry.”
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Christian Pulisic from the hospital after suffering an abdominal injury against Iran 🦅🇺🇸
(via <a href="https://twitter.com/AreaSportsNet?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AreaSportsNet</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/Adimitri24?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Adimitri24</a>) <a href="https://t.co/zUM0Ewhbxw">pic.twitter.com/zUM0Ewhbxw</a>
&mdash; ESPN (@espn) <a href="https://twitter.com/espn/status/1597713577657376774?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The games have been surrounded in controversy due to Qatar&#8217;s human rights abuses.
Between 400 to 500 migrant workers died in preparation for Qatar’s World Cup, according to an official from the local organizing committee.
The new report from Hassan al-Thawadi, the secretary-general of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, was shared during an interview with Pier Morgan.
“What is the honest, realistic total do you think of migrant workers who died from – as a result of work they’re doing for the World Cup in totality?” Morgan asked.
“The estimate is around 400, between 400 and 500. I don’t have the exact number. That’s something that’s been discussed,” al-Thawadi <a class="Link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPaGtOLkUt8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told</a>Morgan.
“One death is a death too many. Plain and simple,” he later added.
The previous report by Qatar’s government noted 40 deaths, listing only three as workplace-related and 37 from non-working health concerns, <a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-cup-sports-health-soccer-covid-e19bd8a30f7f9be62cf10bad496639ff" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according to</a> the Associated Press. A 2021 report by The Guardian placed the death toll much higher, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/feb/23/revealed-migrant-worker-deaths-qatar-fifa-world-cup-2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener">claiming</a> that more than 6,500 migrant workers had died in Qatar since 2011.
This report has been updated to include additional information.

TOPSHOT-FBL-WC-2022-MATCH34-IRI-USA

U.S. Soccer Hero Rushed To Hospital For Injury Sustained On Winning Goal

General

Between 400 to 500 migrant workers died in preparation for Qatar&#8217;s World Cup, according to an official from the local organizing committee.
The new report from Hassan al-Thawadi, the secretary-general of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, was shared during an interview with Pier Morgan.
“What is the honest, realistic total do you think of migrant workers who died from – as a result of work they’re doing for the World Cup in totality?” Morgan asked.
&#8220;The estimate is around 400, between 400 and 500. I don&#8217;t have the exact number. That&#8217;s something that&#8217;s been discussed,” al-Thawadi <a class="Link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPaGtOLkUt8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told</a> Morgan.
&#8220;One death is a death too many. Plain and simple,” he later added.
The previous report by Qatar&#8217;s government noted 40 deaths, listing only three as workplace-related and 37 from non-working health concerns, <a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-cup-sports-health-soccer-covid-e19bd8a30f7f9be62cf10bad496639ff" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according to</a> the Associated Press. A 2021 report by The Guardian placed the death toll much higher, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/feb/23/revealed-migrant-worker-deaths-qatar-fifa-world-cup-2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener">claiming</a> that more than 6,500 migrant workers had died in Qatar since 2011.
The findings included information from India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, listing 5,927 deaths of migrant workers between 2011–2020. The Guardian also noted that Pakistan’s embassy in Qatar reported another 824 deaths of Pakistani workers between 2010-2020.
The report included 2,711 deaths reported from India, 1,641 from Nepal, 1,018 from Bangladesh, and 557 from Sri Lanka.
“Although each loss of life is upsetting, the mortality rate among these communities is within the expected range for the size and demographics of the population,” Qatari government officials <a class="Link" href="https://www.gco.gov.qa/en/2021/02/gco-statement-guardian-article/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said in a statement</a> responding to the Guardian. “Since 2010, there has been a consistent decline in the mortality rate as a result of the health and safety reforms we have introduced. We expect this downward trend to continue in the future.”
The 2022 World Cup is the first time that the event has been held in the Middle East. Other controversies related to Qatar&#8217;s hosting of the World Cup have included a last-minute ban on beer sales, along with concerns related to LGBTQ and women&#8217;s rights.
Multiple European teams at the World Cup dropped a plan at the last minute to wear armbands supporting LGBTQ rights. In a joint statement from the Football Associations of England, Wales, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, the teams <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/world-cup-teams-back-down-on-rainbow-armbands-after-fifa-threats" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> the captains would not be wearing “OneLove” armbands during the games.
The U.S. team also <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/u-s-mens-soccer-team-redesigns-red-white-and-blue-crest-with-rainbow-colors" target="_blank" rel="noopener">redesigned</a> the crest displayed around its base for the World Cup in Qatar, replacing the traditional red, white, and blue stripes with rainbow colors. The team continued to use the traditional crest with red, white, and blue stripes on their uniforms during games.

Qatar World Cup

Over 400 Migrant Workers Died Preparing For Qatar World Cup, Official Says

Immigrants

Immigration

Migrants

An Iranian reporter attempted to bait U.S. men&#8217;s soccer team captain Tyler Adams — during a pre-game press conference on Monday in <a href="https://dailywire.com/news/singer-dua-lipa-says-shes-not-performing-at-world-cup-in-qatar-as-she-calls-out-countrys-human-rights-violations/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Qatar</a> — into saying something derogatory about race relations in his home country.
Scolding Adams for mispronouncing &#8220;Iran,&#8221; the reporter then asked whether the team captain — as a biracial man — was comfortable representing the United States when racial discrimination was still a thing that was happening.
WATCH:
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🎙️ La rueda de prensa más incómoda de lo que llevamos de Mundial. 
🎥 Tyler Adams contestó una de las preguntas a un periodista iraní sobre el racismo en Estados Unidos.
➕ℹ️ <a href="https://t.co/8PDChaLQkA">https://t.co/8PDChaLQkA</a> <a href="https://t.co/kQcuHaacgh">pic.twitter.com/kQcuHaacgh</a>
&mdash; Relevo (@relevo) <a href="https://twitter.com/relevo/status/1597255492170289154?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
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&#8220;You say you support the Iranian people, but you’re pronouncing our country’s name wrong. Please, once and for all, let’s get this clear,&#8221; the reporter began. &#8220;Are you okay to be representing a country that has so much discrimination against Black people in its own borders? And we saw the Black Lives Matter movement over the past few years.&#8221;
&#8220;My apologies on the mispronunciation of your country,&#8221; Adams replied, adding, &#8220;There’s discrimination everywhere you go.&#8221;
Adams went on to praise the United States for continuing to make progress, saying, &#8220;One thing that I’ve learned, especially from living abroad in the past years and having to fit in different cultures, is that in the US, we’re continuing to make progress every single day.&#8221;
&#8220;I grew up in a white family, with obviously an African-American heritage and background as well. I had a little bit of a different cultures, and I was very easily able to assimilate in different cultures, so not everyone has that ease and the ability to do that,&#8221; Adams said, before thanking the reporter for helping to educate him.
&#8220;Obviously, it takes longest to understand and through education, I think, is super important. Like, you just educated me now on the pronunciation of your country. It’s a process. I think as long as you see progress, that’s the important thing.&#8221;
When the reporter asserted that Adams &#8220;supported&#8221; the Iranian people, he was apparently referencing The United States Soccer Federation&#8217;s earlier move to show support for Iranian women.
The federation <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/27/football/iran-us-flag-protesters-klinsmann-2022-world-cup-spt-intl/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shared a graphic</a> laying out the Group B standings that included the Iranian flag —edited to show only the colors and not the emblem of the Islamic Republic. According to U.S. Soccer, the intent was to post the graphic as a show of &#8220;support for the women in Iran fighting for basic human rights.&#8221;
Once the graphic was posted, however, Iranian state media called for the United States to be kicked out of the ongoing competition.
&#8220;By posting a distorted image of the flag of the Islamic Republic of #Iran on its official account, the #US football team breached the @FIFAcom charter, for which a 10-game suspension is the appropriate penalty. Team #USA should be kicked out of the #WorldCup2022,&#8221; Tasnim news agency tweeted on Sunday.
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By posting a distorted image of the flag of the Islamic Republic of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Iran?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Iran</a> on its official account, the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/US?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#US</a> football team breached the <a href="https://twitter.com/FIFAcom?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FIFAcom</a> charter, for which a 10-game suspension is the appropriate penalty. Team <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USA</a> should be kicked out of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldCup2022?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldCup2022</a> <a href="https://t.co/c8I4i4z3Tv">pic.twitter.com/c8I4i4z3Tv</a>
&mdash; Tasnim News Agency (@Tasnimnews_EN) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tasnimnews_EN/status/1596808910572519424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter apologized, saying that no one on the team had any idea that the federation planned to do that. &#8220;The staff, the players, we had no idea … Our focus is on this match and I don’t want to sound aloof or not caring by saying that,&#8221; Berhalter said. &#8220;Of course are thoughts are with the Iranian people, the whole country, the whole team, everyone. But our focus is on this match.&#8221;

USA Press Conference – FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

WATCH: Iranian Journalist Tries To Race-Bait U.S. Soccer Captain

Iranian Journalist Tries To Race-Bait U.S. Soccer Captain

Iran

Racism

The United States Soccer Federation (USSF) briefly altered the flag of Iran in social media posts on multiple platforms ahead of the U.S. men&#8217;s team&#8217;s critical match with the Islamic Republic at the World Cup on Tuesday.
The move comes amidst a controversial World Cup in Qatar, the first time soccer’s biggest tournament has been hosted in the Middle East. The American team temporarily changed its banner on social media, showing the teams&#8217; standings and including the Iranian flag with just the green, white, and red stripes, leaving out the Islamic Republic emblem typically at the center. 
“We wanted to show our support for the women in Iran with our graphic for 24 hours,” USSF said in a statement Sunday, <a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-cup-iran-flag-2bdce7a1ba387050f59f6b8fa32927e8?utm_source=homepage&amp;utm_medium=TopNews&amp;utm_campaign=position_04" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according</a> to the Associated Press, adding that the women and protesters there were “fighting for basic human rights.” 
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US Soccer will restore the Islamic Republic emblem to Iran&#39;s flag after briefly removing it. “We wanted to show our support for the women in Iran with our graphic for 24 hours.” State-affiliated Tasnim reports the Iranian FF will ask FIFA to ban the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USMNT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USMNT</a> for 10 games. <a href="https://t.co/nAqr2k3gqJ">pic.twitter.com/nAqr2k3gqJ</a>
&mdash; Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) <a href="https://twitter.com/JacobsBen/status/1596869432860880897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The team has since changed its banner on Twitter and replaced the posts to include the Islamic Republic emblem. Posts on both Twitter and Instagram from Friday showed the emblem until Sunday morning when they appeared to be deleted. The official U.S. Soccer <a href="https://www.ussoccer.com/competitions/fifa-world-cup-qatar-2022/matches/iran-vs-united-states-11-29-22">website</a> shows the flag with the emblem. 
Semi-official Tasnim News Agency has reportedly called on FIFA to ban the United States from the tournament for the action, asking for at least a ten-game suspension. They say that a FIFA rule warns against &#8220;any person who offends the dignity or integrity of a country, a person, or a group of people.&#8221;
Protests in Iran have intensified since the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini while in the custody of the government’s morality police on September 16. Since then, at least 416 people have been killed, including 51 children and 27 women by “security forces,&#8221; <a href="https://iranhr.net/en/articles/5598/">according</a> to Iran Human Rights. 
The emblem that U.S. soccer removed shows four curves around a sword and represents the Islamic saying, “There is no god but God.” Iranian state media describes the emblem as the &#8220;symbol of Allah.&#8221; The flag has been used to make political statements at this year&#8217;s World Cup, with some waving a version with the emblem, appearing to be pro-government, and others waving the Iranian flag with a lion and sun, which is a pre-revolutionary flag, according to the Associated Press. 
“They must be held responsible,” Safiollah Fagahanpour, an Iran Football Federation adviser, was quoted by ISNA news. “Obviously they want to affect Iran’s performance against the U.S. by doing this,” he continued, adding that the “measures taken regarding the Islamic Republic of Iran Flag are against the law [of FIFA].”
This World Cup was <a href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/the-world-cup-is-officially-underway-in-qatar-heres-why-its-so-controversial">controversial</a> before it even began, with many around the globe criticizing the choice of Qatar as the host nation because of alleged human rights violations. Due to Qatar’s size, it had to build seven stadiums, renovate an eighth, and improve its infrastructure to accommodate an estimated one million fans. 
These improvements came with a high price tag. Qatar spent an <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2022-what-qatar-built-for-the-world-cup/?leadSource=uverify%20wall">estimated</a> $300 billion, making it the most expensive World Cup in history. The construction of the stadiums was due in part to migrant workers from nearby countries, many of whom criticized the host nation for working conditions and alleged human rights violations. 
The United States men&#8217;s team plays Iran on Tuesday in a high-stakes match. Both nations are in Group B, where the current standings are: England with four points, Iran with three points, the U.S. with two points, and Wales with one point. To advance to the knockout stage, the United States must beat Iran, which would give them three more points.

US Men’s National Team vs Wales, 2022 FIFA World Cup

U.S. Soccer Temporarily Removed Islamic Emblem From Iran Flag In Social Media Posts To Support Protestors

Social Issues

United States

European World Cup teams backed down on Monday from wearing rainbow LGBTQ armbands during their games in Qatar after FIFA threatened to penalize players if they did so.
In a joint statement from the Football Associations of England, Wales, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, the teams announced the captains would not be wearing &#8220;OneLove&#8221; armbands during the games, the <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2022/11/21/world-cup-one-love-armbands-yellow-cards/">Washington Post</a> reported. The change comes after the teams said the world soccer organization notified them that it would &#8220;impose sporting sanctions if our captains wear the armbands on the field of play.&#8221;
&#8220;We can&#8217;t put our players in a position where they could face sporting sanctions including bookings, so we have asked the captains not to attempt to wear the armbands in FIFA World Cup games,&#8221; the statement said.
&#8220;We were prepared to pay fines that would normally apply to breaches of kit regulations and had a strong commitment to wearing the armband,&#8221; it added. &#8220;However, we cannot put our players in the situation where they might be booked or even forced to leave the field of play.&#8221;
&#8220;We are very frustrated by the FIFA decision which we believe is unprecedented,” the joint statement continued. &#8220;Our players and coaches are disappointed &#8211; they are strong supporters of inclusion and will show support in other ways.&#8221;
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Breaking: England and Wales won’t wear One Love armbands 
“we cannot put our players in the situation where they might be booked or even forced to leave the field of play.” <a href="https://t.co/6ySojM4Jas">pic.twitter.com/6ySojM4Jas</a>
&mdash; Rob Harris (@RobHarris) <a href="https://twitter.com/RobHarris/status/1594628547951431681?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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While FIFA announced the ban for the armband on the field, the outlet noted that during the England-Iran game, Alex Scott, an English sports pundit who formerly played for the England women&#8217;s team, was spotted wearing the rainbow armband on the sidelines.
American soccer writer Grant Wahl tweeted on Monday that security stopped him from entering the stadium to watch the USA vs. Wales game because he was wearing a shirt with a rainbow on it, the outlet noted.
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I’m OK, but that was an unnecessary ordeal. Am in the media center, still wearing my shirt. Was detained for nearly half an hour. Go gays 🌈 <a href="https://t.co/S3INBoCz89">https://t.co/S3INBoCz89</a>
&mdash; Subscribe to GrantWahl.com (@GrantWahl) <a href="https://twitter.com/GrantWahl/status/1594733272143200258?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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&#8220;I’m OK, but that was an unnecessary ordeal,&#8221; Wahl wrote. &#8220;Am in the media center, still wearing my shirt. Was detained for nearly half an hour. Go gays.&#8221;
Qatar has been called out for human rights violations and its stance on gay people, where it remains illegal to be homosexual. As recently as this month, the Qatar World Cup ambassador Khalid Salman called homosexuality &#8220;damage in the mind,&#8221; the <a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-cup-entertainment-soccer-sports-qatar-ed44b144cd5f1373a6d09efd7f979d0f">Associated Press</a> noted.
RELATED: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/u-s-mens-soccer-team-redesigns-red-white-and-blue-crest-with-rainbow-colors">U.S. Men&#8217;s Soccer Team Redesigns Red, White And Blue Crest With Rainbow Colors</a>

World Cup 11-21-2

World Cup Teams Back Down On Rainbow Armbands After FIFA Threats

Global Politics

LGBTQ

An Argentinian female reporter says she was pickpocketed on live television while reporting at the World Cup in Qatar, losing documents and money from her handbag.
Dominique Metzger, a journalist for Todo Noticias, was reporting from Doha ahead of the first match when she said her personal belongings were stolen.
Video of the reported theft was shared with the Daily Mail.
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Female TV reporter is robbed live on air at Qatar World Cup <a href="https://t.co/an5VWxwhuE">https://t.co/an5VWxwhuE</a>
&mdash; Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) <a href="https://twitter.com/MailOnline/status/1594660528768647168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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&#8220;I had my small bag on me with all the things that one needs, my wallet, the keys to our hotel room, some napkins,&#8221; Metzger told a TN network anchor.
&#8220;And you were dancing, right?&#8221; the anchor asked.
&#8220;Yes, I was dancing with the crowd and I&#8217;m convinced that it was at that moment when someone opened the bag zipper and took my wallet,&#8221; Metzer responded.
The reporter soon reached out for assistance with her documents after the incident.
&#8220;Thank you very much, they already contacted me and they are helping me with all the paperwork!&#8221; Metzger later updated followers on Twitter regarding assistance with her documents.
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Muchas gracias ya se pusieron en contacto y me están ayudando con todos los trámites! 😍 <a href="https://t.co/ioPrmOGrvN">https://t.co/ioPrmOGrvN</a>
&mdash; Dominique Metzger (@dominiquemetz) <a href="https://twitter.com/dominiquemetz/status/1593964665897308160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The incident comes among multiple controversies as the World Cup began over the weekend in Qatar. The event marks its first time being held in the Middle East, celebrated as a success by some while others have expressed concerns.
Qatar has been called out for human rights violations and its stance on LGBTQ people, where it remains illegal to be homosexual. As recently as this month, the Qatar World Cup ambassador Khalid Salman called homosexuality “damage in the mind,” the <a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-cup-entertainment-soccer-sports-qatar-ed44b144cd5f1373a6d09efd7f979d0f">Associated Press</a> noted.
Women&#8217;s rights are also an area of concern in Qatar. They are legally under male guardianship that requires permission from a father or other family member to exercise basic rights that range from marriage, international travel, and working in a government job. Women were required to obtain a male guardian&#8217;s permission to obtain a driver&#8217;s license until 2020, The Athletic <a href="https://theathletic.com/3910396/2022/11/19/human-rights-world-cup-guide/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a>.
The Daily Wire previously <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/fifa-president-says-europe-should-be-apologizing-for-next-3000-years-for-what-its-done" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a> that FIFA President Gianni Infantino responded to concerns by criticizing Europe, saying that it should be “apologizing for the next 3,000 years,” ahead of the World Cup’s opening game.
Infantino shared the strong remarks during a press conference on Saturday when he said that criticism of Qatar was hypocritical.
“I think for what we Europeans have been doing in the last 3,000 years around the world we should be apologizing for the next 3,000 years before starting to give moral lessons to people,” he <a href="https://twitter.com/SkyNews/status/1593903373061083137" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a>.
Another controversy arose as the U.S. men’s national soccer team (USMNT) redesigned its crest displayed at its World Cup practice facility with <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/u-s-mens-soccer-team-redesigns-red-white-and-blue-crest-with-rainbow-colors" target="_blank" rel="noopener">rainbow colors</a> to show support for LGBTQ people. When the team takes the field, however, they will be wearing the traditional crest with red, white, and blue stripes on their uniforms.
“I think that when we are on the world stage it is important to bring awareness to these issues and that’s what being the change is about,” USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter stated. “It’s not just stateside that we want to bring attention to those issues. It’s also abroad.”
“And we recognize that Qatar has made strides, there has been a ton of progress,” he added. “But there’s still some work to do.”
The World Cup is being held from November 20 to December 18. A total of 32 teams play in eight groups of four leading to the round of 16, quarter finals, the semi-finals, and the final on December 18.

World Cup Qatar

Female Reporter Stolen From On Live TV During World Cup

FIFA President Gianni Infantino took aim at <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/europe" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Europe</a>, saying that it should be “apologizing for the next 3,000 years,” ahead of the <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/soccer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Cup</a>’s opening game.
Infantino spoke during a press conference on Saturday when he said that criticism of <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/qatar" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Qatar</a>, which is hosting the soccer tournament, was hypocritical. Infantino, the top official for international soccer competition, said Europe itself had a murky history with human rights.
“I think for what we Europeans have been doing in the last 3,000 years around the world we should be apologizing for the next 3,000 years before starting to give moral lessons to people,” he <a href="https://twitter.com/SkyNews/status/1593903373061083137" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a>.
Qatar has faced criticism over treatment of migrant workers and its laws outlawing homosexuality as it prepares to host the World Cup, one of the world’s most watched sporting events.
“How many of these European or Western business companies who earn millions and millions from Qatar or other countries in the region, billions every year. How many of them have addressed migrant workers’ rights, with the authorities? I have the answer for you? None of them. Because any change in the legislation means less profit,” Infantino continued.
The soccer exec also claimed that FIFA, which has been dogged with corruption charges for many years, had spoken to authorities in Qatar about human rights concerns. He told those who objected to Qatar’s hosting of the tournament to aim their ire at him and not the Gulf nation, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/19/sports/soccer/world-cup-gianni-infantino-fifa.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">saying</a> they were welcomed to “crucify” him.
“Don’t criticize Qatar,” he added. “Don’t criticize the players. Don’t criticize anyone. Criticize FIFA. Criticize me, if you want. Because I’m responsible for everything.”
When discussing accusations that Qatar has mistreated thousands of migrant workers, Infantino contrasted Qatar, where he <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/fifa-world-cup/story/4806508/world-cup-fifa-president-infantino-slams-europe-hypocrisy-in-astonishing-speech" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> workers came legally, with Europe, which he claimed had tighter borders.
Thousands of migrant workers have died in the past 12 years as the country readied itself for the tournament as many human rights organizations have pressed the country for explanations.
“We in Europe, we close our borders and we don&#8217;t allow practically any workers from these countries to work legally in our country. We all know there are many illegal workers in our European countries,” he said.
He added that Europe should model its immigration after that of Qatar.
“So if you would really care about the destiny of these people, these young people, then Europe could also do as Qatar did: create some legal channels where at least a number of these workers could come to Europe, lower revenues, but give them some work, give them some future, give them some hope,” he said.
The press conference came just days after it was announced that viewers of the games would not be allowed to purchase alcohol at the games.
Qatar will play Ecuador on Sunday to kick off the tournament.

FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Previews

FIFA President Says Europe Should Be Apologizing For ‘Next 3,000’ Years For What It’s Done

FIFA President Says Europe Should Be Apologizing For 'Next 3,000' Years For What It’s Done

Europe

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