Two countries that criminalize homosexuality have asked to be left out of a soccer match that is being branded as a celebration of homosexuality.
Egypt and Iran, who are scheduled to play in Seattle on June 26, the same day that Seattle is holding its &#8220;Pride Match,&#8221; said that they want no part of the LGBT celebration. This should come as a shock to no one. While the pride theme was determined before last weekend&#8217;s team draw that put Egypt and Iran on the June 26 slot, backlash was to be expected.
RELATED: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/world-cup-teams-back-down-on-rainbow-armbands-after-fifa-threats">World Cup Teams Back Down On Rainbow Armbands After FIFA Threats</a>
In a <a href="https://www.efa.com.eg/ar/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A3%D8%AE%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B1/%D8%B1%D8%B3%D9%85%D9%8A%D8%A7-%D8%A7%D8%AA%D8%AD%D8%A7%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D9%8A%D8%B1%D9%81%D8%B6-%D8%A5%D9%82%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%A9-%D8%A3%D9%86%D8%B4%D8%B7%D8%A9-%D8%AF%D8%B9%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%AB%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%AE%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%84-%D9%85%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%A9-%D9%85%D8%B5%D8%B1-%D9%88%D8%A5%D9%8A%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A8%D9%83%D8%A3%D8%B3-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85/">letter sent to FIFA</a>, the Egyptian Football Association requested that there be no activities glorifying homosexuality during the match with Iran. Egypt references FIFA&#8217;s policies requiring FIFA competitions to avoid anything that brings conflict between fans from different backgrounds.
&#8220;The Egyptian Federation categorically rejects these calls and demands that FIFA not hold any events or performances related to supporting (homosexuality) inside the stadium on match day.&#8221;
The Egyptian Football Association said that it &#8220;rejects such activities&#8221; such as promoting homosexuality during the soccer match that &#8220;directly contradict the cultural, religious and social values ​​in the region, especially in Arab and Islamic societies.&#8221;
Iran made a similar statement.
President of Iran&#8217;s Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, spoke to state media and denounced the decision to use pride branding for the match.
&#8220;Both Egypt and we have objected, because this is an unreasonable and illogical move that essentially signals support for a particular group, and we must definitely address this point.&#8221;
Taj said Iran would bring up the issue at a FIFA Council meeting next week in Qatar, another country that will start their quest for the World Cup in Seattle.
Egypt, Iran, and Qatar have laws against homosexuality.
In Egypt, if someone is caught engaging in homosexual activity, it’s punishable with up to three years in prison, and they may be forced to pay a hefty fine, according to Human Rights Watch. In Iran, capital punishment remains the maximum penalty for homosexuality under the law.
RELATED: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/2026-world-cup-to-host-pride-match-featuring-two-countries-that-criminalize-being-gay">2026 World Cup To Host ‘Pride Match’ Featuring Two Countries That Criminalize Being Gay</a>
Seattle&#8217;s Pride Match Advisory Committee is organizing the &#8220;Pride Match&#8221; that is still set to go on despite the two countries&#8217; requests during the city&#8217;s Pride weekend. This committee isn&#8217;t associated with FIFA or endorsed by it.
Hana Tedesse, Vice President of Communications for Seattle FIFA World Cup 26™ , which is directly associated with the soccer tournament, told The Daily Wire SeattleFWC26 isn&#8217;t backing down.
&#8220;SeattleFWC26 is moving forward as planned with our community programming outside the stadium during Pride weekend and throughout the tournament, partnering with LGBTQ+ leaders, artists, and business owners to elevate existing Pride celebrations across Washington,&#8221; Tedesse said.
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SeattleFWC26 called inclusion Seattle’s “greatest strength.”
&#8220;As the local organizing committee, our role is to prepare our city to host the matches and manage the city experience outside of Seattle Stadium,&#8221; Tedesse said. &#8220;Football has a unique power to unite people across borders, cultures, and beliefs. The Pacific Northwest is home to one of the nation’s largest Iranian-American communities, a thriving Egyptian diaspora, and rich communities representing all nations we’re hosting in Seattle.”
During the 2022 World Cup, FIFA threatened sanctions for European countries that wanted to wear pride-themed LGBT bands — the countries ultimately decided against it.
The &#8220;Pride Match&#8221; is scheduled for June 26 at Seattle&#8217;s Lumen Field. The Daily Wire has reached out to FIFA to comment on Egypt&#8217;s and Iran&#8217;s request to take pride out of play.

Photo-illustration: Getty Images; Daily Wire staff

Egypt And Iran Clash With FIFA Over 2026 World Cup ‘Pride Match’

Egypt

Iran

News

Soccer

World Cup

Nothing says LGBT pride like a &#8220;Pride Match&#8221; featuring two countries that criminalize homosexuality.
Seattle will host a match between Egypt and Iran during the FIFA World Cup on June 26. The match is being designated as the official &#8220;<a href="https://www.seattlefwc26.org/committees/pride-match">Pride Match</a>&#8221; of the global tournament during Seattle&#8217;s Pride weekend. Egypt and Iran were selected over the weekend for the June 26 match at Lumen Field. The &#8220;Pride Match&#8221; isn&#8217;t affiliated or endorsed by FIFA.
That these two countries are the participants in the &#8220;Pride Match&#8221; seems satirical, considering the optics. Many have rightly concluded that you could not pick two worse teams to participate in such a match.
In Egypt, if someone is caught engaging in homosexual activity, it&#8217;s punishable with up to three years in prison, and they may be forced to pay a hefty fine, according to <a href="https://features.hrw.org/features/features/lgbt_laws/index.html?_gl=1*1ghvjda*_ga*MTMxOTE2ODExMy4xNzY1MjI4NjA1*_ga_8G7WH8R2Z8*czE3NjUyMjg2MDUkbzEkZzEkdDE3NjUyMjg2MjIkajQzJGwwJGgxODk0NDg2Mjg2">Human Rights Watch</a>.
In Iran, capital punishment remains the maximum penalty for homosexuality under the law, the organization also <a href="https://features.hrw.org/features/features/lgbt_laws/index.html?_gl=1*1ghvjda*_ga*MTMxOTE2ODExMy4xNzY1MjI4NjA1*_ga_8G7WH8R2Z8*czE3NjUyMjg2MDUkbzEkZzEkdDE3NjUyMjg2MjIkajQzJGwwJGgxODk0NDg2Mjg2">reports</a>.
Qatar, another country that outlaws homosexuality, is also scheduled to play in Seattle for the 2026 World Cup. Qatar hosted the renowned soccer tournament in 2022, where European teams came under fire for Pride-themed armbands. The bands ultimately weren&#8217;t worn during the matches after FIFA threatened to penalize players for wearing the symbolic accessory.
RELATED: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/world-cup-teams-back-down-on-rainbow-armbands-after-fifa-threats">World Cup Teams Back Down On Rainbow Armbands After FIFA Threats</a>
<a href="https://www.seattlefwc26.org/about/about">SeattleFWC26</a>, the Seattle committee putting pride in the World Cup, calls inclusion Seattle&#8217;s &#8220;greatest strength.&#8221;
&#8220;We have a rare opportunity to make a lasting impact. One that educates the world, inspires our LGBTQ+ community, and uplifts LGBTQ+ businesses and cultural organizations,&#8221; the local organizing committee states.
Seattle hosts one of the country&#8217;s largest Pride celebrations, so there is no doubt there will be a clash of cultures when Egypt, Iran, and Qatar come to town next June.
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson doesn&#8217;t seem too concerned about the participants in the &#8220;Pride Match.&#8221;
&#8220;With matches on Juneteenth and Pride, we get to show the world that in Seattle, everyone is welcome,&#8221; she said.
President Donald Trump criticized the new mayor last month during a World Cup press briefing in the Oval Office, calling Wilson&#8217;s policies more extreme than socialism.
&#8220;If we think there&#8217;s going to be a sign of any trouble, I would ask Gianni [FIFA President Gianni Infantino] to move that to a different city. We have a lot of cities that would love to have it number one, and will do it very safely,&#8221; Trump said.
Host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are all across Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The first match is set for June 11 in Mexico City.

2026 World Cup To Host ‘Pride Match’ Featuring Two Countries That Criminalize Being Gay

Donald Trump

Pride Month

Seattle

One of the world’s biggest soccer stars is back in the United States for the first time in a decade. The first stop for Cristiano Ronaldo? The White House.
The White House posted a <a href="https://x.com/WhiteHouse/status/1991151873970020681?s=20">video</a> of Ronaldo laughing alongside President Donald Trump Wednesday morning with the caption “Two GOATS.”
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Two GOATS.
CR7 x 45/47<a href="https://twitter.com/Cristiano?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Cristiano</a> 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/QA4Dw0s1lr">pic.twitter.com/QA4Dw0s1lr</a>
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1991151873970020681?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2025</a></blockquote>
The soccer phenom attended a dinner at the White House Tuesday night, where President Donald Trump had high praise for him. Winning the presidency may not have gotten Trump any cool points with his youngest son, but hosting an all-time great certainly did.
“My son is a big fan of Ronaldo. And Barron got to meet him, and I think he respects his father a little bit more now that I’ve introduced you. Thank you for being here; it’s an honor.”
Ronaldo was at the White House as part of Trump’s visit with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Ronaldo is currently playing for the Saudi Arabian club, <a href="https://x.com/Cristiano/status/1938227636976709678?s=20">Al-Nassr</a>. The Portuguese native signed a two-year contract extension with the club this year, keeping the 40-year-old forward on the field through 2027.
<a href="https://x.com/WhiteHouse/status/1991180859181871519?s=20">Trump meeting Ronaldo</a> this week is something the record-setting goal scorer had talked about just three weeks ago with Piers Morgan.
Ronaldo told Morgan on his show “Piers Morgan Uncensored” he wanted to meet Trump — because in his mind, Trump is one of the people who can change the world.
Ronaldo is set to make his return to the playing field in the U.S. next year during the 2026 World Cup.
Portugal has already qualified for the premier tournament set to start next June. When Ronaldo suits up for his home country, he will set a record alongside fellow great Lionel Messi. The two will become the only players to appear in six men’s World Cups.
On Monday, Trump announced the “FIFA PASS” for people traveling to the U.S. for the tournament. The initiative prioritizes visa interviews for soccer fans who have purchased tickets for the matches.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who was alongside Trump for the announcement, said a ticket to the World Cup is not a visa, but that the FIFA PASS can expedite the process of obtaining a travel visa.
“It guarantees you an expedited appointment,” Rubio said. “You’re still going to go through the same vetting. We’re going to do the same vetting as anybody else would get. The only difference here is we’re moving them up in the queue.”
Rubio added that about 80% of countries can get a visa appointment within 60 days.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said her department is working relentlessly to ensure fans can travel to the U.S. safely.
So far, FIFA has sold more than 1 million tickets for the games. Canada and Mexico are hosting some of the 104 matches. Trump said the economic impact of the World Cup is estimated at $30 billion and will create 200,000 jobs for Americans.
“We had a little shutdown that was caused by the Democrats,” Trump said. “This will make up for it many times over, so that&#8217;s good.”
The 2026 World Cup kicks off June 11.

Cristiano Ronaldo Visits Trump at White House

‘Two GOATS’: Cristiano Ronaldo Chops It Up With Trump At The White House

Cristiano Ronaldo

President Donald Trump threatened to strip Boston of its status as host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following an eruption of public unrest.
“If somebody is doing a bad job, and I feel there are unsafe conditions, I would call Gianni, who’s head of FIFA,” Trump said Wednesday. “I would say, ‘Let’s move into another location,’ and he would do that.”
Last week, over 100 people took over a Boston street, setting off fireworks and illegally racing. According to prosecutors, the event appeared to be mass-coordinated, where “<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/boston-police-cruiser-destroyed-julian-bowers-william-cantwell/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">drivers perform burnouts, donuts, and illegal street races, often live-streaming the activities</a>.” The event ended with a police cruiser erupting in flames.
Trump reiterated the threat to Daily Wire White House Correspondent Mary Mararet Olohan in the Oval Office Wednesday.
&#8220;Somebody said, &#8216;Would we think about taking the World Cup away from Boston if they don&#8217;t straighten it out?'&#8221; Trump said. &#8220;And the answer is yes, we have the right to do that.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
🚨<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> tells <a href="https://twitter.com/MaryMargOlohan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MaryMargOlohan</a> he might take the World Cup from cities that don&#8217;t straighten out crime:
&#8220;Somebody said, &#8216;Would we think about taking the World Cup away from Boston if they don&#8217;t straighten it out?&#8217; And the answer is yes, we have the right to do that.&#8221; <a href="https://t.co/p1DFtzPasK">pic.twitter.com/p1DFtzPasK</a>
— Daily Wire (@realDailyWire) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDailyWire/status/1978568693199032494?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Trump added that he would take the same action in California if he felt Los Angeles wasn’t prepared to host the 2028 Olympics.
To prepare for 2026, President Trump assembled the FIFA World Cup Task Force through executive order. He instructed the task force to coordinate with executive agencies and assist with the <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/03/establishing-the-white-house-task-force-on-the-fifa-world-cup-2026/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">planning, organization, and execution of events surrounding the World Cup. </a>
FIFA President Gianni Infantino expects the tournament to generate $40 billion in economic activity and create 200,000 jobs.
When announcing the task force, Trump and Infantino emphasized safety and hospitality. “It’s important that everyone coming to America feels safe and welcome,” Infantino said.
In an effort to prepare Boston to become a host city, President Trump offered to send the National Guard to Boston, but claimed Mayor Michelle Wu would not accept “because she thinks it’s bad politically.”
“Boston is honored and excited to host World Cup matches,” Boston Mayor Michelle Wu told The Daily Wire. “We look forward to welcoming fans from around the world to our beautiful city, the cradle of liberty and city of champions.”
Senator Elizabeth Warren weighed in on the dispute in an interview with Bloomberg, saying, “Michelle Wu is doing a terrific job.”
“Donald Trump doesn’t like anyone who doesn’t bend the knee, so frankly I’m not surprised that he’s trying to pick some sort of fight with Michelle Wu, but I don’t think it’s going to work,” Warren said.
Including Boston, the 2026 FIFA World Cup secured 16 host cities: 11 in the United States, three in Mexico, and two in Canada. To finalize host status, each city signed a legally binding contract with FIFA, outlining the rights, responsibilities, and obligations.
In 2023, the Seattle City Council released its Host City Agreement, which contains a clause titled “Revocation of Host City Selection.” The clause states that FIFA’s host city selection assumes the city will meet “all requirements and act in full compliance with its obligations resulting from, or in connection with, this Host City Agreement.”
If the city fails to meet its obligations, FIFA reserves the right to revoke host status.
Meaning, if Trump requests FIFA intervene, President Infantino could potentially invoke this clause and argue that Boston no longer meets its contractual requirements. The City of Boston could then contest the decision in court.
“We hope every one of our 16 host cities will be ready to successfully host and fulfil all necessary requirements,” a FIFA spokesperson said following Trump&#8217;s comments. “Safety and security are the top priorities at all FIFA events worldwide.”
“Safety and security are obviously the governments&#8217; responsibility, and they decide what is in the best interest for public safety,” the spokesperson added.

Trump Threatens To Pull World Cup Matches From Liberal City Over Safety Concerns

Boston

Massachusetts

Michelle Wu

President Donald Trump sparked laughter in the Oval Office on Friday when he suggested he might even take the field when the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw came to the United States.
Trump announced that the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw — which determines which teams play against each other at the beginning of competition — would be held at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
“The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest, most complex set of events in sports history, and the Kennedy Center will give it a phenomenal kickoff,” he said.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who was also on hand, added his thoughts as well: “We are uniting the world, Mr. President, uniting the world here, in America. And we&#8217;re very proud of that.”
Trump was fielding questions from reporters when one asked whether he’d “have a part to play” when the event began — and as per usual, the president did not miss a beat.
WATCH:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
🚨 LMAO! A reporter just asked if President Trump is going to take part in FIFA events, and he gave the most Trump answer ever
POTUS: &#8220;I may play&#8230; I look EXTREMELY good in shorts&#8221; 🤣
&#8220;I see the money these players are making! I&#8217;m a very good athlete.&#8221; <a href="https://t.co/nNXznwrmlP">pic.twitter.com/nNXznwrmlP</a>
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) <a href="https://twitter.com/nicksortor/status/1958945432547246180?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
“Will you have a part to play on December 5th?” the reporter wondered, and Trump fired right back.
&#8220;I may play,” he replied, prompting laughter from around the room. “I see the money that these soccer players — you know the soccer, we call it soccer — but I see the money that these soccer players are making. I may try and play, I’m a very good athlete.”
<a href="https://get.dailywire.com/subscribe/plus/?utm_campaign=summer&amp;utm_content=editorialsummersale&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_source=editorial" target="_blank" rel="noopener">End of Summer Sale – Get 40% off New DailyWire+ Annual Memberships</a>
“My son — my son is a very good athlete, and he’s a good soccer player,” Trump continued. “He’s on the tall side for soccer, he’s six-nine, that’s pretty tall, it’s on the tall side, but he’s good.”
“No, I may put on shorts — I look extremely good in shorts —” the president quipped, prompting more laughs as he continued, “— and join the play. No, it going to be a lot of fun, it’s going to be great.”

Trump Gets Laughs With World Cup Quip In Oval Office: ‘I Look Extremely Good In Shorts’

Executive

Kennedy Center

U.S.

Democrats in Congress have begun to celebrate parts of the &#8220;One Big, Beautiful Bill&#8221; — a measure they voted against.
Reps. Sharice Davids (D-KS) and Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO) issued a <a href="https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/following-bipartisan-push-reps-cleaver-davids-congress-passes-625" target="_blank" rel="noopener">joint press release</a> last week touting a <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1/text" target="_blank" rel="noopener">provision</a> tucked into the legislation that locked in $625 million for World Cup security. While the pair heralded a bipartisan push to secure funds geared toward safety across the 11 host cities in the United States for the 2026 tournament — in particular Kansas City, which has a metropolitan area that spans both their districts — they left out any mention of the vehicle by which the money passed.
&#8220;I’ve been proud to work with Congressman Cleaver and a bipartisan group of colleagues to advocate for these much-needed resources, and I’ll keep working to make sure Kansas City is ready to shine on the global stage,&#8221; Davids said.
&#8220;After joining with representatives from across the country to push for federal investments that will ensure a safe and orderly event, I’m very happy that we were able to secure $625 million to support security efforts in the 11 host cities, including Kansas City,&#8221; added Cleaver.
Both Democrats are <a href="https://davids.house.gov/CFWCC" target="_blank" rel="noopener">co-chairs</a> of the Congressional FIFA World Cup 2026 Caucus, which also has Republican members.
The &#8220;One Big, Beautiful Bill,&#8221; which is hundreds of pages long, aims to fulfill many of President Donald Trump’s spending goals in his second term. Democrats, along with a couple of GOP holdouts, criticized the measure over its Medicaid reforms, as well as concerns about the debt and tax cuts benefiting the wealthy.
<a href="https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-opposes-partisan-bill-slashes-health-care-food-benefit-billionaires" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Davids</a> and <a href="https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleavers-statement-vote-against-republicans-big-ugly-bill" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cleaver</a> were among those in their party to criticize the overall bill, but GOP lawmakers got the final laugh after they found out their colleagues across the aisle were bragging about a part of the legislation they actually liked.
&#8220;Oddly enough, this funding is provided through Republicans’ One Big, Beautiful Bill, which passed with zero Democrat votes,&#8221; <a href="https://x.com/RepMarkAlford/status/1944028474173468811" target="_blank" rel="noopener">quipped</a> Rep. Mark Alford (R-MO) in a post on X in response to a local report on the announcement by Davids and Cleaver.
&#8220;All House Democrats voted no on the One Big Beautiful Bill yet they are starting to claim the dough,&#8221; Rep. Lisa McClain (R-MI), chairwoman of the House Republican Conference, <a href="https://x.com/RepLisaMcClain/status/1944818057085382815" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> in another post.
Republicans have <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2024/06/10/house-republicans-infrastructure-funding-vote-no-00162361" target="_blank" rel="noopener">similarly</a> been called out in the past for cheering parts of a bill they opposed.

Rep. Emanuel Cleaver

Dems Start To Claim Credit For ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ They Voted Against

Congress

Democrats

Politics

Spending Bill

U.S. House of Representatives

A new high-speed train proposal hopes to link Los Angeles and New York City in time for the FIFA World Cup and celebrations for the United States&#8217; 250th birthday next year.
AmeriStarRail, based in Delaware, proposed the plan to Amtrak, as well as to President Donald Trump, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, and Congress, <a href="https://www.newsweek.com/high-speed-rail-new-york-los-angeles-2093565">according</a> to Newsweek.
The train, called the &#8220;Transcontinental Chief,&#8221; would be funded entirely by private investors, not taxpayers, and would transport both passengers and commercial trucks.
&#8220;The Transcontinental Chief will be a great opportunity for Amtrak to team up with the private sector to confront the challenges of its money-losing long-distance trains and create opportunities to usher in a profitable Golden Age of rail travel for passengers and truckers, with the ingenuity of free enterprise, as we celebrate our great nation&#8217;s 250th birthday next year,&#8221; AmeriStarRail Chief Operating Officer Scott Spencer said in a letter to Amtrak.
The train would rely on existing infrastructure from host railroads and include stops at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Chicago, and the Grand Canyon. Amtrak has not yet responded to the proposal, Newsweek reported.
The plan contrasts with another high-speed train project in California, which risks losing its federal funding after failing to make progress for more than a decade, The Daily Wire previously <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/trump-admin-ready-to-pull-the-plug-on-california-high-speed-rail-boondoggle">reported</a>.
Despite receiving about $4 billion for the 800-mile project since 2010, the state has &#8220;not laid a single high-speed track,&#8221; <a href="https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/trumps-transportation-secretary-sean-p-duffy-releases-report-exposing-no-viable-path">according</a> to the Trump administration.
When voters approved the project in 2008, the estimated cost was $33 billion. Now, the projected cost has swelled to $128 billion, leaving California about $100 billion short, <a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-03-21/high-speed-rail">according</a> to the Los Angeles Times.
The state is currently trying to build the first segment of the project, a 119-mile track connecting Merced to Bakersfield. The estimated completion date is 2033, but the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) says the state doesn&#8217;t have &#8220;a viable path&#8221; to finishing the first phase by the deadline.
California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, who promoted the train when he was mayor of San Francisco, said in May that workers have begun the first phase of the project, &#8220;laying the tracks to get to where they start to lay the tracks.&#8221;
&#8220;It’s a technical way of actually doing the development in phases, so real tracks are being laid, and the formal track that will be the first-in-the-nation high-speed rail track is about to take place,&#8221; Newsom said.
A California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) spokesperson told The Daily Wire in June that the agency remains &#8220;firmly committed&#8221; to the project.
In its response to the FRA, the CHSRA disputed the findings and requested that the agency withdraw the proposed termination of federal funds.
&#8220;The Authority’s work has already reshaped the Central Valley,&#8221; the CHSRA&#8217;s response said. &#8220;We have built many of the viaducts, overpasses, and underpasses on which the first 119 miles of high-speed rail track will run.&#8221;

tu010625_hudsonrail

Proposed ‘High-Speed’ Train Would Bring Passengers From NYC To L.A. In Three Days

Amtrak

Business

California

High Speed rail

Los Angeles

New York

New York City

Railroads

Train

The United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) has been eliminated from the FIFA Women’s World Cup after losing in a penalty shootout to Sweden — marking the earliest exit in history for the team. 
Sweden beat the United States in the round of 16 following 120 minutes of play and a dramatic penalty shootout in which the video assistant referee <a href="https://www.cnn.com/sport/live-news/uswnt-sweden-womens-world-cup-knockout/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">confirmed</a> a shot by Sweden’s Lina Hurtig did cross the line — shocking American players and fans who thought it was saved by the American goalkeeper. The USWNT has won the tournament four times, more than any other national team, and a win this year would have marked the team’s third consecutive championship. 
“We want to express our gratitude to the fans and supporters who have stood by our team. Your unwavering support means a lot to us, and we appreciate your dedication,” a USWNT <a href="https://twitter.com/USWNT/status/1688174183178752000/photo/1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">statement</a> posted to X said. “Our goal remains the same, to win. We are committed to surpassing the standard we helped to create and we will rise to meet the challenge.”
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
𝐕𝐀𝐑 𝐃𝐑𝐀𝐌𝐀 😲
The moment referee Stéphanie Frappart tells Lina Hurtig that her goal has gone over the line meaning that Sweden dumps out defending champions USA 5-4 on penalties! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FIFAWWC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FIFAWWC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/beINWWC23?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#beINWWC23</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/beINSPIRED?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#beINSPIRED</a> <a href="https://t.co/T915Ls7KCO">pic.twitter.com/T915Ls7KCO</a>
&mdash; beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) <a href="https://twitter.com/beINSPORTS_EN/status/1688155079776342023?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The American women were dominant throughout much of the first 90 minutes of regulation and the two 15-minute halves of extra time, with <a href="https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/womens-world-cup-2023-top-plays-sweden-united-states" target="_blank" rel="noopener">more shots</a> on goal. When neither side was able to gain the advantage in 30 minutes of extra time, the game went into a penalty shootout, where Sweden was able to win with five goals compared to four for the U.S. The U.S. has at least made the semifinals in all previous women&#8217;s World Cups, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/sport/live-news/uswnt-sweden-womens-world-cup-knockout/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according</a> to CNN. 
Players Megan Rapinoe, Sophia Smith, and Kelly O’Hara all <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/sports/live-blog/usa-sweden-live-updates-womens-world-cup-soccer-news-results-rcna98387" target="_blank" rel="noopener">missed</a> their penalty kicks, securing the win for Sweden, which advanced to the quarterfinals and will face Japan. Rapinoe is a controversial player who previously <a href="https://www.cnn.com/sport/live-news/uswnt-sweden-womens-world-cup-knockout/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> she would retire at the end of the 2023 National Women’s Soccer League season, and this could have been her last game with the national team, CNN notes. 
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Every single penalty from the USA-Sweden shootout ⬇️ <a href="https://t.co/c5b33aOsCu">pic.twitter.com/c5b33aOsCu</a>
&mdash; FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/FOXSoccer/status/1688191405733167104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Rapinoe, a forward, <a href="https://time.com/6293102/megan-rapinoe-world-cup-2023-interview-retirement/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told</a> Time Magazine last month that she would “absolutely” support a man who claims he is a woman to play on the USWNT and said people like Dave Chappelle making jokes about transgender issues “directly leads to violence.”
The women’s team struggled to stay alive during the tournament, nearly losing to Portugal during the group stage, which could have sent them home. They survived and were able to advance to the round of 16 by tying Portugal. 
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“[USWNT], you made this sport matter,” first lady Jill Biden <a href="https://twitter.com/FLOTUS/status/1688163560470319104" target="_blank" rel="noopener">posted</a> to X after the loss. “Today, you inspired us with your grit and determination. We are proud of you. Always remember that you encourage women and girls everywhere to show up and fight for their dreams.”  
Striker Alex Morgan said the loss felt “like a bad dream,” adding, &#8220;I feel like we dominated, but it doesn’t matter. At the end of the day, we’re going home. It’s the highs and lows of the sport of soccer. So yeah, it just doesn’t feel great.”
The American soccer team had been heavily criticized throughout the tournament, which is taking place in Australia and New Zealand, for its displays during the national anthem, in which only a few players appeared to be singing before each match. The majority of the American players stood silent with their hands away from their hearts. 
Megyn Kelly, host of &#8220;The Megyn Kelly Show&#8221; podcast, <a href="https://nypost.com/2023/08/02/megyn-kelly-slams-uswnt-as-morons-who-are-poisoned-by-megan-rapinoe/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">blamed</a> Rapinoe for the women’s team display during the national anthem, saying she “poisoned” the entire team against the U.S. and said she wasn’t rooting for them. 
“They won’t sing the national anthem, half of them won’t put their hands over their hearts, even the ones who are singing are half-a**ing it,” Kelly said.

Sweden v USA: Round of 16 – FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023

U.S. Women’s Soccer Eliminated From World Cup In Earliest Exit In Team History

U.S. Women's Soccer Eliminated From World Cup, Earliest Exit From Tournament In History

General

Megan Rapinoe

Sports

Women's Soccer

World

<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

Qatar

Argentina defeated France in the World Cup final in Qatar on Sunday in a penalty kick shootout following a 3-3 tie.
The victory, led by Argentina&#8217;s Lionel Messi, capped a surprising comeback after an early loss to Saudi Arabia earlier in the tournament.
Argentina developed an early lead, up 2-0 at halftime. Messi scored one goal, followed by Ángel Di Maria with the second.
The second half saw a France resurgence, with Kylian Mbappé scoring two goals just 90 seconds apart. The match went into overtime tied 2-2.
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WHAT A VOLLEY MBAPPÉ.
TWO GOALS IN 90 SECONDS.
(via <a href="https://twitter.com/TelemundoSports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TelemundoSports</a>)<a href="https://t.co/OTdn2QQLXi">pic.twitter.com/OTdn2QQLXi</a>
&mdash; B/R Football (@brfootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/brfootball/status/1604518683774173187?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Both team&#8217;s stars rose to the occasion, with Messi scoring at 108 minutes, followed by Mbappé in the 118th minute to tie the match at 3-3.
Mbappé&#8217;s goal made him the second player to score a hat trick in a World Cup final.
Despite Mbappé&#8217;s epic performance, Argentina scored on four penalty kicks, with France hitting two to give Argentina its first World Cup victory since 1986.
Emotions ran high as Messi finally secured the trophy in what will likely be his last World Cup performance. The famed Argentinian player scored seven goals throughout the World Cup tournament.
Messi was awarded the Golden Ball following the match, recognizing him as the tournament&#8217;s most outstanding player.
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Finally. 💙<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FIFAWorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FIFAWorldCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/IkXSwPx7WW">pic.twitter.com/IkXSwPx7WW</a>
&mdash; NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCSportsSoccer/status/1604545204857573380?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Messi&#8217;s celebration comes after much frustration when he nearly kicked a game-winning goal in the 96th minute from about 25 yards away. Hugo Lloris swatted it away to force the match into extra time.
France&#8217;s loss on penalty kicks brings back negative memories from the nation&#8217;s 2006 loss to Italy under similar circumstances.
The BBC <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/live/football/61047899?ns_mchannel=social&amp;ns_source=twitter&amp;ns_campaign=bbc_live&amp;ns_linkname=639f60aa11d49175f77b5420%26Argentina%20the%20shootout%20kings%262022-12-18T19%3A06%3A05.547Z&amp;ns_fee=0&amp;pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:932af5e5-c913-4902-81ce-977bac1943a4&amp;pinned_post_asset_id=639f60aa11d49175f77b5420&amp;pinned_post_type=share" target="_blank" rel="noopener">noted</a> that the win gave Argentina more penalty kick shootout wins in the World Cup than any team in history, doing so on six occasions. It is also the third team to win a World Cup final in a penalty shootout.
Despite the loss, French star Mbappé earned the Golden Boot for his performance. He scored a total of eight goals throughout the tournament. At 23 years old, he gives the French team high expectations for the future.
Argentina&#8217;s Emi Martinez also received the Golden Glove award for the best keeper in this year&#8217;s World Cup.

World Cup winners

Argentina Wins World Cup Over France In Penalty Shootout

Argentina

France

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

A Qatari photographer died on Saturday while covering the World Cup, making him the second journalist to pass away during the global soccer event following the death of American reporter Grant Wahl.
Khalid al-Misslam, who worked for Qatari sports outlet Al Kass TV, &#8220;died suddenly while covering&#8221; the tournament, according to Doha&#8217;s Gulf Times.
“We believe in Allah’s mercy and forgiveness for him, and send our deepest condolences to his family,” the outlet tweeted.
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Al Kass TV photojournalist Khalid al-Misslam passed away recently. Al- Misslam, a Qatari, died suddenly while covering the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. We believe in Allah&#39;s mercy and forgiveness for him, and send our deepest condolences to his family. <a href="https://t.co/M1ZyoBJWkW">pic.twitter.com/M1ZyoBJWkW</a>
&mdash; Gulf Times (@GulfTimes_QATAR) <a href="https://twitter.com/GulfTimes_QATAR/status/1601577900981243904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The cause of al-Misslam&#8217;s death was not revealed, though it was reported as taking place on the same day that a security guard was injured in a fall inside of Lusail Iconic Stadium after the quarterfinal game between Argentina and the Netherlands.
The incident occurred at about 2:00 a.m. local time on Saturday after Argentina defeated its opponent on penalties. One fan <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/dec/11/world-cup-security-guard-in-intensive-care-after-fall-at-lusail-stadium" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told</a> the Guardian that the security worker dropped from a top concourse of the stadium.
The security officer, reportedly a migrant worker at the event, was taken to Hamad Hospital and is stable though in critical condition.
The report of al-Misslam&#8217;s passing followed the shocking death of Wahl. The Daily Wire previously <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/breaking-u-s-journalist-grant-wahl-collapses-and-dies-while-covering-world-cup-soccer-games" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a> that the American soccer journalist collapsed and died Friday in Qatar while covering the World Cup 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 “may have suffered a heart attack” while in the press box of Lusail Stadium.
Wahl&#8217;s death came just days after he wrote that he went to a medical facility on Monday to receive treatment after feeling ill.
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“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 wrote. “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.”
After not improving, Wahl later <a href="https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/35221443/american-soccer-journalist-grant-wahl-dies-49-qatar">returned</a> on Thursday for further treatment.
His wife, Celine Gounder, thanked those who reached out to her after the report of Wahl’s death, adding that she was “in complete shock.”
</div>
<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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Wahl&#8217;s brother, Eric Wahl, made headlines following the loss for suspecting foul play.
“My name is Eric Wahl. I live in Seattle, Washington. I am Grant Wahl’s brother,” he <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">said</a>. “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.”

Second Journalist Suddenly Dies At World Cup

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