Culture Iran war hits Saudi gaming drive as Esports Nations Cup pushed to 2027 The postponement is a blow for the kingdom, which has made growing its esports sector one of the main priorities under its Vision 2030. Saudi Arabia
Culture How Argentina-Spain World Cup final became debate over Israel, Palestine Governments and fans alike have turned teams and players into symbols of political division. Palestine
Culture What a Zidane pick to coach France means in post-Deschamps era After the loss in the semifinals, French-Algerian football star Zinedine Zidane will replace the retiring Didier Deschamps as coach of Les Bleus. Algeria
France ends Morocco’s World Cup run as last Arab and African team standing Following the loss, no Arab or African teams remain in the tournament. Morocco
Arab-Israeli soccer player booed by Jewish soccer fans Despite the goals he scored against Faroe Islands and Austria, Israeli-Jewish soccer fans booed Israeli-Arab player Moanes Dabbur. Israel
Will Egypt, Saudi Arabia co-host 2030 World Cup? Saudi and Egyptian media have been circulating reports about a joint Saudi-Egyptian plan to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Egypt
Iranians set records at Tokyo 2020 Paralympics Iran is currently leading Middle Eastern states in medals won at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Iran
Dubai to host region's first snow volleyball tournament With the four-day tournament, Dubai is hoping to bolster its reputation as a destination for snow sports enthusiasts. United Arab Emirates
Iran strikes gold at Paralympics Iranian athletes are currently atop the Middle East in medals won at the international sporting competition for disabled athletes, and one could soon make history in women's archery. Iran
First Arab-Israeli athlete to win gold medal in Paralympic Games The recognition and congratulations by Israeli Jewish politicians over the achievement of swimmer Iyad Shalabi reflect societal changes that were long overdue. Israel
Disabled Gazans compete in basketball tournament Disabled Gazan basketball players are competing in a fifth annual tournament put on by the Palestinian Paralympic Committee and other organizations. Culture
Displaced Syrian children take part in alternative Olympics camp A local rights organization in northern Syria held an Olympics competition for children living in the displaced camps across the area, in conjunction with the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Syria
Egypt’s sports authorities under fire over Tokyo games Although Egypt received six medals in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics for the first time in years, sports authorities in the country were criticized due to players’ complaints about inappropriate training. Egypt
Turks rally around Olympic volleyball star attacked over sexuality When a member of Turkey's Olympic volleyball team faced online abuse after posting intimate photos of herself with a woman on Instagram, Turks of all stripes spoke up in her defense. Turkey
Despite loss, Israel’s Olympic baseball team wins big in Tokyo The Israeli baseball team brought home no medals, but still made history by qualifying for the Olympic games and gaining visibility. Israel
Qatari, Italian athletes praised for sharing gold medal at Olympics Entities in both Qatar and Italy praised high jumpers Mutaz Barshim and Gianmarco Tamberi for opting to share an Olympic gold medal, though one commentator said such a deal was unbecoming of elite athletes. News Brief
