Sports

Achraf Hakimi #2 of Morocco shoots and misses a chance against Gabriel Magalhaes #3 of Brazil during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match between Brazil and Morocco at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 13, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Culture

Morocco, Egypt impress with notable draws despite winless World Cup start for Mideast teams

Several teams from the Middle East and North Africa could advance to the knockout stage under the new format, and Morocco climbed in the rankings despite a tie in its opener.

Yasin AKGUL / AFP via Getty Images

Feature

Turkey’s World Cup return clouded by politics, dawn kickoffs

Turkey finally has the World Cup moment it waited 24 years for, but much of the country will either be asleep for it or arguing over efforts to claim it.

Ezgi Akin

In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO

Members of the Iranian national soccer team including midfielder Alireza Jahanbakhsh (R) arrive at Tijuana International Airport on June 7, 2026, in Tijuana, Mexico.

Culture

World Cup opens amid visa disputes for Iran, Iraq and Somalia

Iran says a number of team staff were denied entry into the US, with Trump administration officials touting efforts to prevent affiliates of designated terrorist groups from entering.

Morocco's midfielder Azzedine Ounahi celebrates scoring with teammates during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E African qualification football match between Morocco and Niger at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat on September 5, 2025. (Photo by Abdel Majid BZIOUAT / AFP)

Culture

10 MENA teams at 2026 World Cup: Morocco eyes title, Iran faces visa hurdles

Jordan is competing in its first World Cup, while Iraq is making only its second appearance, as teams from the region seek to advance against European and Latin American powerhouses.

Latest News

What LIV Golf’s woes suggest about Saudi Arabia’s economic headwinds

Bryson DeChambeau of Crushers GC plays his shot from the 17th tee prior to LIV Golf Mexico City at Club de Golf Chapultepec on April 15, 2026, in Mexico City.

Trump praises Australia for aiding Iran women’s soccer team amid asylum calls

This photo taken on March 8, 2026 shows Iranian players running towards their positions at the start of the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026 football match between Iran and the Philippines on the Gold Coast.

Culture

Israeli, Turkish stars named to NBA All-Star World team: What to know

SAN ANTONIO, TX - JANUARY 03: Deni Avdija #8 of the Portland Trailblazers drives over the San Antonio Spurs in the second half at Frost Bank Center on January 3, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)

Analysis

Saudi Arabia downsizes megaprojects, chases cash amid AI push

Aerial view of Riyadh at night with illuminated modern skyscrapers and busy streets under a clear dark sky, Al Olaya street.

Samuel Wendel

By Samuel Wendel , Jack Dutton

Israeli Deni Avdija to make NBA debut

The former player for Maccabi Tel Aviv could become the first international basketball star to come out of Israel.

Doha named 2030 Asian Games host, Riyadh gets 2034

Gulf rivals Qatar and Saudi Arabia were both vying for 2030 hosting rights.

Racist fans of Jerusalem soccer club become target of mockery

Social media users are mocking La Familia fan club, notorious for its racism, over the deal signed yesterday for an Emirati sheikh to invest in the Beitar Jerusalem soccer club.

Beitar Jerusalem fans cheer on their team prior to the UEFA Europa League play-off football match between Beitar Jerusalem and AS Saint-Etienne, at the Itztadion Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem on August 17, 2016.
Saint-Etienne beat Beitar Jerusalem 2-1. / AFP / AHMAD GHARABLI (Photo credit should read AHMAD GHARABLI/AFP via Getty Images)

Beitar Jerusalem soccer club pursues talks with Emirati investor

Owner of Beitar Jerusalem soccer club Moshe Hogeg is determined to ignore threats by La Familia fan club against partnering with an Emirati investor.

United Arab Emirates

Women in Gaza take up boxing despite social stigma

Despite the patriarchal and religious stigma surrounding female sporting activities in the Gaza Strip, several women and girls have joined a boxing team out of love for this sport.

Fight Island in Abu Dhabi concludes Saturday with main event featuring Khabib Nurmagomedov

The undefeated Khabib Nurmagomedov will face American Justin Gaethje in an isolated section of Abu Dhabi's Yas Island, which was set up to host the major mixed martial arts event.

Team Emirates rider wins Tour de France as cycling gains legs in Middle East

The region is warming to investments in sports such as cycling as governments in the region seek to expand their sports diplomacy and soft power.

Saudis ready for kingdom’s first women’s soccer league

Saudi female soccer players are eagerly waiting for Saudi Arabia’s first women’s soccer league to be launched in October, after being delayed for months due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Beitar Jerusalem fans cheer on their team prior to the UEFA Europa League play-off football match between Beitar Jerusalem and AS Saint-Etienne, at the Itztadion Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem on August 17, 2016.
Saint-Etienne beat Beitar Jerusalem 2-1. / AFP / AHMAD GHARABLI (Photo credit should read AHMAD GHARABLI/AFP via Getty Images)

Abu Dhabi investor surprises Israelis, interested in Jerusalem soccer club

Despite — or because of — the racist attitude of Beitar Jerusalem’s fan club, an Abu Dhabi investor is now interested in investing in the soccer team and developing coexistence.

Gaza women bodybuilding.jpg

Women in Gaza turn to bodybuilding

Despite the fact that bodybuilding is frowned upon in Palestinian society for women, some girls and women in the Gaza Strip have become interested in this sport.

Saudi Arabia permanently cancels license of Qatar's beIN Sports

The popular Doha-based sports network had been officially blocked in Saudi Arabia since the 2017 diplomatic row between the two Gulf countries.

First series of Fight Island UFC events wraps up in Abu Dhabi

Several fighters of Middle Eastern heritage competed in the event without fans in the Emirati city on Sunday.

United Arab Emirates