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
Why Israelis root for Iran, Morocco in World Cup With no team of its own competing in the World Cup, Israelis are supporting others from the Middle East regardless of political differences. Israel
Iranian women win big in fight over right to watch soccer games Iranian women were allowed into Azadi stadium to watch a soccer game alongside men for the first time since the 1979 revolution. Iran
Legendary Iranian soccer player urges consumer boycott to root out ‘thieves’ As consumer prices continue to hit ordinary Iranians hard, a popular former soccer player is leading a consumer boycott on social media in an effort to reduce prices. Iran
Egyptian MPs open Pandora's box on popular soccer team's finances An exchange of accusations between Saudi soccer boss Turki al-Sheikh and Al-Ahly's board opens Pandora's box on the Egyptian soccer team's donations. Saudi Arabia
US recognition of Jerusalem backfires on Israel Argentina's cancellation of a soccer match over the match’s relocation to Jerusalem is a clear sign that most of the world considers large parts of Jerusalem to be occupied land. Palestine
Israeli soccer fans divided over who's to blame for canceled match Israelis blame anyone they can for the cancellation of Argentina’s national soccer team and its star Lionel Messi’s visit to Israel: the Palestinians, BDS, Minister of Sports Miri Regev. Palestine
Egyptian soccer star’s village has mixed feelings about native son The poor Egyptian village of Nagrig is internationally known for producing the famous soccer player Mo Salah, but its residents feel the benefits to the town haven't lived up to the hype. Egypt
Egypt eyes World Cup as golden opportunity for economy After a 28-year absence, Egypt hopes to take advantage of its participation in the 2018 World Cup, hosted by Russia, to achieve some economic gains. Egypt
Egypt's women move onto soccer field As Egypt prepares to participate in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, more women move to the soccer field, both as referees and fans. Egypt
Palestinian female referee now wants to officiate on global field Yasmin Nayroukh, known for the fairness of her officiating in Palestine soccer games, has been working on her English and knowledge of international sports rules to become an internationally certified referee. Palestine
Soccer mirrors politics in polarized Turkey Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's promotion of a soccer team that subscribes to conservative Islamic values has more so polarized fans than won them over. Turkey
Ice hockey brings together Tunisians across globe Tunisia’s national ice hockey team is helping diaspora Tunisians rediscover their ancestral roots, as they attempt to bring the winter sport to North African soil. Tunisia
