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

Yorkshire County Cricket Club

Analysis

Yorkshire cricket club is latest UK team to seek Middle East investment

Experts see a growing trend in Middle Eastern investors wanting to get involved in British sports, as countries in the region diversify their economies.

In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech

The safety car drives in front of Red Bull Racing's Mexican driver Sergio Perez (L) during the Saudi Arabia Formula One Grand Prix at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit in Jeddah on March 19, 2023. (Photo by GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP via Getty Images)

Saudi Arabia inks 14 deals at Jeddah Grand Prix in boost to sports industry

The agreements were part of a comprehensive sponsorship program hosted by Invest Saudi, the kingdom’s investment promotion entity. The value of the deals was not disclosed.

Qatar's Emir and Paris Saint-Germain owner Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani (C) looks on during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second-leg football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Manchester United at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on March 6, 2019. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo credit should read FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)

Qatar's Manchester United takeover could monetize new Mideast fan base

A Qatari takeover of the English soccer club would “turbocharge” the global presence of the English Premier League, analysts told Al-Monitor

Water bottles, knives and other objects are thrown on the pitch in the Bursa Timsah Arena in Turkey.

Anti-Kurdish racism stains soccer pitch in western Turkey

The attacks raised the specter of inter-communal violence ahead of watershed elections that are due to be held on May 14

A general view of the 18th hole during the LIV Golf Invitational Bangkok.

Culture

Saudi Arabia’s LIV Golf begins second season in Mexico

The Saudi sovereign wealth fund-backed league's 2023 season will include three events at Trump golf courses as the legal battle with the rival PGA Tour heats up.

Marcus Rashford of Manchester United celebrates an own goal by Jules Kounde of FC Barcelona (not pictured), Manchester United's second goal during the UEFA Europa League knockout round play-off leg one match between FC Barcelona and Manchester United at Spotify Camp Nou on February 16, 2023 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Culture

Qatar, Saudi investors bidding to buy Manchester United

Investment in sports is a major part of Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification strategy, and Qatar has soccer ambitions of its own after hosting the World Cup.

Saudi women's soccer team celebrates their win at the Women’s International Friendly Tournament in January.

Culture

Once-banned, Saudi women's soccer team wins big as Riyadh woos FIFA

A Saudi women's soccer team that was unthinkable a decade ago is now winning championships, but Australia and New Zealand have lodged a complaint to FIFA over the kingdom's reported sponsorship of upcoming tournament.

HUSSEIN FALEH/AFP via Getty Images

Iraq's soccer team celebrates with militia leaders after Gulf Cup victory

The team held up a photo of militia leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, who was killed by a US drone strike in 2020.

Messi

Culture

Report: Messi not signing with Saudis, but kingdom wants him

The Argentine soccer star recently visited Saudi Arabia to play in an exhibition against Cristiano Ronaldo’s new Saudi club, Al Nassr. Messi also met an influential Muslim cleric during the trip.

Iraq's midfielder Ibrahim Bayesh (L) reacts after scoring during the 25th Arabian Gulf Cup final football match between Iraq and Oman at the Basra International Stadium in Iraq's southern city on January 19, 2023. (Photo by AHMAD AL-RUBAYE/AFP via Getty Images)

Culture

Iraq wins 'Arabian Gulf' Cup championship defeating Oman in Basra

Iraq defeated Oman 3-2 in the historic match in Basra, leading to celebrations throughout the country.

Palestinian female soccer players are seen before a qualifying match against Thailand for the Asian Women Football Cup, al-Ram, West Bank, April 3, 2017.

Culture

Palestinian female referee prepares for FIFA Women’s World Cup

Heba Saadia has been selected as the Palestine's first referee to officiate the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 matches.

LIV golf

Culture

Explainer: Saudi-funded LIV Golf’s legal battle with PGA

LIV Golf is accused of tracking 9/11 victims who have been protesting the breakaway league. The leader of 9/11 Justice called the accusation “bone-chilling,” and LIV has yet to comment.