Culture FIFA rejects Egypt, Iran objections, allows Pride flags at World Cup match The Egyptian and Iranian football bodies previously raised objections over the match to FIFA. Iran
Culture Amid political setbacks, Kurds shine at the World Cup Kurdish players and clubs are making rare global gains on football’s biggest stage, offering a brief lift amid ongoing political setbacks across the region. Turkey
Culture Egyptians hail first-ever World Cup win as Tunisia, Turkey exit Egypt had never won a match at the tournament prior to Sunday's victory, despite previously qualifying for the World Cup in 1934, 1990 and 2018. Egypt
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. Iran
Feature Turkey’s World Cup return clouded by politics, dawn kickoffs By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Turkish sports in grip of doping scandals, imported athletes During the years of AKP rule, Turkey’s sports scene has seen an avalanche of doping scandals and an increase in “imported” athletes. Turkey
Aspiring Coptic soccer players finally make it to playing field In Egypt, where Copts who apply for soccer clubs get the standard reply “We’ll call you,” Je Suis Academy offers them a chance to train and overcome prejudices. Egypt