Nov 15, 2022 Nearly 12 years later, it stands as a moment that defies logic. Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter stood at a podium in Zurich, Switzerland, and prepped the convened dignitaries for the second World Cup host announcement of the night. Moments earlier, Russia had been awarded the 2018 World Cup, with Blatter lauding … Read more
8:04 AM ET Weston McKennie has dyed his hair red, white and blue ahead of his team’s World Cup opener against Wales. Getty Images DOHA, Qatar — Weston McKennie got into the patriotic spirit, dying his hair red, white and blue ahead of the United States‘ World Cup opener against Wales. The 24-year-old midfielder from … Read more
play What Karim Benzema’s injury means for France’s World Cup chances (2:08)The FC crew breaks down how Karim Benzema’s absence will impact France at the FIFA World Cup. (2:08) 4:00 AM ET The World Cup kicks off in Qatar TODAY, and ESPN has you covered for the world’s biggest sporting event. Ahead of the opener … Read more
6:00 PM ET Fans in Qatar who wanted to experience Sunday’s opener in the way many traditionally celebrate World Cups — with alcohol in groups with other fans — had two choices in the conservative, Muslim country. They could head to FIFA’s official fan festival, which organisers advertised as the place to enjoy sponsor Budweiser’s … Read more
play France take massive blow with Benzema’s thigh injury (1:39)Julien Laurens breaks down the effects of Karim Benzema leaving his World Cup dreams behind due to a thigh injury. (1:39) 8:08 PM ET The summer transfer window is closed for the major leagues in Europe. However, with an eye on January, there’s plenty of gossip … Read more
play The definitive Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo debate (1:41)Sporting stars have their say on the Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo debate in ESPN’s “You Have to Answer.” (1:41) Nov 17, 2022 It’s not a “Last Dance.” Neither Cristiano Ronaldo nor Lionel Messi has announced their retirement, and neither man has already won the biggest … Read more
play Laurens backs ‘best Neymar ever’ to take Brazil far (0:57)Gab & Juls explain what we can expect to see from Neymar and Brazil at the 2022 World Cup. (0:57) 3:19 PM ET World Cup favourites Brazil held their first training session on Sunday but their players still do not know who will be starting … Read more
play Hamilton: Security seemed overwhelmed at Doha fan park (0:49)Tom Hamilton shares his experience from the fan festival for the opening game of the World Cup in Qatar. (0:49) 1:56 PM ET Supporters were turned away from the FIFA Fan Festival in Al Bidda amid chaotic scenes due to overcrowding for the World Cup opener … Read more
3:13 PM ET Defender Ehsan Hajsafi became on Sunday the first member of Iran‘s national team to speak out from the World Cup in Doha in apparent support of anti-government protests at home, saying players should be the voice of those suffering. More than two months of protests in Iran, sparked by the death of … Read more
play Olley: Infantino can’t stop focus on World Cup’s off-field issues (1:49)James Olley recaps a remarkable speech from FIFA president Gianni Infantino, in which he called out the “hypocrisy” of nations criticising Qatar. (1:49) 10:59 AM ET The World Cup kicked off in Qatar on Sunday with the Muslim nation, which faced a barrage of … Read more
