American soccer writer Grant Wahl has died while covering the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
At 48, Wahl is best known for his writing on soccer while working at Sports Illustrated, and for his popular book The Beckham Experiment. His death is a complete shock to journalists, football fans and the media industry.
Grant Wahl is dead: the football world is in mourning
Wahl was at the Argentina-Netherlands game at Lusail Stadium, where he went into cardiac arrest, according to the Wall Street Journal.
“The entire US Soccer family is heartbroken to learn that we have lost Grant Wahl,” said a statement from the USA Soccer Federation. “Here in the United States, Grant’s passion for soccer and commitment to raising its profile on our sporting landscape played an important role in helping to drive interest and respect for our beautiful game.”
Wahl has been the preeminent soccer journalist in the United States for decades. Most recently, he launched a paid subscription service to bring his written and spoken word to subscribers.
In addition to his written work and podcasts, Grant Wahl had been a correspondent for various sports networks, including FOX Sports and CBS Sports.
In Qatar, Wahl had been outspoken in condemning human rights abuses and lack of freedom in Qatar, the host country of the World Cup.
On behalf of everyone at World Soccer Talk, we would like to share our condolences with Grant’s family and friends. May he rest in peace.
Photo credit: IMAGO/Icon Sportswire
