Sports journalist Grant Wahl dies during World Cup match

Soccer journalist Grant Wahl.
(Image credit: Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire/Corbis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Grant Wahl, an American sports writer who became one of the most prominent soccer journalists in the United States, passed away Friday while covering the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He was 49.

Wahl's agent confirmed to The New York Times that his client had died. "He wasn't sleeping well, and I asked him if he tried melatonin or anything like [that]," his agent said. "He said, 'I just need to like relax for a bit.'"

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In a statement on social media, U.S. Soccer said they were "heartbroken" to learn of his passing.

"Fans of soccer and journalism of the highest quality knew we could always count on Grant to deliver insightful and entertaining stories about our game," the statement read. "Grant's passion for soccer and commitment to elevating its profile across our sporting landscape played a major role in helping to drive interest in and respect for our beautiful game."

Wahl's death comes days after he made international headlines by attempting to wear a rainbow shirt in support of LGBT rights to a World Cup stadium. Security told him the shirt wasn't allowed and reportedly detained him for nearly 25 minutes before he was released.

Justin Klawans, The Week US

Justin Klawans has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022. He began his career covering local news before joining Newsweek as a breaking news reporter, where he wrote about politics, national and global affairs, business, crime, sports, film, television and other news. Justin has also freelanced for outlets including Collider and United Press International.