According to a video his brother shared on Friday night, American journalist Grant Wahl apparently passed away while covering the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. While reporting the Netherlands vs Argentina quarterfinal game in Doha, NPR confirmed Wahl’s passing, and US Soccer issued a statement confirming the news.
Wahl, 48, who covered American and international soccer for his Substack, CBS Sports, NBC News, and Sports Illustrated in the past, was ‘healthy’ before he passed out during a game on Friday, according to a video Eric Wahl uploaded on Instagram.
Death’s exact reason is still a mystery. The details of the funeral service will be released later. Everyone is missing him, praying for him, and posting condolences and tributes on social media.
Wahl was initially refused permission to Ahmad bin Ali Stadium and held for 30 minutes due to wearing a shirt that featured a soccer ball surrounded by a rainbow before the USMNT’s World Cup match versus Wales. Finally, he was permitted entry to the venue.
Despite their initial claims, the Qatari government cracked down on pro-LGBTQ protests during the competition.
Wahl started his career as an intern at the Miami Herald in 1996. Later, in November 1996, he started working for Sports Illustrated, where he covered college football and basketball. Throughout his career, Wahl participated in 12 NCAA basketball championships, eight FIFA World Cups, and four Olympic Games.
Wahl received a promotion to Senior Writer at Sports Illustrated in October 2000. For the magazine and SI.com, Wahl primarily writes about football. Wahl concentrated on David Beckham’s transfer to the LA Galaxy in Major League Soccer and its effects on the league in his first book, The Beckham Experiment (2009). The New York Times listed it as one of its bestsellers.
Céline R. Gounder, an American infectious diseases specialist who worked with President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 Advisory Board transition team, was the wife of Wahl. Four Magazine Story Awards of the Year went to the Wahl Basketball Writers Association from the United States.
Amelia Warner
Amelia Warner– After graduating from NYU with a master's degree in history, She was also a columnist for many local newspapers. Amelia Warner mostly covers Entertainment topics, but at times loves to write about movie reviews as well.