Sports

List of Sports articles

The Air Ship, MJ Player Exclusive, Game-Worn Sneaker Nike, 1984, on display during a press preview at Christie's New York.
The Air Ship, MJ Player Exclusive, Game-Worn Sneaker Nike, 1984, on display during a press preview at Christie's New York.

Adam Tooze: How Nike Made a Killing on Basketball Shoes

A branding deal with Michael Jordan in the 1980s has made billions of dollars for the company.

China's ambassador to the Solomon Islands, Li Ming (R), and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare (L) cut a ribbon during the opening ceremony of a China-funded national stadium complex in Honiara, Solomon Islands.
China's ambassador to the Solomon Islands, Li Ming (R), and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare (L) cut a ribbon during the opening ceremony of a China-funded national stadium complex in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

The 2023 Pacific Games Wrap Small Countries in Big-Power Struggles

A Solomon Islands-hosted sporting event has become part of a China-West tussle.

The emblem of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 is unveiled.
The emblem of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 is unveiled.

What the World Cup Means Off the Field

Beneath the fanfare, Qatar 2022 had plenty of geopolitical subplots.

Karim Boudiaf of Qatar controls the ball during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group A match between Qatar and Senegal at Al Thumama Stadium on Nov. 25.
Karim Boudiaf of Qatar controls the ball during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group A match between Qatar and Senegal at Al Thumama Stadium on Nov. 25.

Team Qatar Wanted Immigrant Players—Not Citizens

Athletes with “mission passports” are a symptom of the region’s erosion of citizenship rights.

Girls-Boxing-LongGame-podcast-square-FP-site
Girls-Boxing-LongGame-podcast-square-FP-site

Boxing Provides a Path Out of Poverty for Girls in Pakistan

A young boxer is using the sport to change her country’s gender norms.

Fans hold a large banner featuring a Palestinian flag and the slogan "Free Palestine" in the stands.
Fans hold a large banner featuring a Palestinian flag and the slogan "Free Palestine" in the stands.

The Tragedy of Pro-Palestinian Activism at the World Cup

Protests at the World Cup are basically meaningless on the ground, where a conflict exists that has no solution.

Rwanda-EricMurangwaEugene-LongGame-podcast-square-FP-site
Rwanda-EricMurangwaEugene-LongGame-podcast-square-FP-site

Soccer Opens Path to Reconciliation

A Rwandan soccer player is using the sport to promote unity and tolerance among his country’s youth.

Serbia's forward Dusan Vlahovic (L) and Serbia's midfielder Nemanja Gudelj take part in a training session at the Al Arabi SC on Dec. 1 on the eve of the Qatar 2022 World Cup match between Serbia and Switzerland in Doha.
Serbia's forward Dusan Vlahovic (L) and Serbia's midfielder Nemanja Gudelj take part in a training session at the Al Arabi SC on Dec. 1 on the eve of the Qatar 2022 World Cup match between Serbia and Switzerland in Doha.

Why Switzerland vs. Serbia Is Really All About Kosovo

Serbia’s schadenfreude will be on display as the national team seeks revenge against a rival stacked with stars of Kosovar heritage.

Lionel Messi of Argentina is challenged by Salem Al-Dawsari of Saudi Arabia during the 2022 FIFA World Cup match between Argentina and Saudi Arabia at Lusail Stadium in Lusail City, Qatar, on Nov. 22.
Lionel Messi of Argentina is challenged by Salem Al-Dawsari of Saudi Arabia during the 2022 FIFA World Cup match between Argentina and Saudi Arabia at Lusail Stadium in Lusail City, Qatar, on Nov. 22.

What Lionel Messi Reveals About Geopolitics

Gulf states have embraced the soft power of Latin American soccer in their campaign for global influence.

Long-Game-podcast-logo-3-2-site
Long-Game-podcast-logo-3-2-site

TIBU Africa Changes Lives Through Sports

A former basketball player is changing the lives of African youth through the power of sports.

Spectators hold portraits of former German national team soccer player Mesut Ozil during a World Cup match between Spain and Germany at the Al-Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar, on Nov. 27.
Spectators hold portraits of former German national team soccer player Mesut Ozil during a World Cup match between Spain and Germany at the Al-Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar, on Nov. 27.

Mesut Ozil’s Ghost Still Haunts Germany

Proposed citizenship reform offers a chance at redemption.

Australian midfielder Jackson Irvine, forward Awer Mabil, defender Milos Degenek, and midfielder Riley McGree celebrate after defeating Tunisia 1-0 at the World Cup at Al Janoub Stadium in al-Wakrah, Qatar, on Nov. 26.
Australian midfielder Jackson Irvine, forward Awer Mabil, defender Milos Degenek, and midfielder Riley McGree celebrate after defeating Tunisia 1-0 at the World Cup at Al Janoub Stadium in al-Wakrah, Qatar, on Nov. 26.

Australia’s World Cup Hopes Depend on Its Refugee Stars

Canberra has spent decades ostracizing asylum-seekers and detaining Africans and Asians fleeing war. Now, the national team needs them on the field.

Mehrdad Minavand of Iran in action during the World Cup first round match against the United States at the Stade Gerland in Lyon, France on June 21, 1998. Iran won the match 2-1.
Mehrdad Minavand of Iran in action during the World Cup first round match against the United States at the Stade Gerland in Lyon, France on June 21, 1998. Iran won the match 2-1.

A U.S.-Iranian Standoff at the World Cup—and Beyond

Off the playing field, Iran’s protests and ongoing uranium enrichment have heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran.

Iranian-Protest-LongGame-podcast-square-FP-site
Iranian-Protest-LongGame-podcast-square-FP-site

Athletes Join the Fight for Women’s Rights in Iran

How can the 2022 World Cup shed light on Iran’s domestic issues?

A view of the 974 Stadium, built out of shipping containers, which will host matches during the World Cup, in the Ras Abu Aboud district of the Qatari capital Doha on Oct. 20.
A view of the 974 Stadium, built out of shipping containers, which will host matches during the World Cup, in the Ras Abu Aboud district of the Qatari capital Doha on Oct. 20.

Don’t Ignore Qatar’s Progress on Labor

Critics of the World Cup host nation overlook the reforms the government has undertaken.

A woman walks past a promotional installation for this year's World Cup soccer tournament, which is being held in Qatar, at a shopping mall in Beijing on Nov. 17.
A woman walks past a promotional installation for this year's World Cup soccer tournament, which is being held in Qatar, at a shopping mall in Beijing on Nov. 17.

Chinese Firms Are at the World Cup, but Not Chinese Fans

A soccer-loving nation is isolated from the global sport.

The emblem of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 is unveiled.
The emblem of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 is unveiled.

The Geopolitics of the World Cup

Where “the world’s game” and world politics intersect.

Blood-Road-LongGame-podcast-square-FP-site
Blood-Road-LongGame-podcast-square-FP-site

Biking Through the Pain of War

After 1,200 miles on their bikes, two strangers became sisters.

Michael-Lahoud-LongGame-podcast-square-FP-site
Michael-Lahoud-LongGame-podcast-square-FP-site

A Soccer Star Gives Back to Sierra Leone

A soccer star returns to his roots and provides opportunities for others.

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