Grant Wahl, an American journalist, collapses at Qatar World Cup

• Grant Wahl died in Qatar.
• He fell while covering the World Cup.
• He “collapsed” while covering Argentina-Netherlands

Grant Wahl died in Qatar after falling while covering the World Cup, shocking the sports world.

CNN witness: He “collapsed” while covering Argentina-Netherlands on Friday.

His demise is mysterious.

US Soccer wrote on Twitter, “The entire US Soccer family is heartbroken”

“Grant made soccer his life’s job, and we’re devastated he’s gone.

US Soccer praised Wahl’s dedication and “conviction in the ability of the game to enhance human rights” and sent condolences to his family.

“I’m grateful for the support of Grant Wahl’s soccer family and so many friends tonight.” Gounder served on the Biden-Harris transition Covid-19 advisory board.

Wahl covered soccer for 20 years, including 11 World Cups. He wrote for Sports Illustrated and other sports books.

Grant Wahl complained of feeling ill on a podcast just days before his death on December 6.

“My chest discomfort and pressure had gotten terrible. Wahl told co-host Chris Wittyngham he felt “hairy, terrible.” He sought care at the World Cup media center clinic for bronchitis.

He felt better after taking cough syrup and ibuprofen.

Wahl stated he “involuntarily capitulated” after the US-Netherlands game on December 3.

“I’ve been here before. “I’ve done eight men’s,” he remarked. “I’ve been sick in every tournament, so it’s about finding a way to work.”

His body “broke down” after little sleep, intense stress, and a tremendous job, he wrote in a December 5 newsletter. His 10-day cold “developed into something more severe,” he wrote. Antibiotics and sleep helped him feel better.

The State Department is in “close contact” with Wahl’s family, said spokesperson Ned Price.

Many soccer and sports journalists have paid respect to Wahl on social media.

“We’re stunned by Grant’s death. We were delighted to call him a colleague and friend for 20 years – no writer in (Sports Illustrated) history was more enthusiastic about the sport he loved and the tales he wanted to tell.

Wahl joined the publication in November 1996. Before soccer’s global fame, he covered it as a junior reporter, eventually becoming “one of the most regarded soccer authorities in the world.”

Wahl works for Fox Sports, the statement said. He started his podcast and newsletter after leaving SI in 2020.

LeBron James stated he was “extremely fond of Grant” on Friday in Philadelphia. Wahl covered James while he was in high school for Sports Illustrated.

James: “I’ve always watched from a distance, even after I became a pro and he switched to a different sport.” “Whenever his name was mentioned, I’d remember having Grant in our building… It’s a devastating loss.”

Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber said he was “shocked, horrified, and grieved” about Grant Wahl’s death.

The NWSL expressed its condolences, stating Wahl’s “passion for telling the tales of our beautiful game was unrivaled.”

Other journalists have reported with Wahl at multiple World Cups.

Before he covered soccer, he covered basketball and was good to me, said Dick Vitale.

Wahl made headlines in November when he reported being arrested at a World Cup match for wearing a rainbow t-shirt supporting LGBTQ rights.

Security took his phone and forced him to change his shirt because “it’s not allowed.” Wahl was freed 25 minutes after being detained and got apologies from FIFA and a stadium security official.

Wahl said he’ll “probably” wear the shirt again.

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