US soccer writer Grant Wahl has died

US soccer writer Grant Wahl has died while covering the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Age 49, Wahl is best known for his soccer writing while at Sports Illustrated, and for his popular book he wrote entitled The Beckham Experiment. His death comes as a complete shock to journalists, soccer fans and the media industry.

Grant Wahl has died: Soccer world mourns

Wahl was at the Argentina-Netherlands game at the Lusail Stadium, where he suffered a cardiac arrest, according to the Wall Street Journal.

“The entire U.S. Soccer family is heartbroken to learn that we have lost Grant Wahl,” a statement by the US Soccer Federation said. “Here in the United States, 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 has been the preeminent soccer journalist in the United States for decades. Most recently, he had launched a paid subscription service to provide his written and spoken word to subscribers.

In addition to his written work and podcasts, Grant Wahl had been a correspondent for several sports networks including FOX Sports and CBS Sports.

In Qatar, Wahl had been very outspoken in condemning the 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’d like to share our condolences with Grant’s family and friends. May he rest in peace.

Photo credit: IMAGO / Icon Sportswire