Wahl’s death comes weeks after he was detained by Qatari security for wearing a rainbow shirt to the U.S. vs. Wales game in November.
DOHA, Qatar — American soccer journalist Grant Wahl has died in Qatar after reportedly collapsing while reporting on the World Cup. He was 48 years old.
U.S. Soccer confirmed the news Friday evening. In a statement posted to Twitter, the organization said it was “heartbroken” to learn of Wahl’s death.
“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 in part. “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.”
U.S. media seated near him said Wahl was stricken while in the media tribute at Lusail Iconic Stadium during extra time and could not be revived.
Wahl was covering his eighth World Cup. He wrote Monday that he had visited a hospital while in Qatar.
“My body finally broke down on me. Three weeks of little sleep, high stress and lots of work can do that to you,” Wahl wrote. “What had been a cold over the last 10 days turned into something more severe on the night of the USA-Netherlands game, and I could feel my upper chest take on a new level of pressure and discomfort. I didn’t have Covid (I test regularly here), but I went into the medical clinic at the main media center today, and they said I probably have bronchitis. They gave me a course of antibiotics and some heavy-duty cough syrup, and I’m already feeling a bit better just a few hours later. But still: No bueno.”
His death comes weeks after he was detained by Qatari security, worrying his family members.
On Nov. 21, security guards stopped Wahl from entering the stadium for the U.S.-Wales match because he was wearing a rainbow shirt.
Another journalist was also detained and the ordeal lasted about 30 minutes before both were released and Wahl was allowed to wear the shirt, Wahl wrote in a Substack post later that day.
In a video posted to Instagram, Wahl’s brother Eric said he believes Grant did not die of natural causes.
Eric Wahl said his brother told him he had received death threats after the incident. Eric is gay and said he was the reason his brother was wearing the shirt.
“My brother was healthy. He told me he received death threats. I do not believe my brother just died. I believe he was killed.”
The Qatari government said LGBTQ fans were welcome at the World Cup despite the country’s laws against same-sex relationships, but has cracked down on pro-LGBTQ demonstrations from players and others.
Wahl’s wife Céline Gounder said she is “in complete shock.”
“I am so thankful for the support of my husband Grant Wahl’s soccer family & of so many friends who’ve reached out tonight. I’m in complete shock,” Gounder said on Twitter.
Wahl graduated from Princeton in 1996 and worked for Sports Illustrated from 1996 to 2021, known primarily for his coverage of soccer and college basketball.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.