
Grant Wahl/Twitter
48-year-old soccer journalist Grant Wahl has tragically passed away in Qatar while covering the World Cup.
NPR confirmed Wahl’s death on Thursday night but have not released his cause of death.
NPR can confirm the death of longtime soccer sportswriter Grant Wahl (@GrantWahl). He died today in Doha, Qatar while covering the Argentina-Netherlands World Cup quarterfinal. Story to come.
— Russell Lewis (@rdlewis) December 10, 2022
US Soccer released a statement on Wahl’s death after NPR’s report.
U.S. Soccer Statement On The Passing Of Grant Wahl: pic.twitter.com/CBp1mCK1mQ
— U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) December 10, 2022
Wahl’s wife Celine confirmed the news of her husband’s passing.
I am so thankful for the support of my husband @GrantWahl's soccer family & of so many friends who've reached out tonight.
I'm in complete shock. https://t.co/OB3IzOxGlE
— Céline Gounder, MD, ScM, FIDSA 🇺🇦 (@celinegounder) December 10, 2022
Grant’s brother Eric called for an investigation into Wahl’s death.
Eric Wahl, the brother of sportswriter Grant Wahl who died in Qatar while covering the World Cup, is asking for help.
Grant was detained in Qatar for wearing a rainbow shirt two weeks ago pic.twitter.com/lak0b1UZwa
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) December 10, 2022
“My brother was healthy, he told me he received death threats…I do not believe my brother just died, I believe he was killed…and I just beg for help”
During the beginning of the World Cup in Qatar, Wahl was briefly detained for wearing a rainbow color shirt to show support for the
LGBTQ community.
Just now: Security guard refusing to let me into the stadium for USA-Wales. “You have to change your shirt. It’s not allowed.” pic.twitter.com/TvSGThMYq8
— Subscribe to GrantWahl.com (@GrantWahl) November 21, 2022
NEW: World Cup Daily, Day 25. They just don't care. Qatari World Cup organizers don't even hide their apathy over migrant worker deaths, including the most recent one.https://t.co/WEKoMdSm3J
— Subscribe to GrantWahl.com (@GrantWahl) December 8, 2022
Update: Wahl had previously complained of feeling ill with bronchitis in recent days during a podcast appearance.
This is Grant Wahl on his podcast yesterday. pic.twitter.com/LN0gxbQZkr
— Kyle Koster (@KyleKoster) December 10, 2022
Tributes poured in on social media honoring Wahl’s life after news of his death became widely reported.
Can't go anywhere in US soccer circles without bumping into someone Grant Wahl was good to — anything from a quick hello & some kind words to some meaningful career advice. Just a truly good guy.
Heartbroken tonight.
— Matthew Doyle (@MattDoyle76) December 10, 2022
Grant Wahl was unbelievably kind to everyone, but I was especially touched by how warm and welcoming he was towards my mom when he realized she was a huge soccer fan. Heartbreaking news. https://t.co/v99QlQayoi
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) December 10, 2022
We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken over the tragic passing of Grant Wahl. He was a kind and caring person whose passion for soccer and dedication to journalism were immeasurable. pic.twitter.com/ohJoZlGfk0
— Don Garber (@thesoccerdon) December 10, 2022
Grant Wahl was kind. Needlessly kind. I love him and I’ll miss him.
He treated me with a level of respect I didn’t deserve. He gave me an opportunity when I needed one. And most importantly he was kind. Needlessly kind
I’ll miss him. I’m devastated beyond words
— Chris Wittyngham (@ChrisWittyngham) December 10, 2022