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Luis Paez-Pumar

Mary Fowler of the Matildas celebrates scoring a goal with Sam Kerr of the Matildas during the Women's International Friendly match between the Australia Matildas and Brazil at CommBank Stadium on October 23, 2021 in Sydney, Australia

The Matildas Have Australia’s Hopes On Their Shoulders

Tom Ley

The Philippine National Women’s Football Team celebrates after winning the championship match against Thailand for the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Women’s Championship held at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila, Philippines on 17 July 2022.

The Philippines Have A Little Something Going On Here

Ramona Bachmann of Switzerland celebrates scoring their side's first goal with teammates Noelle Maritz and Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic during the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup play-off round 2 match between Switzerland and Wales at Stadion Letzigrund on October 11, 2022 in Zurich, Zurich

Switzerland Is Back At The World Cup, But For How Long?

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - JUNE 21: Football Ferns player Grace Jale during a New Zealand Football Ferns training session at North Harbour Stadium on June 21, 2023 in Auckland, New Zealand.

New Zealand Can’t Blow This Chance To Break Its World Cup Losing Streak

Sophia Smith #11 of the United States runs on the field during a game between Ireland and USWNT at CITYPARK on April 11, 2023 in Saint Louis, Missouri.

What Is This USWNT Player’s Deal: Sophia Smith

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<div>Abigail Segel is a contributing writer at Defector. She is also an editor for The IX Soccer and the Equalizer. Her work has been published in the Guardian and the Montreal Gazette.</div>
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Abigail Segel

CARSON, CA - FEBRUARY 20: United States players celebrate a second own goal in their favor during a match between New Zealand and United States as part of SheBelieves Cup 2022 at Dignity Health Sports Park on February 20, 2022 in Carson, California. (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images)

The USWNT World Cup Roster Doesn’t Answer All My Questions

Lynn Williams #6 of the United States controls the ball during the SheBelieves Cup game between Brazil and USWNT at Toyota Stadium on February 22, 2023 in Frisco, Texas.

What Is This USWNT Player’s Deal: Lynn Williams

Lindsey Horan #10 of the United States dribbles the ball during a game between Brazil and USWNT at Toyota Stadium on February 22, 2023 in Frisco, Texas.

What Is This USWNT Player’s Deal: Lindsey Horan

MIAMI, FL - MARCH 20: Kensuke Kondoh #8 and Shohei Ohtani #16 of Team Japan celebrate after scoring on a three-run home run hit by Masataka Yoshida #34 in the seventh inning during the 2023 World Baseball Classic Semifinal game between Team Mexico and Team Japan at loanDepot Park on Monday, March 20, 2023 in Miami, Florida.

Big-Time Games Call For Big-Time Players

World Cup trophy prior to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar.

The Big World Cup Is Getting Bigger

Laura Wagner

Head Of Canada Soccer Forced Out Following Player Protests, No-Confidence Letter

Justin Ellis

Wendie Renard of France during the UEFA Women's Euro England 2022 Semi Final match between Germany and France at Stadium mk on July 27, 2022 in Milton Keynes, England. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)

Three French Stars Step Away From Women’s National Team, Call For Changes


<p>Diana Moskovitz is Defector&#8217;s investigations editor. You can contact her at diana@defector.com or dfmoskovitz@protonmail.com. She&#8217;s also on Signal @dmoskovitz.99</p>


Diana Moskovitz

Player of Brazil Dani Alves signs the national anthem before the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 group G match between Brazil and Cameroon at Lusail Stadium on December 2, 2022 in Lusail, Qatar.

Dani Alves Jailed In Sexual Assault Case

LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - DECEMBER 18: Enzo Fernandez of Argentina poses for a photo with the FIFA Young Player award during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. With WINDOW SHOPPING graphic.

Window Shopping: Is Enzo Fernández Worth A Record-Breaking Transfer?

Billy Haisley

Lionel Messi right winger of Argentina and Paris Saint-Germain with the World Cup trophy after the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar.

The World Cup Belongs To The Dreamers

Patrick Redford

Nobody Is Scarier Than Kylian Mbappé

AL RAYYAN, QATAR - NOVEMBER 30: General view outside the stadium prior to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group D match between Tunisia and France at Education City Stadium on November 30, 2022 in Al Rayyan, Qatar. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

Capital

A World Cup Of Blood And Gold

Samer Kalaf

Turkish chef Salt Bae poses with World Cup trophy.

Life's Rich Pageant

Salt Bae Thinks He’s On The Team

This Emmanuel Macron Guy Is A Real Piece Of Work

Kelsey McKinney

The Winner Of The World Cup Is Little Smooches

Andrés Cantor Called Argentina’s World Cup Win Like Only He Could


<p>Dan McQuade was a founding member of Defector. He died in January 2026.</p>


Dan McQuade

LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - DECEMBER 18: goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez of Argentina celebrates receiving the trophy for best goalkeeper of the tournament after the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar.

Let’s Give A Big Hand For Emi Martínez!

Lionel Messi of Argentina poses with his Golden ball award following the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar.

Lionel Messi Is Done Chasing Ghosts

Lionel Messi, Captain of Argentina lifts the FIFA World Cup Trophy following his team's victory in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar.

Argentina Went To Hell And Back To Win The World Cup

DOHA, QATAR - DECEMBER 15: France National Team Training Session at Al Sadd SC on December 16, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Lionel Hahn/Getty Images)