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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

Soccer

The NWSL’s Struggling Teams Are Falling Behind

Dave McKenna

Dublin , Ireland - 18 September 2026; Bohemians supporters display a banner, protesting the upcoming Republic of Ireland matches against Israel, during the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division match between Bohemians and Drogheda United at Dalymount Park in Dublin. (Photo By Seb Daly/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Ireland Going Ahead With Israel Matches Against Everybody’s Wishes

Luis Paez-Pumar

Javier Tebas, president of La Liga, during the La Liga EA Sports 2025/26 ''El Clasico'' match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou Stadium in May 2026 in Barcelona, Spain.

It’s Totally Cool And Normal That Real Madrid And La Liga’s President Are Bickering Online

Jose Mourinho of Real Madrid holds up a printout with two fouls he believed should have been red cards for Atletico Madrid during the derby.

José Mourinho Gives Real Madrid Exactly What It Paid For

Patrick Redford

CHESTER, PA - SEPTEMBER 09: Philadelphia Union midfielder Cavan Sullivan #6 is shown before the game between the Philadelphia Union and FC Cincinnati on September 9th, 2026 at Subaru Park in Chester, PA. (Photo by Terence Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Cavan Sullivan And The USMNT’s Future Are Here

Rory Dames’s SafeSport Suspension Has Ended

<p>Lesley Ryder is a writer and a host covering the Chicago Red Stars. She co-created <a href="https://galpalsports.com/">Gal Pal Sports</a>, a platform that lives to make women’s sports fun for everyone.</p>


Lesley Ryder


<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

A detailed view of a Nike NWSL ball prior to the NWSL match between Angel City FC and Gotham FC at BMO Stadium on August 23, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.

Docs: NWSL Received Eight Sexual Misconduct, Sexual Harassment, Or Retaliation Complaints This Year

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Sports

Omar Marmoush of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Tottenham Hotspur and Everton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 12, 2026 in London, England.

Tottenham’s Revamped Attack Is An Overpriced Calamity

Enzo Fernandez of Manchester City, Harry Maguire of Manchester United and Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United wait for Referee Michael Oliver to reveal the VAR decision for the goal scored by Erling Haaland of Manchester City during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on September 13, 2026 in Manchester, England.

The Premier League Has Its First VAR Disaster Of The Season

Fermin Lopez, Raphinha, Lamine Yamal and Anthony Gordon of FC Barcelona celebrate their team's third goal during the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between Valencia CF and FC Barcelona at Estadi de Mestalla on September 06, 2026 in Valencia, Spain.

Barcelona Is The Greatest Show On European Soil

Folarin Balogun #20 of United States looks on during the second half of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 16 match against Belgium at Seattle Stadium on July 6, 2026 in Seattle, United States.

Folarin Balogun Had Every Right To Blow Up The Transfer Deadline

Cole Palmer of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team’s fourth goal with Morgan Rogers, Jorrel Hato and Pep Chavarria during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Chelsea FC and Brighton &amp; Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge on August 30, 2026 in London, England.

Chelsea Contains Thrilling Multitudes

The NWSL’s Golden Boot Race Is Red Hot

Billy Haisley

Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United reacts after his team concedes a second goal during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Hull City and Manchester United.

Reds Week

Hull City Drags Red Devils Right Back To Hell

Martin Odegaard of Arsenal (hidden by ticker tape) celebrates with the Premier League trophy after the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal at Selhurst Park on May 24, 2026 in London, England.

And Now, A 2026-27 Premier League Preview In Five Storylines

Former player Ashley Cole of England and Fabrizio Romano are seen at the Heineken booth during the UEFA Champions League Final 2026 in Budapest, Hungary.

While Wearing An Orange Wig And A Big Red Foam Nose, Fabrizio Romano Insists He’s Not A Clown

FIFA President Gianni Infantino gestures before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Is This The End For Gianni Infantino?

Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA, speaks during the 50th UEFA Ordinary Congress Meeting at Brussels Expo on February 12, 2026 in Brussels, Belgium.

UEFA Is Ready To Go To War With FIFA Over The World Cup

FIFA President Gianni Infantino (L) and United States of America President Donald Trump (R) look on following the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, United States.

Gianni Infantino Is Putting The World Cup Up For Sale