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Tom Ley

Irish players pictured at the warm up on the field ahead of a friendly women's soccer game between Belgium's national team the Red Flames and the Republic of Ireland, Sunday 11 April 2021 in Brussels. BELGA PHOTO DAVID CATRY (

Ireland Is Ready To Keep Singing At Their First World Cup

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

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?

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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

The NWSL Is Terrorizing Rookies With This Dubious Treatment For Cramps

Patrick Redford

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JULY 07: Ada Hegerberg celebrates after their sides victory with Caroline Graham Hansen of Norway during the UEFA Women's Euro 2022 group A match between Norway and Northern Ireland at St Mary's Stadium on July 07, 2022 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Maddie Meyer - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

Norway’s Quest For Redemption Starts Now

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

Samer Kalaf

A closeup of the Qatar World Cup gold medal

Capital

Qatar’s Interest In The Washington Wizards Is The Next Step

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

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

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 18: Folarin Balogun #20 of the United States celebrates scoring during the first half of the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League Final against Canada at Allegiant Stadium on June 18, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by John Todd/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)

Folarin Balogun Is Exactly Who The USMNT Has Been Waiting For

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 18: Chelsea owner Todd Boehly gestures prior to the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal second leg match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge on April 18, 2023 in London, United Kingdom.

What Should We Make Of Chelsea’s Reported Saudi Bailout?

SAINT LOUIS, MO - APRIL 11: Naomi Girma #27 of the United States warming up before a game between Ireland and USWNT at CITYPARK on April 11, 2023 in Saint Louis, Missouri. (Photo by John Todd/USSF/Getty Images).

What Is This USWNT Player’s Deal: Naomi Girma

ST. LOUIS, MO - APRIL 11: Trinity Rodman #25 of the United States runs for the ball during an international friendly game between Ireland and the USWNT at CITYPARK on April 11, 2023 in St. Louis, Missouri.

What Is This USWNT Player’s Deal: Trinity Rodman

Albert Burneko

Lionel Messi Chooses Inter Miami

Barcelona’s Pursuit Of Lionel Messi Is A Degrading Farce

AUSTIN, TX - APRIL 8: Rose Lavelle #16 of the United States dribbles past Megan Connolly #6 of the Republic of Ireland during a game between Ireland and the United States at Q2 Stadium on April 8, 2023 in Austin, Texas.

What Is This USWNT Player’s Deal: Rose Lavelle

Referee, Szymon Marciniak reacts during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 leg two match between FC Porto and FC Internazionale at Estadio do Dragao on March 14, 2023 in Porto, Portugal.

Champions League Final Ref Says He Was “Misled” Into Attending Notable Racist’s Networking Event

Ray Ratto

Luton Town players celebrating with Tom Lockyer shirt after winning the game during the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final between Coventry City and Luton Town at Wembley Stadium, London on Saturday 27th May 2023. (Photo by Ivan Yordanov/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Luton Town Is Back From The Brink

AUSTIN, TEXAS - APRIL 8: Crystal Dunn #19 of the United States passes the ball during the first half against the Republic of Ireland in a 2023 International Friendly match at Q2 Stadium on April 8, 2023 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)

What Is This USWNT Player’s Deal: Crystal Dunn

Real Madrid's Vinícius Jr. reacts to being sent off against Valenica CF after incidents of racism from fans

La Liga’s Racism Problem Boils Over

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

Bernardo Silva of Manchester City celebrates with teammates Erling Haaland and Jack Grealish after scoring the teams second goal during the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg match between Manchester City FC and Real Madrid at Etihad Stadium on May 17, 2023 in Manchester, England.

It Sure Feels Like It’s Manchester City’s Time

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

COMMERCE CITY, CO - MARCH 3 : Max Alves of Colorado Rapids poses for a portrait at Dicks Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado on Thursday, March 3, 2022.(Photo by Hyoung Chang/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)

MLS Proves Itself As World-Class League With Match-Fixing Scandal