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This is Defector, a new sports blog and media company. We made this place together, we own it together, we run it together. Without access, without favor, without discretion, and without interference.

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Defector

NYC: Come To Our WNBA Comedy Show On May 16

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Live Event

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Patrick Redford

Grzegorz Krychowiak (L) and Robert Lewandowski (R) of Poland clap for fans during the celebration after Poland qualified for the 2022 FIFA World Cup after 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier knockout round play-off match between Poland and Sweden at Silesian Stadium in Chorzow, Poland. Poland beat Sweden 2-0.

Grzegorz Krychowiak (L) and Robert Lewandowski (R) of Poland

Internationals

Robert Lewandowski Alone Might Not Be Enough For Poland

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Luis Paez-Pumar

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL: Lionel Messi of Argentina lifts the trophy after winning the final of Copa America Brazil 2021 between Brazil and Argentina at Maracana Stadium on July 10, 2021 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

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Soccer

Lionel Messi And Argentina Are Ready For World Cup Glory

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Billy Haisley

Ali Albulayhi of Saudi Arabia reacts during the international friendly match between Saudi Arabia and Colombia at Estadio Enrique Roca on June 05, 2022 in Murcia, Spain.

Saudi Arabia v Colombia – International Friendly

Saudi Arabia’s Coach Is Hunky But Its Team Is Junky

United States midfielder Weston McKennie (8) celebrates with forward Christian Pulisic (10), midfielder Tyler Adams (4) and teammates after scoring a goal during a CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying game between the United States and Mexico on November 12, 2021 at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, OH.

SOCCER: NOV 12 World Cup Qualifying – USA v Mexico

At Long Last, The USMNT Is Back At The World Cup

Wales' striker Gareth Bale celebrates after winning the FIFA World Cup 2022 play-off final qualifier football match between Wales and Ukraine at the Cardiff City Stadium in Cardiff, south Wales, on June 5, 2022.

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This World Cup Is Wales’s Last Hurrah With Gareth Bale

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Tom Ley

Italy v England: UEFA Nations League – League Path Group 3

Will England Ever Be Brave Enough To Reach For Greatness?

ST. POELTEN, AUSTRIA - SEPTEMBER 23: Mehdi Taremi of Iran celebrates with team mates after scoring a goal to make it 1-0 during the International Friendly match between Iran and Uruguay at NV Arena on September 23, 2022 in St. Poelten, Austria.

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Iran Has More Than Just Soccer On Its Mind At The World Cup

Senegal wins 1st Africa Cup of Nations, beating Egypt 4-2 on penalties

Africa’s Best Hope For Glory Lies With Sadio Mané’s Senegal

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - SEPTEMBER 25: Virgil van Dijk of Netherlands celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 1-0 during the UEFA Nations League League A Group 4 match between Netherlands and Belgium at Johan Cruijff Arena on September 25, 2022 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

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The Netherlands Is Ready To Go Where It’s Never Been Before

Fans celebrate the tying goal scored by Enner Valencia of Ecuador during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualification match between Ecuador and Argentina at Estadio Monumental on March 29, 2022 in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

Ecuador v Argentina – FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Qualifier

Ecuador’s Bright World Cup Future Starts Now

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Qatar Bought The World Cup, Now Has To Prove It Can Play In It

<div class="author-header-content">
<p>Charles P. Pierce is a writer at <em>Esquire</em> and the author of four books, most recently <em>Idiot America</em>, and has been a working journalist since 1976. He lives near Boston with his wife but no longer his three children.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
</div>
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Charles P. Pierce

Kazuyoshi Miura of Japan falls after the FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier final round match between Iraq and Japan at the Al-Ahly Stadium on October 28, 1993 in Doha, Qatar.

Iraq v Japan – FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier Final Round

What’s Changed And What Hasn’t Since I Covered Soccer In Qatar 30 Years Ago

Dejected Peru players support each other after being defeated by Australia in the 2022 FIFA World Cup Playoff match between Australia Socceroos and Peru at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on June 13, 2022 in Doha, Qatar.

Australia v Peru – 2022 FIFA World Cup Playoff

This Is Why No One Should Play Soccer In Qatar During The Summer

Hamburger SV v Hertha BSC – Bundesliga Playoffs Leg Two

And So Begins Our Summer Without The World Cup

<p>Staff Writer</p>
<p>Find me on Signal @DefectorChris.09</p>


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Chris Thompson

Health staff members argue with head coach of Argentina Lionel Scaloni and players of Brazil and Argentina during a match.

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World Cup Qualifier Halted So That Four Premier League Players Can Be Deported

Norway's forward Erling Braut Haaland wears a t-shirt with the slogan 'Human rights, on and off the pitch' as he warms up before the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualification football match between Norway and Turkey at La Rosaleda stadium in Malaga on March 27, 2021

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Player Protests Won’t Stop The 2022 Qatar World Cup

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Ray Ratto

A laborer walks on the field in one of the new stadiums Qatar has constructed for the 2022 World Cup.

We Know Just How Much Qatar’s World Cup Dream Cost

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