Sports The future is uncertain for the U.S. after crashing out of the Women's World Cup The once-dominant Americans crashed out of the World Cup on penalties after a scoreless draw with Sweden in the Round of 16. It was the earliest exit ever for the four-time tournament champions. The Associated Press
Sports An American becomes the youngest to debut in the Women's World Cup — for South Korea Casey Phair of New Jersey, 16, came in late in the second half for South Korea in its match against Colombia to make her World Cup debut. NPR Staff
National Pelé, who made soccer 'The Beautiful Game,' dies at 82 Pelé was one of the world's best soccer players who was the sport's global face for decades. The Brazilian legend was a wizard on the field who dazzled fans, teammates and competitors alike. Catherine Osborn
Sports Overflow crowds in Buenos Aires forced the end of a World Cup celebration parade So many jubilant Argentine fans swarmed the streets of Buenos Aires that the soccer team had to abandon the open-air bus transporting them to the city and board helicopters for a capital flyover. The Associated Press
Sports Photos from the 2022 FIFA World Cup's Round of 16 The 2022 World Cup's Round of 16 took place this past week, with the top half of competing countries now reduced to eight teams. Maansi Srivastava
Politics U.S. soccer federation briefly alters Iran's flag to show solidarity with protesters The organization had displayed Iran's national flag on social media without the emblem of the Islamic Republic to show "support for the women in Iran" ahead of the two nations' soccer match. The Associated Press
National The U.S. ties England in a scoreless World Cup game The U.S. men's team must beat Iran on Tuesday to reach the knockout stage. England leads the pack in the latest group standings. Emma Bowman Tom Goldman
Sports Iran arrests a soccer player for criticizing government and insulting the soccer team Voria Ghafouri, a prominent player who wasn't chosen to go to the World Cup, is an outspoken critic of Iran's authorities. Reports of his arrest came ahead of Friday's Iran-Wales World Cup match. The Associated Press
Sports The 'Hand of God' soccer ball punched by Diego Maradona is up for auction The ball was used in the infamous quarterfinal match between Argentina and England at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico City. It's expected to sell for as much as $3.6 million. Laurel Wamsley
National The U.S. men's soccer team qualifies for the World Cup despite its loss to Costa Rica The U.S. will learn on Friday which three nations it will face in the group stage of the World Cup, which starts Nov. 21. The men's team returns after a 2018 loss that broke its qualifying streak. The Associated Press
