Grant Wahl, renowned soccer journalist, dies at age 49 at Qatar World Cup

The U.S. Soccer Federation announced on Friday that renowned soccer journalist Grant Wahl has passed away. Wahl, 49, died while covering the World Cup in Qatar.

When Argentina and the Netherlands’ quarterfinal match went into extra time, Wahl’s agent, Tim Scanlan, claimed that the journalist “looked to have had some form of extreme discomfort in the press room” of the stadium. Scanlan claimed that despite being called to the location, the paramedics were unable to revive the man.

Wahl “received rapid medical treatment on site, which continued when he was transferred by ambulance to Hamad General Hospital,” according to a statement by Qatari officials. Yet to be determined is the precise cause of death.

The U.S. Soccer Federation released a statement Friday night saying, “The whole U.S. soccer family is heartbroken to learn that we have lost Grant Wahl.” “Soccer fans and readers of the best journalism knew we could depend on Grant to produce enlightening and interesting reports on our game and its key players.”

Wahl discussed his health on his Spotify podcast on Thursday, saying he got bronchitis while covering the World Cup.

“I took some time off here myself,” Wahl explained to the audience. “We had two days off here without playing any games. I think my body told me, even when the US was out, ‘Dude, you’re not sleeping enough,’ and it rebelled on me after seventeen days of games. So I’ve had bronchitis this week. I’ve been to the medical center at the clinic twice now, including today. Today I am feeling much better. I basically canceled everything I had planned for Thursday, napped, and am now feeling slightly better. You can probably tell by my voice that I am not doing 100% here.

Wahl had an “aggressive schedule” while in Qatar, according to Scanlan.

“I asked, ‘Was it too much?’ and he said no, this is what he lived for, and he loved the World Cup,” Scanlan said, referring to a conversation a week before Wahl’s death on Dec. 3. “He had just been awarded his eighth World Cup. He had just turned 48. He was a well-known chef who enjoyed entertaining. Last night, he had twenty good friends over to his apartment to celebrate.”

Wahl was a prolific journalist who contributed to multiple publications and was a CBS Sports contributor. Throughout the Qatar World Cup, he was an analyst on CBS Sports HQ and wrote guest columns for CBS Sports about the US men’s national team. He was also an editorial consultant for Paramount+ soccer documentaries.

Wahl was also married to CBS News medical contributor Dr. Céline Gounder. As the news broke, Gounder tweeted that she was “in complete shock” and thanked Wahl’s “soccer family” and their friends for their support.

According to U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price, the department was in contact with Qatari authorities.

According to Price’s tweet, “We were profoundly saddened to learn of Grant Wahl’s passing and express our sympathies to his family, with whom we have been in close communication.” To ensure that his family’s wishes are carried out as quickly as possible, “we are interacting with senior Qatari officials.”

Don Garber, the commissioner of Major League Soccer, tweeted: “We are devastated by Grant Wahl’s untimely death and are shocked, grieved, and inconsolable. He was a gentle and compassionate man with an unfathomable love for soccer and commitment to journalism.”

FIFA honored Wahl on the Al Bayt Stadium television screens prior to Saturday’s quarterfinal match between England and France.

The stadium’s public address announcer issued a remark that read, “Through his efforts, Grant shared his love of football with millions.” FIFA and the football community send their deepest sympathies to his wife Céline, his family, and his friends during this extremely trying moment.

Wahl’s designated press seat for the game was vacant, but flowers and a picture of him were left there.