Support the fact-based journalism you rely on with a donation to Marketplace today. Give Now!

How the U.S. men’s soccer team got its shot at glory — and then lost it all during the 1998 World Cup

Jun 15, 2018
The 12-part series “American Fiasco” looks at how it all went wrong.
Mehrdad Minavand of Iran in action during the 1998 World Cup first round match against the USA at the Stade Gerland in Lyon, France. Iran won the match 2-1.
Stu Forster/Allsport

A battle for World Cup supremacy happens off the pitch

Jun 14, 2018
Every four years, the soccer tournament turns into an epic branding battle between Nike and Adidas.
MLADEN ANTONOV/AFP/Getty Images

FIFA gets countries to bend laws all the time. Why nothing on LGBT laws in Russia?

Jun 1, 2018
FIFA and Russia lay down the law, but corporate sponsors have influence too.
Fans fly the rainbow flag before the game between New York City and Los Angeles FC at Banc of California Stadium on May 13, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.
Harry How/Getty Images

German bombing suspect tried to manipulate stock, officials say

Apr 21, 2017
He bought put options for the publicly traded Borussia Dortmund soccer team.
Police reconstruct the scene of the Dortmund bus bombing.
Lukas Schulze/Getty Images

What a 48-team World Cup means for FIFA — and soccer fans

Jan 10, 2017
Soccer's international governing body hopes to move past its corruption scandal and expand the World Cup. Will it generate more money in the process?
Daniel Sturridge of England beats goalkeeper Craig Gordon of Scotland to score their first goal during the FIFA 2018 World Cup qualifying match between England and Scotland at Wembley Stadium on November 11, 2016 in London, England. 
Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

Retired U.S. Women's Soccer star Abby Wambach on gender wage gap

Oct 3, 2016
Wambach shares her personal struggles in new memoir, 'Forward'
Abby Wambach of the United States reacts during the women's soccer match against China at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. 
Chris Graythen/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

At Wimbledon, the purse is suddenly smaller

Jul 4, 2016
Sport is a $150 billion business that's not immune to Brexit's currency fluctuations
Andy Murray of Great Britain serves during a practice session prior to the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on June 26, 2016 in London, England.
Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

UnAmerican Football

Jun 16, 2016
They said it couldn't be done: Soccer makes it in America. Actuality can't turn on the TV without seeing a soccer game — what gives? We talk with U.S. players Crystal Dunn and Matt Besler to figure out how global football became a media cash cow in America.
 U.S. women's national soccer team player Megan Rapinoe poses for a portrait on November 20, 2015 in Los Angeles, California.

 
Harry How/Getty Images

Soccer star Pele sells ‘Victory’ boots for more than $9,000

Jun 7, 2016
The retired athlete has already raised thousands of dollars with the sale of his personal memorabilia.
Former soccer player Pele speaks with children in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2014. The athlete's auction of memorabilia begins today and a portion of the proceeds will go to a children's hospital in Brazil.
YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP/Getty Images