Turkish president's odd assertion does not appear to have any basis in fact; in fact, Qatar tournament saw widespread backing for Palestinians

Sports sociology specialist says people will remember emir putting traditional Arab cloak on Messi more than country's treatment of foreign workers and LGBTQ people

Ahmed al-Salem says he didn't know who the $2,200 bisht ordered by tournmanet officials was for, was 'stunned' to see Qatar's emir put the robe on the Argentine soccer star

National soccer team ditches bus for helicopters due to what president's spokesman calls 'explosion of people’s happiness,' as fans try to catch glimpse of Messi, rest of squad

Members of temporary Israeli mission in Gulf state for World Cup attend reception alongside diplomats from other embassies, local Jews and Chabad emissaries

Prominent soccer announcer Andres Cantor responds to team's game-winning penalty shot with his signature elongated 'Gooooooool' in video clip that has gone viral

Seeking to become global sports hub, Gulf country to host several other major events in coming years, but real prize coveted by Doha is the 2036 summer Games

Editor David Horovitz on how Qatar allowed Israelis to fulfill soccer dreams; health reporter Nathan Jeffay brings a blitz of optimistic Israeli research

US presses host country for commitment to labor reforms and human rights beyond the contest itself; labor minister insists reform coming

Fans wave flags, blue-and-white Argentine shirts to celebrate stunning victory over France in unforgettable finale game