FOX Sports begins World Cup coverage with emotional tribute to Grant Wahl after his death in Qatar

The United States World Cup broadcaster, FOX Sports, paid tribute to soccer journalist Grant Wahl, who passed away in Qatar on Friday night.

Host Rob Stone emotionally celebrated the life of Wahl, who previously worked at the company, in an opening monologue.

‘Today we are going to try to celebrate the beautiful with heavy, heavy hearts.

“Yesterday the American soccer community suffered an unspeakable loss: renowned and influential journalist Grant Wahl passed away here in Qatar while covering this tournament.

“Grant’s career included more than two decades at Sports Illustrated and seven years as a colleague here at Fox Sports, during which time he helped raise the popularity of soccer in the United States to new heights.”

Stone then read part of the statement issued by US Soccer and then went on to mention Gianni Infantino’s statement.

‘Gianni Infantino said of Grant: “His love for football was immense and his reporting will be missed by all who follow the world game.”

Stone then became more visibly emotional, choking up as he began to mention Wahl’s wife.

“He is survived by his wife Celine,” Stone added. ‘Grant was 48 years old.’

FOX sideline reporter Jenny Taft, who is also in Qatar covering the World Cup, shared that she recently met with Wahl and expressed her appreciation for the 48-year-old.

‘I celebrated Grant’s birthday with him 2 nights ago’, Taft wrote on Twitter in the early hours of Saturday.

‘I can’t believe this is real. Grant was a friend and he always took care of me. He cared deeply about the game and was excited to share that passion with everyone.

‘Thank you for being you…you touched so many of us.’