💔 “Grant Wahl’s loss is still being felt, given his remarkable dedication to his craft…”: A heartfelt tribute was led by Rebecca Lowe ahead of the 2026 World Cup opener in Mexico, honouring the journalist’s enduring legacy

FOX Sports left viewers in tears after paying an emotional tribute to the late Grant Wahl.

The revered soccer journalist tragically passed away at the age of 49 in 2022 following an aortic aneurysm.

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Wahl suddenly fell ill during the 2022 World Cup quarterfinal between Argentina and the Netherlands.

He was believed to have died at Hamad General Hospital in Qatar shortly after being transported there.

And now, four years on, Fox Soccer host Rebecca Lowe led a heartfelt tribute to Wahl ahead of the 2026 World Cup opener in Mexico.

Lowe said in the segment, “Grant Wahl’s loss is still being felt, given his remarkable dedication to his craft.

“Grant’s work as a soccer journalist contributed immensely to the growth of the sport in the United States.

“It is a big reason for all the excitement this summer, and we miss him dearly.”

Behind Lowe’s touching words was b-roll of him working for Fox and interviewing some of the sport’s big names.

It left fans in tears, with one writing, “Ugh Fox giving me a gut punch with the Grant Wahl tribute.”

Another added, “RIP Grant Wahl. Wish he were still here, especially for this World Cup.”

This person paid the highest tribute, posting, “Wahl is the best soccer journalist we’ve ever produced. Sucks he doesn’t get to cover this event.”

In the days before his death, Wahl complained about a case of bronchitis he had that week.

Wahl wrote on his website on Monday that he went to a medical clinic in Qatar after his body ‘finally broke down’.

He also explained that he had been ill for 10 days earlier in the week when he sadly died.

His brother Eric Wahl questioned the circumstances surrounding his passing after confirming that Grant had received death threats.

The brother had suspected that foul play might have been involved.

Earlier in the tournament, Wahl had been detained upon entering a stadium for wearing a rainbow T-shirt in support of the LGBT community and refusing to change out of it.

Wahl had said on X that security told him to change because they said ‘it’s not allowed’ and took his phone.

After nearly half an hour, he was released and allowed to cover the game, with Fifa apologizing to him afterwards.

Wahl’s death was ultimately confirmed to be an aortic aneurysm after his body was repatriated to the United States to undergo an autopsy with the New York City Medical Examiner.