The Athletic announced today that its newest daily puzzle, Connections: Soccer Edition, is now live and free to play, marking a fresh addition to the publication’s sports coverage ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The game asks players to sort sixteen soccer‑related words or phrases into four distinct categories, with each puzzle designed to have exactly one correct solution.
Designed for Every Fan
Whether you follow the sport obsessively or just enjoy a casual conversation about the World Cup, the puzzle offers a layered experience that rewards both breadth of knowledge and creative thinking.
Players are allowed three mistakes before the game ends, adding a modest pressure that keeps the challenge engaging without becoming punitive.
The Athletic has rolled out the puzzle across its website, mobile app, and newsletters, ensuring that readers encounter the daily brain‑teaser wherever they consume sports coverage.
A Game Built to Last
Since its debut ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Connections: Soccer Edition has attracted a steady stream of participants, prompting the publisher to commit to an indefinite daily run.
The game’s categories often draw on World Cup milestones, penalty terminology, and emerging national teams, weaving current events into the wordplay and reinforcing the puzzle’s relevance to the tournament.
By positioning the puzzle as a complement to its broader soccer reporting, The Athletic reinforces its role as a hub for both news and interactive engagement, while The New York Times provides additional promotional support through its own platforms.