New York Times Launches Connections: Soccer Edition Through 2026 World Cup
The New York Times introduced a daily soccer-themed Connections game that runs until the World Cup final on July 19. The limited edition was created by Will Jeanes, senior editor at The Athletic.
ForbesThe New York Times launched Connections: Soccer Edition, a limited-time daily game that will run through the 2026 men’s World Cup and conclude with the tournament final on July 19. Each puzzle presents 16 words, phrases, or symbols that players must sort into four categories. Participants receive three mistakes before a fourth triggers a red card and ends the round.
An optional timer is available, and New York Times account holders can track their performance statistics. The first puzzle recorded a 62 percent solve rate. One player completed it in approximately 45 seconds without activating the timer.
Will Jeanes, senior editor at The Athletic who focuses on football, created the edition. “You won’t need to be a soccer (or football, depending on where you are from) fanatic to play, enjoy and solve these puzzles though — far from it,” Jeanes wrote. ” The Athletic announced the launch on its platform, stating the game was introduced for the 2026 men’s World Cup.
