Prominent American sports journalist Grant Wahl has died while covering the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar.

He had collapsed as extra time began during yesterday’s (9) Argentina vs Netherlands game.

An official word is yet to be made confirming earlier claims that he suffered a heart attack.

In a statement, the US Soccer Federation said it was “heartbroken” by the news.

“Fans of soccer and journalism of the highest quality knew we could always count on Grant to deliver insightful and entertaining stories about our game, and its major protagonists,” it said.

In a tweet, Wahl’s wife, Céline Gounder, said she was in “complete shock”, adding that she was “so thankful” for the support she had received from friends.

The 48-year-old who shared on his website on Monday that he had been feeling unwell in the last couple of days and was on a course of antibiotics for suspected bronchitis, celebrated his birthday on Thursday with friends in Qatar, a day before he collapsed.

Earlier this week, Wahl was presented with an award by Brazilian football legend Ronaldo for reporting on eight consecutive World Cups – his first was in the US in 1994.

Last month Wahl was briefly detained by Qatari authorities for trying to enter a stadium wearing a rainbow shirt, in support of LGBT rights.