2026 World Cup: Not immune to political tremors

With the 2026 World Cup fast approaching, political tremors in the Middle East – since a feckless Trump dragged the world into war –  are threatening to derail the largest tournament in modern sporting history.

Iran says no to FIFA

The most pressing issue centres around Iran’s participation. Two weeks after Israeli-US strikes devastated vital energy and civilian infrastructure, Iran’s leadership has made it clear — they will not participate in the US-hosted games.

Iranian Sports Minister, Ahmad Donya Mali, has said his country would not go ahead with the games, saying that:

Due to the wicked acts they have done against Iran — they have imposed two wars on us over just eight or nine months and have killed and martyred thousands of our people — definitely it’s not possible for us to take part in the World Cup.

With tensions running high, FIFA finds itself in a bind: it must decide whether to fine Iran for pulling out. Even though their reasons are valid, FIFA must also decide how to rearrange the games.

Meanwhile, the rising heat underscores that this year’s tournament is more than just a sporting event. It is caught in the tremors of a broader conflict.

Will Iraq make it?

Iran’s neighbour, Iraq, is struggling with its own set of challenges due to the closure of Iraqi airspace.

With airspace shut until April 1, the national team is unable to assemble and train ahead of their crucial playoff in March. Iraq is set to face the winner of Bolivia vs. Suriname in the inter-confederation play-offs in Monterrey on March 31. However, it’s unclear whether they’ll even make it to the game.

Their coach, who has asked FIFA for an extension, is stranded in Dubai. At the same time, Iraqi territories, particularly in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), continue to absorb both Iranian and US strikes. For now, it seems that not even football can shield itself from the metastasing war in the region.

This conflict is likely to drag on. It’s also worth noting that this marks Iraq’s first World Cup qualification in 40 years — only for war to throw up yet another boulder in their path, as it always the case.

Security Woes in Mexico

Security in Mexico — one of the three countries hosting the 2026 World Cup — is becoming an increasing concern. On March 3, a fierce firefight erupted between a cartel and Mexican special forces deployed to capture a major drug lord, resulting in his death.

This has reignited fears over the country’s ability to host the tournament while ensuring the safety of millions of spectators. Despite President Claudia Sheinbaum’s assurances that extensive security measures will be implemented, last week’s events have already cast doubt on those promises.

These security challenges will undoubtedly cast a shadow over Mexico. Still, inside Mexico, there’s an air excitement and pride in co-hosting the World Cup.

Countdown

These challenges and the growing pain points of the conflict remind us that, for all its unifying power, football cannot shield itself from political realities—or pretend to remain agnostic.

As the clock ticks down to the opening whistle on June 11, it remains to be seen whether humps in the road will be overcome.

Featured image via the Canary/FIFA