JEFF MCMULLEN: FIFA World Cup and fun and games in the time of war

Aspect 2026 FIFA World Cup Even if some countries are locked in bloody conflicts, we’ll be cheering on our favorite teams when the game starts, writes Dr Jeff McMullen.

With the two countries yet to resolve this disastrous dispute, the prospect of the United States taking on Iran on the football field is seriously odd — if improbable.

The Iranian team participating in the final parade Teheran Last month, his supporters chanted: “death to america“.

If Iran participates in the 2026 FIFA World Cup as planned, it will be the first time in history that a country has participated while being more or less at war with one of the host countries.

Leave aside the political complexities of US President Donald Trump’s many claims that he has resolved what he insists is a war, not a war. “military operation”.

look tie For the record: 104 teams.

If the USA finishes second in Group D, it could face the Iranian team in Group G.

Iran’s chances of making it to the knockout rounds for the first time have increased statistically, as for the first time the top three teams in each group will advance to the next league.

They camped out in training camps south of the US border TijuanaMexico will not have Iranians’ home fans. Only the Iran team will be able to enter and exit by plane for the USA matches.

While sport has always been highly political (and largely commercial), there are obvious reasons for concern about the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

While the cup draws are being drawn, Gianni InfantinoPresident of the International Football Federation (FIFA) announced President Donald Trump as the inaugural recipient FIFA Peace Prize. Two months later, Trump places a big order attack About Iran.

Promoting peace and cooperation among nations has long been one of FIFA’s stated ideals. Trump’s peace prize increases credulity. To pander to this arrogant American leader’s passion for his place in history smacks of hypocrisy.

The President, who will show his face on the new gold coins and his brand wherever possible, will first attend a series of events to be held on June 14. UFC fights it is now in a huge cage erected on the White House lawn.

This is being billed as Trump’s celebration 80. birthday and 250. Anniversary of the birth of the American nation.

Donald Trump has no problem enjoying golf or other entertainment and games even while his country is busy with an undisclosed event”election war“.

although booed loudly There is widespread expectation, especially by fans at the New York Knicks’ NBA Finals basketball game, that President Trump will attend the U.S. soccer team’s opening game and perhaps the World Cup final on July 19.

This would create extraordinary challenges for the Secret Service and police as they try to ensure the President’s safety after he evades multiple assassination attempts.

Players and fans in stadiums in the United States, Mexico and Canada may experience the same tensions and threats.

But for those who love the “beautiful game”, few will miss the chance to see the 38-year-old. Lionel Messi It will be the last World Cup played for Argentina.

Cristiano RonaldoAt 41, he will definitely have his swan song for Portugal.

Who wouldn’t be excited by the dazzling form of the Spanish team or the quality play of France, England and Brazil?

The top teams in 2026 have an exciting mix of young players. I hope this will bring results. New faces of Australia.

You can see how the love for this game begins to seduce. The quality of the play, the tension and the drama can make us forget what else is going on.

In reality, the World Cup turns national competition into a staggering money-making event. The game is packaged and programmed to be expensive. television rights.

FIFA is significantly increasing ticket prices and releasing them in tranches.

To travel from New York City MetLife Stadium Along the Hudson River in New Jersey, the regular price will increase from $12 to $98.

Some environmental groups calculate that air travel and additional transportation between multiple locations in three neighboring countries would contribute millions of tons of pollution. carbon dioxide to global warming. As a result, the name of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been determined. “most polluting“.

Extreme heat in some venues during the almost two-month summer competitions forced FIFA to complete the construction in three minutes water breaks in every half of football. This of course means more money from more TV ads.

These atmospheres may be less important to the billions of people who watch football on television.

We can say that it is a great game.

It is an opportunity to forget the death and chaos in Ukraine, Iran, Israel, Lebanon and Gaza.

I still find our moral amnesia disturbing.

How can we distract ourselves with fun and games in the midst of protracted conflicts?

The more I think about it, the more this remarkable event that happens every four years will ultimately be remembered in history as Donald Trump’s wartime World Cup.

Dr Jeff McMullen AM is a journalist, author, filmmaker and winner of the United Nations Media Peace Prize, including on Four Corners and 60 Minutes.

Support independent journalism Subscribe to IA.