Football in the shadow of war and politics
Football Amidst Global Tensions
Football in the shadow of war - As the world grapples with ongoing conflicts and shifting political landscapes, the FIFA World Cup is set to commence. This year’s tournament, beginning tomorrow, marks a new era with 48 teams competing—double the number from 2022. Despite the backdrop of a severe energy crisis in West Asia and looming economic uncertainty, football remains a unifying force, albeit one that now navigates complex geopolitical currents.
Contrasting Realities
While global tensions simmer, the sport continues to thrive. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has declared this event as “the greatest World Cup ever,” framing it as a beacon of joy in turbulent times. Yet, the phrase feels ironic given the current climate of war and division.
“This will be the biggest, the most inclusive, the greatest FIFA World Cup ever,” stated Gianni Infantino in 2025. “FIFA has positioned itself as the global purveyor of joy.”
A Unique Geopolitical Scenario
The United States, led by President Donald Trump, hosts three matches for Iran in Group G. Despite the ongoing conflict between the two nations, Iran will compete in Los Angeles and Seattle. However, the team’s training base is in Tijuana, Mexico, due to U.S. reluctance to fully accommodate the Iranian squad. The team arrives in the U.S. a day before their opening match against New Zealand and returns to Mexico after each game.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil transit route, has become a flashpoint. Nearly 15 million barrels per day of crude oil—accounting for 34% of global trade—flow through this strategic waterway, underscoring its geopolitical significance. The U.S. closure of the strait during the war with Iran adds a layer of tension to the tournament’s backdrop.
History Echoes in the Present
Football has long been intertwined with politics. The 1934 World Cup, for instance, highlighted Italy’s fascist regime, with Benito Mussolini using the event to showcase his power. Similarly, the 1938 tournament reflected the era’s upheavals, as Germany’s annexation of Austria and Spain’s Civil War disrupted the proceedings.
In 1978, Argentina leveraged the World Cup to promote its authoritarian government. Political dissent was met with suppression, as seen in the disappearance of opponents linked to “Las Madres de Plaza de Mayo.” These historical parallels suggest that sports events often mirror the political struggles of their time.
Unity in Division
Amid today’s polarized world, football continues to defy borders. While nations are divided by ideology, the game remains a collective endeavor where success depends on teamwork, not just national identity. Tactical brilliance and passion often transcend political lines, even as the world watches with wary eyes.
President Trump’s November 2025 remark at the National Conference of Mayors encapsulates this duality: “For the first time in 250 years of U.S. history, you will not just be invaded but you will be conquered.” His vision of using sports to bolster political influence ties into a broader pattern of leveraging global events for domestic impact.
As the tournament unfolds, it’s clear that football is not immune to the world’s chaos. Yet, it persists as a symbol of hope, even if its role as a “happiness provider” is far from certain in these uncertain times.