BSoccer is the least talked about thing before the 2026 World Cup. It’s the off-field issues that are talked about the most and get the most attention. One of them is violence, a terrifying phenomenon that manifests itself in many ways, with two of the World Cup sites, Mexico and the United States, now under threat from hurricanes.
The latest news related to the World Cup that shook the soccer world was Iran’s withdrawal from the tournament. Iran’s Sports Minister Ahmad Doyanmari announced at a press conference that he would waive his right to play in the national team, citing a lack of security guarantees to set foot on U.S. soil and because President Donald Trump’s administration is waging a “war” in the Middle East.
We cannot participate in the World Cup under any circumstances because this corrupt government killed our leaders
Iran was placed in Group G, where they faced Belgium, New Zealand and Egypt. The three matches scheduled in the first phase will be played in the United States. Los Angeles and Seattle are the cities hosting the games.
Donald Trump has assured FIFA that there is no problem hosting the Iranian national team and will ensure their integrity, but Asian national teams do not believe his words and maintain their position that they will not participate in the tournament.
During the meeting, President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is of course welcome to participate in the tournament in the United States.
Thus, the foreign policy of the United States and its war plans hinder the development of the World Cup by excluding by its own decision those teams that won tickets on the field and gave up their tickets at the table as a result of violence.
Iran vs. USA, 1998 precedent
In the 1998 World Cup draw for France, both countries were placed in Group F, along with Germany and the now-defunct Yugoslavia.
For several months there has been a lot of talk about the match they will play. War conflicts between nations have created international tensions. Rumors circulated that an attack would take place at Lyon’s Stade Gerland on June 21st.
To everyone’s surprise, the team took to the field together to send a message of peace showing that football should not be desecrated. Iran defeated the United States 2-1 with goals from Hamid Estiri and Mehdi Mahdavikia. Brian McBride scored for the United States.
Also paying attention to Mexico
The federal operation carried out in Jalisco to capture Nemesio Oseguerra “El Mencho” and which resulted in the drug trafficker’s death is still a hot topic. To this day, debate continues over whether there are conditions to ensure the safety of tourists and fans attending World Cup matches.
Since then, international media has continued to monitor violent incidents in the country. The recent disappearance of female UAEM students in Morelos state alerted the world to a serious phenomenon in Mexico: enforced disappearances.
Embassies and consulates have issued advisories to citizens to ensure their safety within Mexico. They do not ask people not to visit the country, but suggest they take steps to avoid becoming victims of violence and insecurity.
