The surreal possibility hanging over Iran’s perilous World Cup campaign
Delving into the history books, glazing over a 96-year story of international football’s top-tier event, not much looks out of place in analysing Iraq’s triumvirate of one-goal defeats at the 1986 World Cup. Nor Argentina’s disappointing second group stage exit in 1982, when Diego Maradona first flirted with the globe’s greatest stage. Yet their significance, some four decades on, is now pertinent as the tournament takes place in the United States.
Back then, Argentina and Iraq were two countries competing in the World Cup while embroiled in international warfare. Argentina surrendered in the Falklands War just one day after Spain ‘82 started and, mercifully, did not draw any of the three British teams taking part, while Iraq were in the midst of an eight-year war with Iran at Mexico ‘86. Tension between the two remains ubiquitous. Yet beyond civil conflicts, there have been no comparable examples since. “Football unites the world,” is the tired slogan continually belted out by Fifa president Gianni Infantino. Well, not this time.
The surreal possibility hanging over Iran’s perilous World Cup campaign
The hard truth is worth repeating: it is the first time in the World Cup’s 96-year history that a competing nation is at war with a host. Protests are planned at Iran’s opening game in Los Angeles against New Zealand on Monday and, as Kieran Jackson explains, the contest could even be halted
Chris Wilson16 June 2026 01:44
“I have felt the tension from the first moment we arrived at this World Cup,” said Taremi ahead of Iran’s opening game.
“This kind of tension, it undermines that joy and it undermines the message of Fifa and our people, which is that football brings about peace. I feel like this World Cup could have provided a better atmosphere than it has, but I hope in the future it will be better for all fans, whatever team they are supporting in the World Cup,” he added.
Chris Wilson16 June 2026 01:39
Iran captain Mehdi Taremi criticises Fifa over impact of USA war at World Cup 2026
Iran captain Mehdi Taremi says his team is having a challenging World Cup 2026 experience amid the multifold disruptions created by their nation’s war with the U.S., the tournament’s co-host.
The Iranians arrived in the Los Angeles area on Sunday from their training base in Tijuana, Mexico, just over the U.S. border — about 140 miles (225km) from the stadium where they will open group-stage play against New Zealand on Monday night. Iran‘s training camp was relocated from the U.S. after the war began, and the Iranian team has endured numerous distractions since then, including visa problems.
Chris Wilson16 June 2026 01:33
Why Fifa has banned Iran’s pre-revolutionary flag at World Cup 2026
Iranian Americans initiated protests at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles before Iran’s World Cup 2026 opener against New Zealand and others displayed the banned pre-revolutionary flag despite Fifa’s ban being upheld.
Some had called on Iranians to unite and forget politics but others displayed symbols of protest against the government.
After flying to the USA on Sunday from their training base in Tijuana, Mexico, a deal was announced to end the U.S.-Iran war. Los Angeles is the biggest home to the Iranian community outside of Iran after many fled the country following the Islamic Revolution.
The World Cup 2026 has left fans split, with some excited to see their team play football on the biggest stage of the sport, though others remain overwhelmingly angry at Tehran’s crackdown on protesters, with concern over Washington’s bombing campaign.
Jack Rathborn16 June 2026 01:31
Trump says US-Iran peace deal signed but Israel rules out withdrawing from Lebanon
Donald Trump said a preliminary agreement to end America’s’ war with Iran has been signed by both sides as Israel vowed to keep its forces in Lebanon.
The agreement will reopen the Strait of Hormuz and extend a ceasefire for 60 days, allowing negotiations on issues such as Iran’s nuclear programme and sanctions.
Chris Wilson16 June 2026 01:27
Iran train ahead of World Cup bow
(Getty)
(Getty)
Chris Wilson16 June 2026 01:21
World Cup Insider: Get a matchday briefing from our writers in the US, Canada and Mexico
The biggest tournament in football is finally here.
Over six weeks, 48 nations will battle it out across the United States, Canada and Mexico, producing unforgettable moments, dramatic upsets, tactical masterclasses and plenty of controversy along the way.
But with matches taking place across multiple time zones and headlines arriving around the clock, keeping up with everything that matters will be a challenge.
That’s where our World Cup Insider newsletter comes in.
Landing in your inbox every morning throughout the tournament, World Cup Insider is your essential guide to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Designed to cut through the noise, it brings together the key stories, standout moments and expert analysis you need to stay on top of the action.
Chris Wilson16 June 2026 01:16
Star player – Chris Wood: The best footballer New Zealand have ever produced, Wood actually struggled with form and fitness this season, after scoring a stunning 20 Premier League goals in 2024-25. On the flip side, it may mean he is fresh for this summer’s showpiece. Set-pieces and his aerial threat will be vital.
Breakout talent – Lachlan Bayliss: The 23-year-old only made his debut in March but could be important in New Zealand’s midfield engine room. Previously a regular for A-League team Newcastle Jets, he is now unattached after the expiration of his contract.
Odds to win the World Cup: 1000/1.
Chris Wilson16 June 2026 01:11
Pre-revolutionary Iran flag seen at SoFi Stadium in LA
A pre-revolutionary Iran flag is displayed at SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, which has the same colours as the current official flag but has a different lion-and-sun motif.
Iran has threatened to halt matches if unofficial flags are brought in or slogans chanted.
An Iranian fan shows a pre-revolutionary Iranian flag ahead of the 2026 World Cup Group G football match between Iran and New Zealand at Los Angeles Stadium (AFP via Getty Images)
Jack Rathborn16 June 2026 01:07
The lowest-ranked team at this summer’s World Cup, New Zealand have undoubtedly benefited from the tournament’s expansion and comfortably secured Oceania’s one guaranteed spot, with Australia long taking part in Asian qualifying.
It is their first appearance since South Africa 2010, when they memorably emerged as the only unbeaten side of the tournament, drawing all three of their group games. Chris Wood featured back then (at 18) and he is now (at 34) his country’s all-time leading goalscorer with 45 goals in 90 caps.
They will be led by English coach Darren Bazeley, who has even picked a player in English football’s non-league system: Braintree Town’s 36-year-old defender, Tommy Smith. The All Whites will be rigid in their shape and will pray for Wood to produce a moment of magic up top.
Chris Wilson16 June 2026 01:06