The Athletic FC Podcast — “The World Cup and War”
Date: May 3, 2026
Host: Adam Leventhal (The Athletic)
Guests: Craig Foster, Christian Coates Ulrichsen, Marco Rubio, Maita Molango, Rene Muelensteen, and others.
Overview
This special episode explores the unprecedented intersection of global conflict and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is being co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. The focus is on the ramifications of the US-Iran war—sparked by US military strikes in Iran shortly before the tournament—not only for Iran’s participation but for other nations affected by wars, travel bans, and political unrest. The podcast delves into the roles of FIFA, host nations, and footballers themselves amidst one of the most complicated tournament build-ups in modern history.
1. Iran’s Qualification and the Outbreak of War
Key Moments:
- Iran qualifies: A dramatic late goal seals Iran’s spot at the World Cup.
- “Oh and it’s touched in by Taremi. Now, with seven minutes to go, that could well be the goal that confirms Iran’s place at the 2026 World Cup finals.” (02:03)
- US airstrikes: Within months, US and Israeli attacks target Iranian nuclear sites, coinciding with a brutal crackdown on Iranian protests.
- “That was June 2025 during the 12-day war…” (02:44)
- “Iran’s leadership acknowledged 3,000 people were killed. Human rights groups estimate figures in the tens of thousands.” (02:57)
- Trump escalates: Issues a public declaration of war in February 2026.
- “‘A short time ago, the US military began major combat operations in Iran.’” (03:42)
- Complications emerge: Iran’s ability (and willingness) to travel to the US is called into question amid heightened hostility.
2. FIFA’s Response and the Iran Participation Debate
Key Points:
- FIFA President Infantino insists Iran must play; no contingency plans are made.
- “It was essential and fundamental that Iran compete even in a very complex geopolitical context... There are no plans B, C, or D.” (Gianni Infantino, 07:41)
- Political standoff: Iranian officials cite security fears and request matches be moved; Mexico's president offers vague support.
- "Our players do not have security... citing malicious actions from the US." (Iran Sports Minister, 06:49)
- US politicians focus on security risks, barring certain Iranian officials from entry.
- “What they can't bring is a bunch of IRGC terrorists into our country and pretend that they're journalists and athletic trainers.” (Marco Rubio, 11:23)
- Iranian team uses friendly matches to protest: Black armbands, tributes to child victims draw FIFA scrutiny for “political displays.” (09:09)
- At the FIFA Congress, Iranian representatives are denied entry to Canada, and their absence is noted in the roll call. (11:55)
Notable Quote:
- “Given that Russia was actually banned or suspended immediately after their illegal invasion of Ukraine, the attacks by the US... should put its hosting in jeopardy.”
— Craig Foster (20:05)
3. Protest, Symbolism & Football as Political Theatre
Discussion Highlights:
- Iranian diaspora demand a change in flag and anthem, expressing separation between the football team and the regime.
- “They are athletes. They’re football players first... The day it changes, I'm 90% sure they're more than happy to change the flag…” (Wenda Timur, 14:47)
- “They shouldn't be there, they shouldn't be playing... If they go there and play, we are telling the regime everything is normal.” (Iranian protester, 15:03)
- Women’s national team refuses to sing the anthem at the Asia Cup, risking retribution.
- “They showed everyone what courage means. They are the champion and they are the pioneer of this movement.” (Iranian Protester Hamid, 16:24)
- State media calls them “wartime traitors.” Some claim asylum, but most return after apparent regime pressure.
4. Double Standards and the Role of Sports Governance
Points Made:
- Foster and others claim FIFA’s rules are inconsistently applied: Russia was banned post-Ukraine invasion, but the US faces no sanction.
- “Those questions aren't going to be asked because Infantino is working hand in glove with Trump. In fact, you know, Trump may as well be the FIFA President at the present time.” (Craig Foster, 20:59)
- Infantino touts football as a unifier but critics contend football is being used to “do harm” and launder reputations during war.
- “The problem that Infantino has at the moment is that football is actually contributing to harm because you are supporting Donald Trump.” (Craig Foster, 21:28)
5. The Middle Eastern Domino Effect
Major Insights:
- Closest neighbors to the conflict—Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Jordan, Qatar—face missile attacks, military disruption, and tournament chaos.
- “This has been a worst-case scenario for Gulf states, including for Saudi Arabia.” (Christian Coates Ulrichsen, 22:34; 31:31)
- Jordan moves home games to Turkey; Egypt pleads for peace, tying World Cup logistics to diplomacy.
- “I am speaking to you in the name of humanity. Please help us stop the war.” (Egyptian President El Sisi, 32:32)
- US is increasingly viewed in the region as a source of instability, upending decades of perceived security partnerships.
- “All that… turned on its head. The US is now seen… as a source of the instability…” (Ulrichsen, 33:05)
6. Iraq’s Journey from Trauma to Representation
Storytelling:
- Iraq qualifies for their second ever World Cup, their first since 1986, after years of conflict.
- “For the first time in 40 years, the Lions of Mesopotamia will roar at the World Cup.” (34:09)
- The team shows diversity and resilience; many squad members and staff have lived through war or fled the country.
- “We want the world to see that [our culture, our love, our dancing]… This is who we are; this is what we believe.” (Hasanain Balal, 34:49)
- Recent airspace shutdown nearly prevents the team from reaching their playoff, forcing a long bus journey out of the country.
- “This is out of the ordinary… but they managed to find a way…” (Rene Muelensteen, 37:34)
Notable Moment:
- “[Making it to the World Cup] gives an enormous boost… and an opportunity to put a different perception on Iraq because… people just think war, Saddam. But the people of Iraq… are lovely people.” (Rene Muelensteen, 38:13)
7. Haiti: Football Amid Collapse and Exclusion
Key Narratives:
- Haiti qualifies for the World Cup for the first time since 1974, despite the country spiraling into gang rule and total government collapse.
- “Haiti, for the first time since 1974, are going to the World Cup.” (43:37)
- Most players are diaspora; travel to Haiti is dangerous, and fans are effectively barred from the US by travel bans.
- “The situation is not clear in Haiti because the security is not good. Maybe later I can go...” (Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, 45:19)
- “When we see the qualification for the team, the country is so happy—and the war stops for one or two days.” (Haitian Player, 45:54)
- Haitian Americans face new threats: xenophobic U.S. rhetoric, end of temporary protected status (TPS), and ICE raids.
- “Being a Haitian in America right now is pretty frightening. I feel like the word for us… is limbo.” (Wenda Timur, 49:47)
- Economic impact: The loss of potential tourists and fans is a blow to local businesses and the US economy.
- “These restrictive and xenophobic immigration policies are going to limit the potential for economic activity in our country.” (Ruth Say Lejean, 52:59)
8. Democratic Republic of Congo: Return After Five Decades
Milestones:
- DRC returns to the World Cup as “Zaire” in 1974, now as DR Congo, despite ongoing war with Rwanda and historical internal strife.
- “DR Congo is going to the World Cup.” (56:34)
- Squad includes household names from overseas—reflecting the impact of the diaspora.
- “This is the biggest stage in football… we want to pave the way for future generations to play for their home nations.” (Samuel Mutasamy, 57:09)
- Insistence on separating football and politics, concern over players being forced as spokespeople.
- “I think we should never mix, in my view, football with politics… This is their job. They are paid to have a view on political-geopolitical situation—players should just focus on football…” (Maita Molango, 60:51)
9. The Global Game, Geopolitics, and Players’ Agency
Summary Points:
- Players from war-torn and politically isolated countries are often forced—unfairly—into political roles.
- “Those people ultimately are paid to play football… now all of a sudden forced to become official spokespeople…” (Maita Molango, 55:14)
- Molango advocates for genuine agency: players should only speak by choice, not by mandate or press ambush.
- “If they decide to make a stance, fantastic and we’ll support… but not on a mandatory basis, not on the basis of being ambushed…” (Maita Molango, 61:58)
- FIFA closes its Congress with a staged Israeli-Palestinian photo opportunity request—refused—highlighting the limits of sport in resolving real-world conflict.
- “No handshake, no photo. Football doesn’t unite the world that easily.” (Adam Leventhal, 64:52)
Notable Quotes
-
“The attacks by the US—the actual host of this World Cup—should put it in the position where its hosting is in jeopardy… if we were actually applying rules equally.”
— Craig Foster (20:05)
-
“They shouldn't be there… If they go there and play, we are telling the regime everything is normal…”
— Iranian protester (15:03)
-
“They are athletes. They’re football players first…”
— Wenda Timur (14:47)
-
“Being a Haitian in America right now is pretty frightening… limbo… everything just feels like we’re on pause, fear, limbo.”
— Wenda Timur (49:47)
-
“I think we should never mix, in my view, football with politics… Politics should be one thing and football should be another.”
— Maita Molango (60:51)
-
“Football doesn’t unite the world that easily.”
— Adam Leventhal (64:52)
Key Timestamps for Major Segments
| Segment | Timestamp |
|------------------------------------------------------------|------------|
| Iran’s World Cup qualification/war timeline | 01:47–04:11|
| Infantino, FIFA, and debates over Iran’s participation | 07:30–12:29|
| Diaspora protests: flag, anthem, and regime symbolism | 13:04–15:51|
| Iran women’s team resistance/story | 15:51–18:44|
| Double standards: FIFA, US, and global politics | 20:05–21:28|
| Middle East impacts (Gulf states, Jordan, Egypt, etc.) | 22:34–33:05|
| Iraq’s footballing & personal stories | 34:09–39:03|
| Haiti: qualification, exclusion, and immigration issues | 43:02–54:45|
| DR Congo return—war, diaspora, player activism | 54:45–64:52|
Conclusion
This episode paints a vivid, sobering portrait of the 2026 World Cup as a tournament overshadowed by war, division, and political tension. The World Cup is both an escape and a magnifying glass for the world’s conflicts, with Iran, Haiti, the DRC, and others facing historic challenges off—and sometimes on—the pitch. At the same time, FIFA and political leaders are portrayed as leveraging the tournament for soft power, often leaving athletes and fans to bear the emotional and practical consequences.
With the tournament imminent, the final message echoes throughout: “However much you talk of the power of football to bring people together, it can rarely cure bitter and bloody feuds.” (Adam Leventhal, 64:17)