Don’t Let Trump Ruin the World Cup

“I’ve been to the last nine men’s soccer World Cups, and the dominant mood is almost always international friendship. The same vibe usually prevails on the field, even after hard-fought matches. One of the tournament’s most famous photographs, from 1970, shows the great Brazilian Pele, and the great Englishman Bobby Moore, both shirtless, beaming into each other’s eyes like lovers just after Brazil beat England in the group stage. That is not the spirit of the United States under the Trump administration, primary host of this summer’s tournament in North America. Its basic message to foreigners seems to be: ‘We hate you.’ The feeling is mutual. Many of the world’s soccer fans are dreading a tournament in a country that a growing number of foreigners are afraid even to visit. Happily, the Democratic cities that are hosting almost all games in the United States can seize the opportunity to show the world an alternative, a better, America. …”
NY Times
Iran’s soccer team is close to withdrawing from the 2026 World Cup
Guardian: Iranian football association unsure if national team will play at World Cup in US

Iran’s soccer team is close to withdrawing from the 2026 World Cup