Iran’s World Cup campaign has yet to begin, but the tournament’s political tensions are already threatening to spill onto the field.

Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali warned this week that Iran could stop matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup if what he described as unauthorized flags are displayed or anti-team slogans are chanted inside stadiums, adding another layer of controversy to one of the tournament’s most politically sensitive participants.

The warning comes days before Iran open their Group G campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. They will then face Belgium on June 21 at the same venue before concluding the group stage against Egypt in Seattle on June 26.

Speaking to Iranian media, Donyamali said Iranian officials had formally raised concerns with FIFA regarding potential protests during the team’s matches.

“We have informed FIFA that if unofficial flags are brought or slogans against the national team are chanted in the stadiums where Iran plays in the World Cup, the team manager will definitely be responsible for stopping the match,” Donyamali said.

The comments underscore the political scrutiny surrounding Iran’s presence at the expanded 48-team tournament, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Iran’s national team has long found itself caught between football and politics. Opposition activists and members of the Iranian diaspora argue the team represents the country’s ruling establishment rather than the broader Iranian population. Demonstrations have followed the team at major international events in recent years, particularly after nationwide protests erupted following the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022.

The issue resurfaced in April when protesters gathered outside the FIFA Congress in Vancouver, urging world football’s governing body to ban Iran from the World Cup. Demonstrators claimed the team was closely aligned with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and did not represent ordinary Iranians.

One of the most visible symbols of the dispute has been the pre-revolutionary Lion and Sun flag, which opposition figures, including Reza Pahlavi, have encouraged supporters to display at international sporting events. Iranian authorities view such symbols as politically charged, while opposition groups regard them as expressions of national identity and dissent.

The concerns appear particularly acute ahead of Iran’s final group-stage match against Egypt in Seattle. Donyamali said FIFA had assured Iranian officials that measures would be in place to prevent disruptions during the game after both countries’ football federations raised concerns.

While political tensions dominate the headlines, logistical challenges have also complicated Iran’s World Cup preparations.

The Iranian Football Federation said its allocation of supporter tickets was withdrawn shortly before the tournament, leaving many fans who had already arranged travel without access to matches. FIFA has said it is working to maximize opportunities for Iranian supporters, though U.S. sanctions and financial restrictions have complicated ticketing and travel arrangements.

The team has also been forced to adapt its tournament preparations. Rather than establishing a training base in the United States, Iran relocated to Tijuana, Mexico, amid uncertainty surrounding visas and entry procedures.

Under arrangements confirmed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Iran’s players are permitted to enter the United States shortly before matches and must leave afterward. Several members of the broader delegation reportedly encountered visa difficulties, further highlighting the diplomatic challenges facing the team.

The unusual setup reflects the wider tensions between Washington and Tehran, which have cast a geopolitical shadow over the tournament despite FIFA’s efforts to keep the focus on football.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has publicly backed Iran’s participation and supported efforts to facilitate the team’s involvement in the competition. However, with emotions running high among supporters and critics alike, the governing body faces a difficult task balancing its ban on political demonstrations with the realities of one of international sport’s most politically charged storylines.

The Daily Sabah Newsletter

Keep up to date with what’s happening in Turkey,
it’s region and the world.

SIGN ME UP

You can unsubscribe at any time. By signing up you are agreeing to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

A historic comeback, sealed by a play that may forever be etched into Knicks lore.

The New York Knicks are now one win away from ending a championship drought that has stretched more than five decades, and they did it in unforgettable fashion Wednesday night.

Trailing by 29 points, the Knicks produced the largest comeback in NBA Finals history, rallying to stun the San Antonio Spurs 107-106 on OG Anunoby’s tip-in with 1.2 seconds remaining.

“That has to be the most iconic shot in the history of New York basketball,” Knicks coach Mike Brown said.

Few would argue. With the game hanging in the balance, Jalen Brunson’s deep 3-pointer bounced off the front rim before Anunoby soared above the crowd, extending his right arm to gently guide the ball through the net.

“His right hand came from God,” Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns said.

The victory leaves the Knicks, owners of just two NBA titles and appearing in their first Finals since 1999, with three opportunities to capture their first championship since 1973. Their first chance comes Saturday night in Game 5 in San Antonio.

It looked impossible early, when the Spurs rolled to a 27-point halftime lead. But Brunson helped bring the Knicks back with 36 points, and Anunoby finished with 33.

No team had come back from more than 24 points down in an NBA Finals game since the league began keeping detailed play-by-play records for all four quarters in 1997. Boston overcame a 24-point deficit against the Los Angeles Lakers in 2008. The Spurs led 81-52 in the third quarter.

“We’re a resilient group. We’ve been through a lot,” Anunoby said. “We’ve come back plenty of times when we’re behind. Just staying with it, weathering the storm, not being too down or angry or frustrated.”

The only bigger comeback on record in any NBA playoff game was a 31-point rally by the Los Angeles Clippers against Golden State in Game 2 of a first-round series in 2019.

“You look at it when you’re down 29 and think, ‘OK, let’s get it to 20,'” forward Josh Hart said. “There’s three minutes left in the third quarter, we’re down 18, you’re thinking, ‘Let’s get it to 10.’

“In the fourth quarter, you’re like, ‘This is winning time. Anything can happen.'”

And it did.

The Knicks had their 13-game winning streak snapped in Game 3 and seemed headed for a second straight defeat throughout the first half, when Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs built the largest halftime lead by a visiting team in NBA Finals history.

But the young Spurs, who made 11 of their first 16 3-point attempts, went cold in the second half, shooting 3 for 17 from beyond the arc as the Knicks outscored them 58-30.

“We got on our heels. We missed some shots,” Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said. “It’s disappointing, to say the least.”

Delirious fans inside Madison Square Garden sang along to Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin'” a few minutes after witnessing something that seemed almost impossible.

Wembanyama had 24 points and 13 rebounds but shot just 9 for 25 from the field.

Road teams had won the first three games, only the second time that had happened in the NBA Finals. San Antonio was well on its way to making it four for four.

President Donald Trump wasn’t at this game. Taylor Swift was. But the same restrictions remained around Madison Square Garden as when Trump attended Game 3. That angered the Knicks, who decided not to move forward with plans to hold an outdoor watch party outside the arena.

Inside the building in the first half, there wasn’t much for the home fans to be happy about, either.

But the Knicks gave themselves a chance by limiting the Spurs to 14 points on 4-for-20 shooting in the third quarter, using a 13-0 run to get back into the game and cutting the deficit to 90-75 entering the fourth.

These Knicks, who erased a 22-point deficit in the fourth quarter against Cleveland in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals, simply don’t quit. Even when the comeback appeared to be for nothing after Stephon Castle was fouled and made two free throws to put San Antonio back ahead with 30 seconds remaining, the Knicks had one more rally in them.

Dylan Harper scored 21 points, and De’Aaron Fox and Devin Vassell added 18 apiece for the Spurs, who will try to regroup and send the series back to New York for Game 6 on Tuesday. Only one team, Cleveland in 2016, has recovered from a 3-1 deficit in the NBA Finals.

“I think it began before that,” Wembanyama said of the Spurs’ collapse. “I can’t really explain it right now. I don’t know. We clearly weren’t the hungrier team in the second half.”

Fans booed Wembanyama when he came onto the floor to warm up about an hour before the game, and the Knicks tried to play physically against him. Mitchell Robinson was called for a flagrant foul for hitting him above the shoulders, and Jose Alvarado was reviewed for a possible flagrant after making contact below the belt.

Wembanyama, who was also assessed a flagrant foul, held his own against the Knicks but will regret the two free throws he missed with 1:47 remaining and San Antonio leading 104-103.

The Spurs raced to a 12-2 lead, giving them a double-digit advantage in the first quarter of all four games. They kept pouring it on and led 41-22 after one quarter, then extended the margin to 57-32 when Julian Champagnie’s 3-pointer made them 11 for 16 from beyond the arc.

The Daily Sabah Newsletter

Keep up to date with what’s happening in Turkey,
it’s region and the world.

SIGN ME UP

You can unsubscribe at any time. By signing up you are agreeing to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan returned to Mogadishu on Wednesday to a hero’s reception after being denied entry to the United States ahead of the World Cup, a decision that ended his historic debut on football’s biggest stage and ignited criticism over visa restrictions and tournament access.

Artan, 2025’s Confederation of African Football Men’s Referee of the Year and the first Somali official selected for a FIFA World Cup roster, was turned away at Miami International Airport on Saturday after traveling from Istanbul.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection said he was deemed inadmissible due to “vetting concerns,” later clarified by a State Department official as alleged links to suspected members of terrorist organizations, without providing further details.

The denial triggered immediate fallout.

FIFA removed Artan from its 52-referee list for the tournament, which is set to open Thursday across the United States, Mexico and Canada. Somalia’s football authorities said they had attempted unsuccessfully to intervene with both FIFA and U.S. officials after his visa had already been issued through the Somali Embassy in Kenya.

The Trump administration confirmed the decision this week, adding to wider scrutiny of immigration controls affecting nearly 40 countries under expanded travel restrictions. The case drew attention not only because of Artan’s profile, but also because he had already been formally appointed by FIFA and was expected to join officials in Miami for pre-tournament preparations.

In Mogadishu, the response was immediate and emotional. Hundreds of supporters, government officials and members of the football community gathered at Aden Adde International Airport hours before his arrival on a Turkish Airlines flight. As he stepped out, he was draped in the Somali flag, escorted through tight crowds, and taken to a VIP reception area where officials from the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Somalia Football Federation greeted him.

Artan struck a calm tone despite the setback, framing the incident as something beyond his control.

“What happened has happened and it was fate,” he said, thanking FIFA for its backing and urging Somalis to remain resilient. “Somalia is ours, whether things are good or bad. That flag belongs to us, and that passport belongs to us.”

He added that his ambitions remained unchanged, saying he intended to return to the global stage at the next World Cup in 2030 and encouraging young Somalis not to lose confidence in their country or their future.

“I will be at the next one,” he said. “Despite what has happened, I am not discouraged.”

Officials in Mogadishu expressed anger and disappointment over the decision. Mohamed Said, a government official who attended the airport reception, said the ruling had wider implications beyond sport, calling it deeply unjust.

Artan’s exclusion also drew attention from global health and sports figures. World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on social media that his achievement in reaching the top level of refereeing “stands no matter what,” adding that his presence on the FIFA list had already inspired a generation.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud had earlier described Artan as a national symbol of progress and possibility in a country still rebuilding after decades of conflict and the continuing threat of the al-Shabaab terrorist group.

The Daily Sabah Newsletter

Keep up to date with what’s happening in Turkey,
it’s region and the world.

SIGN ME UP

You can unsubscribe at any time. By signing up you are agreeing to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino warned Tuesday that Los Angeles was about to be flooded with football fans from across the globe as he helped kick off World Cup celebrations at a star-studded event at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Speaking ahead of this week’s opening matches, Infantino said the city would soon become a focal point of the football world during the expanded 48-team tournament, which gets underway in Mexico City on Thursday before Los Angeles stages its first World Cup match on U.S. soil Friday.

“You will be invaded,” Infantino told the crowd.

“You will be invaded by a horde of barbarians. But it’s happy barbarians, don’t worry.”

The event drew entertainment and sports figures, including actors Will Ferrell and Brendan Hunt, singer Lance Bass, former NBA player Robert Horry, and U.S. football greats Mia Hamm and Cobi Jones.

‘Unite the world’

Infantino said the tournament would turn Los Angeles and other host cities into a sea of national colors as fans of all ages arrive in jerseys, flags and face paint.

“Men, women, children, grandparents, doesn’t matter, they will all have their faces colored with the colors of their countries,” he said.

“They will just want to enjoy and have fun because that’s what we want to do with the World Cup. We want to unite the world.”

The tournament, hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, is the first to feature 48 national teams. Infantino said a quarter of the world’s countries would be represented on the field, while billions more would follow the tournament globally.

“This is not just a World Cup,” he said. “This will be the biggest and greatest FIFA World Cup in history.”

Los Angeles in the spotlight

Los Angeles is scheduled to host eight matches, along with fan festivals and 10 fan zones across the area. Infantino thanked local organizers for staging the events, saying the city’s role reflected its standing as “the capital of entertainment in the world.”

The United States will open its campaign Friday at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood against Paraguay after an opening ceremony featuring musical performances by Katy Perry, Future and Anitta.

Infantino likened the scale of the tournament to staging “104 Super Bowls” over a little more than a month, referring to the total number of matches across the three host countries.

“For the next month and a half, we can call it football or football, as long as we enjoy and have fun,” he said.

The Daily Sabah Newsletter

Keep up to date with what’s happening in Turkey,
it’s region and the world.

SIGN ME UP

You can unsubscribe at any time. By signing up you are agreeing to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

The FIFA World Cup has always been more than football. Every four years, it becomes a global event capable of capturing the attention of billions and temporarily shifting the world’s focus away from its problems. As the 2026 tournament kicks off on Thursday with Mexico facing South Africa at the historic Estadio Azteca, the largest World Cup in history arrives at a moment when that distraction feels more necessary than ever.

The expanded competition, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches across Canada, Mexico and the United States, will culminate on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey. Over five weeks, the world will immerse itself in dramatic upsets, unforgettable goals and the emotional roller coaster that only football’s biggest stage can provide.

Yet this World Cup begins against a backdrop of war, economic uncertainty, climate anxiety and political division that extends far beyond the stadium gates.

Troubled world

As supporters flood host cities and television audiences soar into the billions, conflicts continue to shape daily life across several regions.

The war between Russia and Ukraine remains one of the defining geopolitical crises of the decade, with millions of Ukrainians displaced since the conflict began in 2022. In the Middle East, tensions involving Iran and its regional rivals continue to threaten stability and global energy supplies. The civil war in Sudan has displaced more than 12 million people, making it one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises.

These conflicts have consequences far beyond their borders. Disrupted trade routes, energy market volatility and rising security concerns have contributed to economic uncertainty across the globe.

The International Monetary Fund projects global economic growth of just over 3% in 2026, a modest figure by historical standards. Inflation has eased in some advanced economies, but the cost-of-living crisis remains a major concern for households worldwide. According to Ipsos’ “What Worries the World” surveys, inflation, poverty, corruption and healthcare remain among the top concerns cited by citizens across dozens of countries.

At the same time, climate challenges continue to intensify. Recent years have been the hottest ever recorded globally. North America has experienced devastating wildfires, Europe has endured record-breaking heat waves, and prolonged droughts have affected agricultural production in multiple regions. The United Nations continues to warn that climate-related disasters are displacing millions and placing increasing pressure on governments and economies.

Against this backdrop, the World Cup offers something increasingly rare: a chance for people to focus on something other than crisis.

Unifying power

Few events on Earth can command the attention of humanity like the World Cup.

The 2022 tournament in Qatar attracted billions of viewers worldwide, while the final between Argentina and France became one of the most-watched sporting events in history. When Argentina lifted the trophy after an unforgettable penalty shootout, an estimated five million people flooded the streets of Buenos Aires in celebration.

Those scenes illustrated football’s unique power.

For a few hours, nationality, religion, political affiliation and social status become secondary. A goal scored in Mexico City sparks celebrations in Los Angeles. Fans in Lagos debate tactics with supporters in London. Social media fills with the same clips, the same arguments and the same moments of joy or heartbreak.

The World Cup creates a rare form of global synchronization. Billions of people experience the same emotions at the same time.

This year’s expanded format could make that effect even stronger. Nations that historically struggled to qualify now have a place on football’s biggest stage. More countries mean more stories, more representation and more communities invested in the tournament.

The American challenge

The 2026 World Cup is also unique because it unfolds amid growing debate over immigration and border policies in one of its host nations.

Recent reports of visa delays, heightened scrutiny at ports of entry and travel restrictions affecting supporters from several countries have generated concern among fans and advocacy groups. Some organizations have warned that stricter immigration enforcement could discourage attendance from certain communities.

One of the most widely discussed incidents involved Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who had been selected for World Cup duty before reportedly being denied entry into the United States and removed from FIFA’s referee roster. The case intensified scrutiny of how immigration policies could intersect with a tournament built on international participation.

Supporters from countries facing visa restrictions or higher rejection rates have also expressed concerns about their ability to attend matches despite securing tickets.

For FIFA, the challenge is balancing security requirements with the tournament’s core principle of inclusivity. The governing body has repeatedly emphasized that the World Cup is intended to welcome the world.

Historical significance

This is not the first World Cup to take place during uncertain times.

The 1998 World Cup in France unfolded amid intense debates about immigration and national identity. France’s multicultural squad, led by Zinedine Zidane, became a symbol of unity after winning the country’s first title.

The 2010 World Cup in South Africa carried significance far beyond football. It represented the first World Cup held on African soil and was widely viewed as a celebration of the country’s transformation after apartheid.

The 2018 World Cup in Russia became a showcase of soft power, while the 2022 tournament in Qatar generated worldwide discussions about migrant workers, labor rights and the responsibilities of major sporting events.

Every World Cup reflects the era in which it is played.

The 2026 edition is no different.

A temporary therapy for a tired planet

The truth is that football cannot solve wars. It cannot lower inflation, stop wildfires or bridge every political divide.

What it can do is provide psychological relief.

For one month, conversations that normally revolve around conflict and uncertainty will shift toward tactics, star players and underdog stories. Families will gather around televisions. Cities will organize fan festivals. Colleagues will pause meetings to check scores.

Sports psychologists have long noted the emotional benefits of collective sporting experiences. Shared victories create a sense of belonging. Shared heartbreak builds community. In difficult times, those feelings matter.

That is why the World Cup often feels like therapy for a weary world.

Post final whistle

Eventually, the tournament will end.

A champion will be crowned. The celebrations will fade. The packed stadiums will empty.

Then the world will return to reality.

Governments will continue grappling with wars, economic pressures and climate challenges. Debates over immigration, security and globalization will persist. The issues that existed before kickoff will still be waiting after the final whistle.

But perhaps that is not the point.

The World Cup’s greatest value lies not in solving problems but in reminding people what remains possible. On the pitch, 48 nations will compete fiercely under a common set of rules. Off the pitch, billions will share the same moments of excitement, tension and joy.

In a world increasingly defined by division, that may be the tournament’s most important lesson.

For five weeks, football will offer humanity a brief opportunity to breathe.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to open on June 11 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is facing growing off-field turbulence as visa delays, entry refusals, and heightened security checks affect several participating nations and officials.

While the expanded 48-team format marks a historic milestone, the lead-up has been defined as much by administrative friction as sporting preparation.

At the center of the controversy is the tension between host-nation security policy and the expectations of a global tournament built on open participation.

Teams from Iran, Iraq, Senegal, and Uzbekistan, along with match officials, have reported significant complications entering the United States.

FIFA has maintained that immigration matters fall under sovereign control of host governments, a stance that has drawn criticism from affected delegations.

Iran forced into relocation

The most disruptive case involves Iran, which has faced extended visa reviews for its World Cup delegation.

While players and key staff, including head coach Amir Ghalenoei, were eventually granted entry, around 13 administrative and technical personnel were denied visas.

The disruption forced Iran to shift its pre-tournament training base from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, placing the squad outside the United States despite being scheduled to play group-stage matches there against Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand in Group G.

Officials in Iran have described the process as politically driven and disruptive, while U.S. authorities have pointed to standard security vetting procedures.

The relocation has complicated logistics, with the team required to cross into the United States for matches despite training outside the host country.

Iraqi forward detained

For Iraq, returning to the World Cup for the first time since 1986, the focus has been overshadowed by a high-profile airport incident involving striker Aymen Hussein.

Upon arrival at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Hussein was reportedly detained and questioned for nearly seven hours, with his mobile phone inspected during the process. Team officials described the episode as deeply unsettling for a squad preparing for its long-awaited return to the global stage.

In a separate case, the team’s official photographer was held for more than 10 hours before being denied entry and sent back. The incidents have added pressure to a group already under scrutiny ahead of its tournament opener.

Somali referee chaos

One of the most significant officiating setbacks involves Omar Artan, who was selected by FIFA as one of the match officials for the tournament and was set to become the first referee from Somalia at a World Cup.

Artan, who arrived in Miami after being named CAF Referee of the Year in 2025, was denied entry by U.S. Customs and Border Protection over what officials described as vetting concerns.

He was subsequently sent back, reportedly to Türkiye, and will not take part in the tournament.

The decision has intensified debate over how travel restrictions and security policies intersect with FIFA’s global officiating appointments.

Senegal and Uzbekistan’s screening

Delegations from Senegal and Uzbekistan have also encountered rigorous security procedures upon arrival in the United States.

Senegalese players underwent detailed individual checks at airport terminals, while Uzbekistan’s squad was subjected to enhanced security protocols, including police dog inspections during a pre-tournament camp and friendly schedule in New York.

While such measures are consistent with large-scale event security, they have been widely circulated on social media and interpreted by some observers as uneven in their application.

Consistency and access

The incidents come amid broader scrutiny of U.S. immigration policy and its application to international sporting delegations.

Although exemptions exist for athletes and officials, implementation has varied, creating uncertainty for teams arriving in the final days before the tournament.

FIFA has reiterated that it does not oversee visa decisions but has faced criticism for not applying stronger pressure to ensure smoother entry processes for all participants.

The concerns now extend beyond logistics, raising questions about competitive fairness and the inclusivity of a tournament designed to bring together 48 nations.

The Daily Sabah Newsletter

Keep up to date with what’s happening in Turkey,
it’s region and the world.

SIGN ME UP

You can unsubscribe at any time. By signing up you are agreeing to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.