Twelve days ago the U.S., a World Cup host country, launched a full-scale bombing campaign against Iran, a country that has qualified to play in the tournament. Five days later, that same World Cup host began military operations inside the borders of Ecuador, another World Cup qualifier, half a world away. Advertisement“It seems to me, for each passing day, it’s less and less likely that the World Cup can happen,” he said. AdvertisementThose three countries are World Cup qualifiers as well. But the need for unity is the very reason there’s a World Cup in the first place.

Source: Los Angeles Times March 10, 2026 18:04 UTC