Politics spills over into sport

A Fifa executive will have to explain to President Trump at some point that it is tradition to play the national songs of the opposing nations, rather than those of the host nation, during the World Cup Finals.

It’s a mischief, but it’s just one of many thorny problems that could arise during the buildup to the biggest football show in history.

The media and publications have joined the hype train for the 2026 World Cup, which began this week. The excitement is understandable as it promises to be one of the largest and best World Cups in history.

There are still many issues that the average fan is not aware of. One potentially controversial item is the national anthem. The national anthem is a potentially contentious item. I was excited by the American tradition of playing “The stars and stripes” before every major sporting event.

I don’t know how the locals will react if they find out that they can’t listen to their favorite tune but have to sit through two national anthems of other countries.

Politics will always spill over into sport. Favorite Spain threatened to boycott if Israel qualified. Germany is making noises of staying home as a protest over tariffs.

The irony is that Iran qualified first; their sports minister is right to think that the country’s participation is in doubt. Iraq may step in if they are unable to attend. They are currently trying to plan a play-off with Bolivia or Surinam in Mexico. Graham Arnold is not able to fly out of Dubai, so he’s contemplating driving 25 hours from Dubai to Baghdad. Houston’s training camp was also cancelled. This is only part of the chaos.

In the States, local authorities refuse to issue a license for the Gilette Stadium at Foxborough until FIFA pays almost eight millions dollars in security funds. The fans of Scotland, Haiti, and Morocco may not be aware that the host venue is having issues.

Even armchair fans will be pleased with the new developments. It’s no surprise that games are played in quarters. Every half will have a drink break. It’s not a new thing; in La Liga a soundperson will cast a large boom microphone above the impromptu talk of the team. This adds drama.

The television companies are allowed to squeeze the screen, but only when the commercials surrounding it are from a sponsor. Gatorade will be bringing you this hydration break. You can imagine the reaction of traditionalists when you say “This hydration break is brought to you by Gatorade”.

And, to think, we thought the only talking points would be Harry Kane taking corners, Kylian Mbappé’s knee or whether Ronaldo lasts a full game. The cost of the tickets, much debated, is not as important as other issues.

A marching band in LA is learning the Iranian, Iraqi, and Surinamese National Anthems.