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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
John Duerden

US-Israel war on Iran: how football in the region is struggling to deal with the fallout

FIFA World Cup 2026 draw ceremony featuring Iran with officials at podiums under flag backdrop
Iran’s name is drawn at the World Cup draw in Washington. Photograph: Carlos Barría/Reuters

It has been a little over three weeks since the United States and Israel attacked Iran and plunged the Middle East into war. Football there is struggling to deal with the fallout from the conflict. Here are the issues.

Iran’s disrupted World Cup preparations

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