https://www.wired.me/story/for-irans-athletes-there-is-no-separating-sport-from-politics
For Iran’s Athletes, There Is No Separating Sport From Politics | WIRED Middle East
Jun 16, 2026 - From defections and protests to moments of national pride, the 2026 World Cup arrives amid decades of tension between identity and the state.
wired middle eastthere isathletesseparatingsport
https://www.wired.me/story/the-2026-world-cup-is-being-decided-at-passport-control-not-on-the-pitch
The 2026 World Cup Is Being Decided at Passport Control, Not on the Pitch | WIRED Middle East
Jun 10, 2026 - Trump’s United States is playing dirty at the World Cup, even before the whistle blows. Here’s what happened to citizens of Iran, Iraq and Somalia.
wired middle eastworld cupis beingpassport controldecided