Football club geopolitics – 2026 world cup

How did a small country like Uruguay make its mark on the international stage thanks to soccer? Why did a simple match between the United States and Iran become a historic diplomatic moment? Why has the World Cup become both a major political issue for some countries with no soccer culture, such as Qatar, and a powerful showcase for other nations seeking recognition, from Croatia to Curaçao?
Every four years, the World Cup goes far beyond the realm of sport. It becomes a barometer of tensions, ambitions, and national trajectories on a global scale.
In just a few decades, soccer has established itself as the most popular sport on the planet, capable of attracting more than three billion television viewers. It is a unique event, where nations play not only for a trophy, but also for their image, visibility, and sometimes their place on the international stage.
Through 22 unusual stories, told in narra