This intertwining between stadiums and arenas of conflict is not new, as history reveals a recurring connection between world championships and major crises, as neither the Olympic Games nor the World Cup have been spared the impact of wars since their inception. Football between wars and crises
During World War I, some tournaments continued in Europe such as the English Premier League and the FA Cup but were later halted as fighting expanded. During that period, the game on the front lines turned into a means of entertainment, while a number of players joined the army.
As for the first edition of the World Cup in 1930, it came in light of the Great Depression, which led to the absence of several European teams due to travel difficulties, despite the host country winning the title.
In the 1938 World Cup in France, European tensions were clearly reflected with the escalation of internal crises and the approach of World War II.
Later, the 1942 and 1946 editions were canceled due to World War II, before the tournament returned in 1950 in Brazil, coinciding with the beginnings of the Cold War and the Korean War.
During the following decades, tournaments continued despite conflicts, from 1958 in Sweden to 1974 in West Germany, through Chile, England and Mexico, in light of the Vietnam War.
Competitions also continued during regional crises, such as the 1994 World Cup in the United States during the Bosnian War, and the 1998 World Cup in France with the beginnings of the conflict in the Congo.
In 2002, the tournament was held in South Korea and Japan in conjunction with the war in Afghanistan, while the 2006 World Cup was held in Germany after the Iraq War, and the 2022 edition was held in Qatar after the outbreak of the Russian war on Ukraine.
The Olympics between cancellation and postponement
Since the launch of the modern Olympic Games in 1896, only three editions have been cancelled: 1916 due to World War I, and 1940 and 1944 due to World War II, while the 2020 edition was postponed a year due to the Corona pandemic.
In 1916, Berlin was preparing to host the Games before war halted preparations and Germany was subsequently banned from participating. In 1940, the Games were canceled after a series of changes in the host cities as a result of the expansion of the war, making the 1940 and 1944 editions known as the “Lost Olympics.”
The Games returned in 1948 in London, amid restrictions on the participation of countries emerging from the war.
World Cup 2026 in light of a turbulent global scene
The 2026 edition will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico amid escalating tensions in more than one arena, from American operations in Iran to the war in Ukraine and Sudan, in addition to the escalation in Gaza and Lebanon.
Hours before the start of the tournament, sharp American statements were issued regarding Iran, at a time when international efforts are intensifying to contain the crisis and prevent its expansion.
The question remains: Can sports stay away from politics, or will it remain a direct reflection of the world’s conflicts? (Sky News)
