IRAN’s POSSIBLE WORLD CUP WITHDRAWAL

A World Cup co-host is at war with another participating nation.

Since the United States launched strikes against Iran at the end of last month, the big question in the football world has been whether the latter will still play at the World Cup.

So will Iran play or not? Could they even face the United States? And who would likely replace them if they were to withdraw?

Today, we run through all the conceivable scenarios and analyse the most turbulent build-up to a World Cup in living memory.

Plus: The Barcelona fan who went to the wrong St. James’ Park and Welsh club Llantwit Major’s hilarious cup run.

Chapters

00:00 – Intro

00:55 – Iran’s World Cup predicament

04:35 – USA fit to host tournament?

08:09 – Scenario 1 – Iran play at World Cup

11:25 – Historical precedents for withdrawals

16:40 – Scenario 2 – Iran withdraw from World Cup

20:55 – Barca fan’s extreme travel mix-up

29:17 – Llantwit Major’s wacky cup run