World Cup 2026: Can Sports Ever Be Separated From Politics in an Age of War?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup was supposed to showcase North American unity, but instead it is unfolding against a backdrop of wars, visa disputes and growing geopolitical tensions. Co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico, the tournament is already testing the idea that sports can remain separate from politics. Questions over visas for Iranian team officials, debate about Russia’s possible return to international competition and concerns over border restrictions have all thrust geopolitics into football’s biggest event. Meanwhile, Taiwan’s own experience competing as “Chinese Taipei” highlights how identity and politics continue to shape international sports. In this episode, we examine whether global sporting events can ever truly be politically neutral and what the World Cup reveals about today’s international order. *Recorded on June 12, 2026 at 3:30pm Taiwan Standard Time Host: Wen-Ti Sung Producer: Chinyeh Chiang Our guests: Leo Hsu - National Taiwan University of Sport (NTUS) Liberal Arts Dean and Professor Jiho Chang - Keelung City Councilor (Democratic Progressive Party)
