Geopolitics take centre stage ahead of World Cup

Friday, March 13, 2026 | 720 Views |

World Cup venue: Sofi Stadium in California PIC:DEZEEN.COM

The political tensions, rather than the excitement on the pitch, build up to FIFA’s biggest tournament, are threatening to take centre stage in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, reports MQONDISI DUBE

Geopolitical tensions are threatening to overshadow preparations for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, as global conflicts are increasingly taking away attention from the world’s most popular sporting event.

The tournament, scheduled to be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is expected to be the largest in football history, with 48 teams participating and billions of viewers watching across the globe.

Already have an active account? Log in here.

Or Sign up and get unlimited access to premium articles.

world cup

Atlanta Awaits: England and Argentina revive intense rivalry

correspondent |
14 July 2026

epa13105586 Jude Bellingham of England warms up ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals match Norway against England, in Miami, Florida, USA, 11 July 2026. EPA/SHAWN THEW

Dallas Duel: France and Spain battle for a place in history

correspondent |
14 July 2026

epa13101277 Kylian Mbappe of France celebrates scoring the 1-0 goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals match France against Morocco, in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, 09 July 2026. EPA/SARAH YENESEL

Between Two Worlds: Bacary Sagna on identity, Africa and the choice that defines a career

correspondent |
06 July 2026

Under-17 girls keep medal hopes alive

Kabelo Boranabi | 11 h ago

Lt General Seelo to retire from BDF after 40 years

Pini Bothoko | 12 h ago

Man allegedly forces girlfriend to drink poison before taking it himself

Pini Bothoko | 12 h ago

Weakness persists in swiping values

Mbongeni Mguni | 13 h ago

Lesenepole murder suspect dies by suicide in police cell

Pini Bothoko | 1d ago

Selefu

joey kambai | 1d ago

Sharodan Farms scores big

Mbongeni Mguni | 1d ago

Court finds sufficient evidence against Mojadigo

Larona Makhaiza | 1d ago

The State apparatus must be sanitised

When the State cannot rely on its own machinery to pursue suspected wrongdoing, repairing that machinery must become a national priority.The establishment of a Special Investigations and Asset Recovery Task Force may help government respond to the immediate challenge. However, Botswana cannot afford to leave the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) and the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) struggling whilst building...

The Monitor Editor | 10 November 2026

About us

Mmegi is the leading independent source of breaking news, latest news, current
affairs, Politics, Business, Sport, debates, analysis, and entertainment news in Botswana.