Welcome to From the Politics Desk, a daily newsletter that brings you the NBC News Politics team’s latest reporting and analysis from the White House, Capitol Hill and the campaign trail.Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.As the World Cup kicks off today, Monica Alba explores the intersection between the tournament and the ongoing war with Iran.Plus, we examine the political fates of the House Republicans who voted to release the Epstein files.Sign up to receive this newsletter in your inbox every weekday here.— Adam WollnerWhen the World Cup and war collide By Monica AlbaThe 2026 World Cup is already making history on several fronts.
It’s the first time there have been three host nations, and it’s the first time 48 teams have participated.But there’s also this notable first: No World Cup host nation has ever been in an active military conflict with a country playing in the tournament until now, with the United States and Iran again trading fire this week ahead of today’s inaugural games.President Donald Trump, whom FIFA President Gianni Infantino awarded the FIFA Peace Prize to in December, promised this morning to hit Iran “VERY HARD TONIGHT” before announcing this afternoon that he had canceled those plans, signaling progress on a possible peace deal.It all underscored that the uncertain future of the war will loom over the the five-week tournament.
There has also been tension behind the scenes around the location of the Iranian team’s home base.Originally, Team Melli was supposed to train and stay at a facility in Tucson, Arizona, but late last month, FIFA changed it to Tijuana, Mexico.
That means the Iranian team will travel to the U.S.for each of its three group stage games and back on the same night.
Iran is scheduled to play twice in Los Angeles, including its first game on Monday, and once in Seattle.The visas necessary for the Iranian players to enter the U.S.from Me...