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This is Defector, a new sports blog and media company. We made this place together, we own it together, we run it together. Without access, without favor, without discretion, and without interference.

Defector

<p>Séamus Malekafzali is a New York-based journalist and writer primarily focusing on the politics of the Middle East.</p>


Séamus Malekafzali

Iranian fans protest outside the Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi Stadium) prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G match between Belgium and Iran

Soccer

The Monarchists Have Come To Harangue Iran’s World Cup Team

Luis Paez-Pumar

Iranian fans greet the players after the 2026 World Cup Group G football match between Iran and New Zealand at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on June 15, 2026.

Iran Forced Out Of U.S. Immediately After Playing Best Match Of World Cup

<p>Staff Writer</p>
<p>Find me on Signal @DefectorChris.19</p>


Chris Thompson

FIFA President Gianni Infantino and U.S. President Donald Trump on the red carpet prior the FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Draw

Border Security Theatrics Are Rising At History’s Stupidest World Cup

Albert Burneko

Politics

President, Extremely Normal Brain-Wise: Pope Weak On Crime, Also I’m Dr. Jesus Christ

Tom Ley

I Guess We’re Just Waiting Around To See If This Demented Psychopath Kills Everyone

Patrick Redford

A LED sphere screen shows information inside the new location of the prediction market online platform Polymarket called "The Situation Room."

Capital

Polymarket Apologizes For Taking Bets On American Pilots Downed Over Iran

Cubans gather in front of their houses during a blackout in Havana on March 16, 2026. Cuba suffered a widespread power cut on March 16, 2026, according to the national electricity company, against the backdrop of a severe crisis on the island caused by the US energy blockade. (Photo by ADALBERTO ROQUE / AFP)

Donald Trump Is Strangling Cuba To Death

Trump To World: Please Help Me Un-Shoot My Own Leg Off

Billy Haisley

U.S. President Donald Trump places the FIFA Peace Prize around his neck after receiving it from FIFA President Gianni Infantino (R) at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Draw at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts December 05, 2025 in Washington, DC.

Iran Plans To Boycott World Cup Due To FIFA Peace Prize Winner’s Murderous, Unprovoked War

Media Meltdowns

Is Nellie Bowles The Worst Writer In America?

Islamic Republic of Iran players take part in anthems during the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026 match between Korea Republic v Islamic Republic of Iran at Gold Coast Stadium on March 02, 2026 in Gold Coast, Australia.

Iran Women’s Soccer Team Is Feeling The Effects Of The War All The Way In Australia

Giri Nathan

Daniil Medvedev poses with the trophy after his victory in the Men's Singles Final against Tallon Griekspoor of the Netherlands on day fourteen of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Christopher Pike/Getty Images)

Tennis

Daniil Medvedev’s Tennis Plans Interrupted By Unrelated Global Crisis

Donald Trump wearing his stupid hat in the situation room at Mar-a-Lago

Donald Trump Can’t Even Pretend To Explain The Plan For Iran

Samer Kalaf

This picture obtained from Iran's ISNA news agency shows the site of a strike on a girls' school in Minab

Regime Change Is Blowing Up A School Full Of Children

Donald Trump looks on as Lindsey Graham talks in the foreground.

Lindsey Graham Has Waited Decades For The Chance To Obliterate Iran

USA's forward #10 Christian Pulisic scores his team's first goal past Iran's goalkeeper #01 Alireza Beiranvand during the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group B football match between Iran and USA at the Al-Thumama Stadium in Doha on November 29, 2022.

Internationals

The USMNT Is What We Thought It Was

Ray Ratto

Iranian Press Corps Dominates Group-Stage Match Against USMNT

England Beat Iran While FIFA And Qatar Beat Everyone Else

ST. POELTEN, AUSTRIA - SEPTEMBER 23: Mehdi Taremi of Iran celebrates with team mates after scoring a goal to make it 1-0 during the International Friendly match between Iran and Uruguay at NV Arena on September 23, 2022 in St. Poelten, Austria.

Iran Has More Than Just Soccer On Its Mind At The World Cup

<div class="author-header-content">
<p>Charles P. Pierce is a writer at <em>Esquire</em> and the author of four books, most recently <em>Idiot America</em>, and has been a working journalist since 1976. He lives near Boston with his wife but no longer his three children.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
</div>
<div class="author-header-shares"></div>


Charles P. Pierce

Kazuyoshi Miura of Japan falls after the FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier final round match between Iraq and Japan at the Al-Ahly Stadium on October 28, 1993 in Doha, Qatar.

iran