war
4 Mar 2026

Iran and its effect on international sport 

From Nights, 8:10 pm on 4 March 2026

Fresh strikes have hit half a dozen countries across the Middle East in the widening conflict surrounding Iran.

In fewer than one hundred days' time, the New Zealand football team is expected to be playing Iran, in the United States, for the FIFA World Cup.

Jacob Spoonley is a former New Zealand football player, and General Manager of the New Zealand Professional Footballers' Association.

He joins Emile Donovan.

The FIFA World Cup Trophy is displayed during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Draw at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on December 05, 2025 in Washington, DC.

The FIFA World Cup Trophy is displayed during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Draw at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on December 05, 2025 in Washington, DC. Photo: Pool