Even amid grave geopolitical developments, modern football offered a sense of the absurd. As drones and missiles continued to be launched around the Gulf, and headlines began to relay the reported death of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei, Fifa's hierarchy were desperate for details given the potential ramifications for the 2026 World Cup.
This time last year, Greenland's prime minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, was better known on the global stage for his sporting achievements than international politics. For years he dominated the territory's badminton scene, winning the singles and doubles championships almost every year. He won several medals at the Island Games, earning himself a reputation for very competitive play on the court. As it turned out, that was useful preparation for his time in office.