Professor of Middle Eastern History Nabil Al-Tikriti
This month, Professor of Middle East History Nabil Al-Tikriti participated in the Middle East Research and Information Project (MERIP) podcast titled, “On the World Cup 2026.”
Recorded before the tournament’s semifinal match between Spain and France, the roundtable discussion explored the intersection of sports and politics across the Middle East and North Africa. Al-Tikriti discussed the experience of watching the World Cup in Turkey, Turkish club soccer, FIFA governance and his prediction for the tournament champion.
The episode also examined the significance of expanded regional participation in the World Cup, the role of colonial and diasporic histories in international soccer and the broader geopolitical context surrounding the tournament. Al-Tikriti joined MERIP Executive Director James Ryan, Reed College Professor Paul Silverstein and University of Exeter Senior Lecturer Sabiha Allouche for the discussion.
Learn more and listen to the podcast: The MERIP Podcast Episode 26.
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