Behind the scenes: the powerful connections between football, politics, and identity in Iran and Saudi Arabia

Football is undoubtedly much more than a game. Over the years, it has become an influential cultural, social, and political arena. In Iran and Saudi Arabia, football has become a central tool in shaping national identity, promoting domestic and foreign policy, and, at times, even an arena for ideological struggle. The two countries, which differ from each other in their regimes, cultures, and attitudes towards religion and the West, attribute strategic importance to football both as a diplomatic tool and as a means of mobilising public support. This article examines the historical and contemporary development of football in Iran and Saudi Arabia, focusing on the political, social, and religious influences on shaping the sporting landscape in these countries.