By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo
Former Japan international Keisuke Honda has revealed that a planned advertising deal with a United States-based company ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 was halted after he publicly supported Iran’s participation in the tournament.
Honda disclosed the development on his account on X (formerly Twitter), saying the agreement, which was close to being finalized, was stopped after he expressed his personal view that Iran should still be allowed to compete at football’s biggest tournament despite the sensitive geopolitical climate.
“I know this is a very sensitive issue, but personally I want them (Iran) to participate in the World Cup,” Honda wrote.
According to the former attacking midfielder, his comment triggered a reaction from a U.S. company that had been negotiating a World Cup-related advertising partnership with him.
“Apparently because of this statement, an advertisement from an American company that was close to being finalized for the World Cup ended up being canceled,” Honda said, adding that he would rather avoid working with companies that make decisions based on what he described as flawed reasoning.
The identity of the company involved has not been publicly disclosed, and there has been no independent confirmation from the sponsor regarding the halted deal.
Honda, a three-time World Cup participant with the Japan national football team, has increasingly used his public platforms to speak on global and political issues since stepping away from top-level international football. During his playing career, he represented major clubs including AC Milan and was widely regarded as one of Japan’s most influential footballers of the modern era.
His comments come amid growing debate in international sport about how geopolitical tensions should affect global competitions, particularly with the expanded 48-team 2026 World Cup approaching. The tournament will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Honda, however, maintained that sporting opportunities should remain open to athletes regardless of political disputes, insisting that football should continue to provide a platform for global participation and competition.