Former Japan Star Honda Criticises US Firm After Ad Deal Cancelled Over Iran Statement

Former Japan international Keisuke Honda has revealed that he lost a major advertising deal in the United States after publicly supporting the participation of Iran’s national team in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Honda disclosed the development in a post on social media, explaining that a United States-based company cancelled an advertising campaign shortly before it was due to be finalised.

According to the former midfielder, the decision came after he expressed his personal opinion that Iran should be allowed to compete in the global tournament despite the ongoing geopolitical tensions.

“I know it’s a very sensitive thing, but I personally want them to participate in the World Cup,” Honda wrote in a message on X.

The 39-year-old later added that his statement apparently prompted the company to suspend the advertisement that had been planned to coincide with the World Cup.

Without naming the company involved, Honda criticised the decision and suggested that the cancellation reflected a failure to focus on the broader spirit of sport.

“Apparently, this statement caused a US company to cancel an advertisement that was about to be finalised to coincide with the World Cup,” he wrote.

“We don’t want anything to do with companies that ignore the essence of things and make decisions based on rotten thinking.”

Iran’s place at the 48-team tournament remains uncertain following escalating tensions between the country and the United States.

The situation intensified after the United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran in late February, triggering retaliatory missile and drone attacks from Tehran across parts of the Middle East.

The tournament, organised by FIFA, will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19. Iran’s group-stage matches are currently scheduled to be played at venues along the US West Coast.