March 28, 2024
Analysis

World Cup shines light on allegations of North Korean labor in Qatar

While sanctions now impede cooperation, Pyongyang and Doha have maintained friendly ties for decades

The men’s national soccer teams of Argentina and France will face off in the eagerly awaited World Cup final on Sunday, capping a monthlong tournament viewed by billions around the world.

But when the superstars Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe battle to lead their respective teams to glory in Qatar, they will do so in a city that North Korean laborers may have helped build.

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