Iran to play World Cup matches in US despite conflict
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has confirmed that Iran will participate in the World Cup and play their scheduled group matches in the United States. Despite concerns raised by the ongoing conflict involving the US and Israel, Infantino assured that Iran’s games will take place as planned. The Iranian football federation had considered relocating matches, but Infantino emphasized that the fixtures will proceed according to the official draw. Discussions and statements from various officials have highlighted the tensions surrounding Iran’s participation.
Match highlights
- Gianni Infantino stated that Iran "will be at the World Cup" and their matches will be played as scheduled in the United States.
- Iran’s participation was questioned following the war with the US and Israel that began on February 28.
- The World Cup is set to start on June 11, with Iran’s first Group G game against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15.
- Iran is also scheduled to play Belgium in Los Angeles on June 21 and Egypt in Seattle on June 27.
- An airstrike on a school in Minab, Iran, on February 28 killed at least 170 people, which Iranian players commemorated during a friendly match.
