Idman.biz
New Zealand footballers have stated their readiness to play against Iran outside the USA in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Idman.Biz reports that although the Iranian national team was one of the first countries to qualify for the tournament, their participation is in doubt due to the US-Israel war. According to the schedule, the Iranian national team should play all three group matches in the USA. Their first game against New Zealand is scheduled for June 15 in Los Angeles. However, the Iranian Football Federation has announced that it will boycott matches in the US territory.
The New Zealand team is preparing as if the match in Los Angeles will take place, but the players have said they are ready for the game to be moved outside the USA if necessary.
Midfielder Ryan Thomas, who plays in the Netherlands, told Reuters that Iran has earned the right to participate in the World Cup and their team can handle the extra attention the match is generating:
"They deserve to be there because they got through qualifying. If we have to play them in Mexico or Canada, then yeah, we'll play them there. It's not that big of a deal for me."
During the tournament, which will last from June 11 to July 19, the New Zealand national team will be based in San Diego, near the Mexican border. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said last week that her country was open to hosting Iran's matches, but stressed that the final say on the venue change belongs to FIFA.
FIFA has declined to comment on the possibility of relocating Iran's matches. However, the organization noted that it is in contact with the Iranian Football Federation and expects the teams to compete according to the existing schedule. Iran is also scheduled to face Belgium in Los Angeles and Egypt in Seattle in the group stage.
