New Zealand vs Iran World Cup Match: Venue Uncertainty
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| All Whites open to playing Iran outside US amid World Cup venue uncertainty |
New Zealand's soccer team is flexible about playing Iran outside the US due to geopolitical tensions, with matches set for June 2026 in Los Angeles.
New Zealand's soccer team is open to playing Iran outside the US due to geopolitical tensions, with matches set for June 2026 in Los Angeles...
New Zealand's soccer players, the All Whites, are open to playing their World Cup opener against Iran outside the US, amidst uncertainty over the match's location due to geopolitical tensions. Iran qualified for the 2026 World Cup but their participation is uncertain following the US-Israeli conflict with the Islamic Republic.
The Iranian football federation has threatened to boycott matches on US soil, prompting discussions with FIFA about potentially moving the games to Mexico. Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum has expressed openness to hosting Iran's World Cup fixtures, but FIFA has yet to comment on the possibility of switching venues.
New Zealand players like Ryan Thomas and Kosta Barbarouses have downplayed the potential impact of a venue change, stating they're prepared to adapt and focus on their performance on the pitch.
Team Melli, Iran's national team, is set to play their opening-round group matches in the U.S., starting with New Zealand on June 15 in Los Angeles. However, the Iranian soccer federation has threatened to boycott games on U.S. soil due to geopolitical tensions.
New Zealand is preparing for the match as if it'll go ahead, but players are flexible and could accommodate a switch outside the U.S. if needed. Winger Kosta Barbarouses said switching the venue wouldn't derail their preparations, and midfielder Ryan Thomas believes Iran deserves their spot at the World Cup.
Ryan Thomas, the Netherlands-based midfielder, believes Iran deserves their World Cup spot and thinks the All Whites can handle the extra attention the match will bring.
“They deserve to be there as qualifiers,” he said.
“If we've got to play them in Mexico or Canada, then yeah, we play them there. It's not really a big deal for me.”
New Zealand's team will be based in San Diego, southern California, during the World Cup, which is conveniently close to the Mexican border. This location has become relevant as there's a possibility Iran's matches might be moved to Mexico. Iran is currently scheduled to play New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, and Egypt in Seattle, but the Iranian football federation has asked FIFA to relocate these matches to Mexico due to security concerns.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has expressed openness to hosting Iran's World Cup fixtures, but ultimately, the decision rests with FIFA. The organization has stated it's in contact with the Iranian football federation and is looking forward to teams competing as per the current schedule.
“I don't think it would derail our preparation at all,” he said.
“We've got a base before our first game, anyway. So, yeah, I don't see why not.”
Kosta Barbarouses, Australia-based winger for New Zealand, said players will leave the venue decision to “the people in charge” but doesn't think a switch would hurt the All Whites' campaign.
FIFA hasn't officially commented on Iran's request to move their World Cup matches from the US to Mexico, but they're in talks with the Iranian soccer federation and expect teams to compete as scheduled.
Iran's matches are currently set for Los Angeles (vs New Zealand and Belgium) and Seattle (vs Egypt). The Iranian federation cites security concerns due to the US-Israel conflict, while FIFA's regulations allow them to relocate matches for safety reasons.
Barbarouses, 36, knows there's security concerns about the LA match, but trusts authorities will keep players and families safe. It's the All Whites' first World Cup since 2010, and he's focused on the game.
“I understand there will be worries for people but I just think with the magnitude of the event, I would love to have family there,” the Western Sydney Wanderers winger said.
“I would feel safe for them to be over there. I don't think they'd miss it.”
Ryan Thomas said the All Whites will be nervous before the match, but that's normal for a World Cup opener. “It's just part of the game, and we're looking forward to it.”
“Obviously there's a big buildup prior to the first game,” the 31-year-old said.
“So it's going to be interesting to see how we deal with that, but I'm confident in the group to deal with it on the pitch.”
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