Two games in Los Angeles, another in Seattle. On paper, Iran’s schedule for the three World Cup group matches looked good. But since the start of the conflict in the Middle East and the American and Israeli strikes in Iran, the presence of Team Melli in the United States seemed to be called into question.
Donald Trump even recommended that Iran not come to the World Cup this summer, for its own “security”. Discussions had even been launched for Mexico to host the matches of Mehdi Taremi and his teammates. But, according to Gianni Infantino, Iran’s presence at the World Cup is not in question.
“Plan A” for Iran
“Iran represents its people, both the people who live in the country and those who are abroad,” said the FIFA president in an interview with the Mexican channel N + Univision. It’s a football country. He will play in the 2026 World Cup and there is no plan B, C or D, it’s plan A.”
“Iran will be at the World Cup,” Gianni Infantino told AFP on Tuesday, who came to attend a friendly match of the Iranian national team near Antalya, in the south of Turkey. I saw the team, I spoke to the players, the coach, so everything is good. The matches will be where they need to be, depending on the draw. »
Gianni Infantino nevertheless recognized that the “situation was very complicated”, due to the war in the Middle East and assured that he wanted to guarantee “the best possible conditions” for reception for Iran.
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