New Zealand’s national team have said they will be ready to play Iran away from the United States in their opening match at the 2026 World Cup, as uncertainty continues over the game amid geopolitical tensions.
Iran was one of the first nations to qualify for the finals but their participation has been in doubt since the conflict between the US and Israel between the Islamic Republic of Iran erupted in late February.
Melli’s team is scheduled to play all three first-round group matches in the United States, with their opening match on June 15 against New Zealand in Los Angeles, but Iran’s soccer federation has threatened to boycott the match on American soil.
New Zealand is preparing as if the match in Los Angeles will go ahead, but the players said on Wednesday they could consider a switch out of the US if necessary.
Netherlands midfielder Ryan Thomas said Iran had earned their spot at the World Cup, and the All Whites would be able to manage the extra attention generated by the match.
“They deserve to be there as graduates,” he said. “If we have to play them in Mexico or Canada, then yes, we play them there. It’s really not a big deal to me.”
