- Summary
- * New Zealand midfielder Thomas says Iran deserve their spot at World Cup
- * Winger Barbarouses says switching match would not derail team’s preparations
- * Iran have threatened to boycott matches in US but want to play in World Cup
New Zealand soccer players have said they would be willing to play Iran outside the United States in their opening match at the 2026 World Cup, as uncertainty persists over the fixture amid geopolitical tensions.
Iran were one of the first nations to qualify for the finals, but their participation has been in doubt since the U.S.-Israeli conflict with the Islamic Republic broke out at the end of February.
Team Melli are scheduled to play all three of their opening-round group matches in the U.S., with their June 15 opener against New Zealand in Los Angeles, but the Iranian soccer federation has threatened to boycott fixtures on U.S. soil.
New Zealand are preparing as if the Los Angeles match will go ahead but players said on Wednesday they could accommodate a switch outside the U.S. if necessary.
Netherlands-based 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 qualifiers,” he told Reuters.