Iran’s Soccer Federation President Raises Concerns About L.A. World Cup Match Participating
The president of Iran’s soccer federation, Mehdi Taj, has expressed uncertainty about the national team’s ability to participate in World Cup matches in the United States. This concern arises following recent U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iran. “What is certain is that after this attack, we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope,” Taj stated in an interview with the sports portal Varzesh3.
The U.S.-Israeli attacks have persisted for a second consecutive day, escalating tensions after the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which has left the future of the Islamic Republic in a precarious state and heightened fears of regional instability.
Iran is set to compete in Group G of the World Cup, with matches scheduled to take place at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. The team will face New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21, followed by a match against Egypt in Seattle on June 26. The tournament, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19.
Previously, fans from Iran were barred from entering the U.S. due to the travel restrictions initiated by the Trump administration.
FIFA has yet to respond to inquiries regarding Iran’s participation in the World Cup amid the current crisis.
