New Zealand footballers have said they would be willing to face Iran outside the United States in their opening match at the 2026 World Cup, as uncertainty persists over the clash amid geopolitical tensions.
Iran was one of the first teams to qualify for the competition, but its participation has been in doubt since the US-Israeli conflict with the Islamic Republic broke out in late February.
The Iranian team is scheduled to play all three group stage matches in the US, opening on June 15 against New Zealand in Los Angeles, but the Iranian football federation has threatened to boycott games on American soil.
New Zealand is preparing as if the match in Los Angeles will take place, but the players said on Wednesday (25) that they could adapt to a move outside the USA if necessary.
Netherlands-based midfielder Ryan Thomas said Iran had earned their place in the World Cup and that the New Zealand team would be able to deal with the extra attention generated by the match.
“They deserve to be there as ranked,” he told Reuters.
“If we have to play them in Mexico or Canada, then yes, we will play there. It’s not a big problem for me.”
During the World Cup, from June 11 to July 19, New Zealand will be based in the Southern California city of San Diego, which is a short drive from the Mexican border.
Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, said last week that her country would be open to hosting Iran’s World Cup matches, although the final decision on any change of venue rests with FIFA.
Australia-based winger Kosta Barbarouses said the players would leave the decision on the match to “the people responsible” but did not believe a change would harm New Zealand’s campaign.
“I don’t think it would hinder our preparation in any way,” he said.
“Anyway, we already have a base before our first game. So yeah, I don’t see why not.”
FIFA declined to comment on the possibility of changing the venues for Iran’s games, but said it was in contact with the Iranian football federation and was waiting for teams to play matches according to the current calendar.
Iran also faces Belgium in Los Angeles and Egypt in Seattle during the group stage.
Barbarouses, a 36-year-old father of two, acknowledged security concerns for the New Zealand-Iran match in Los Angeles but said he trusted authorities to ensure the safety of players and their families as the All Whites compete in their first World Cup since the 2010 edition.
“I understand there will be concerns, but given the magnitude of the event, I would love to have my family there,” said the Western Sydney Wanderers winger.
“I would feel safe leaving them there. I don’t think they would miss it for anything.”
Thomas said the New Zealand players’ nerves would be on edge before the match, but that was normal for any major tournament debut.
“Obviously there is a lot of expectation before the first game,” said the 31-year-old.
“So it will be interesting to see how we deal with it, but I’m confident in the group to cope on the pitch.”
