New Zealand Open to Iran Match Outside US

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, Group G sees Belgium, Egypt, New Zealand, and Iran competing for supremacy. According to the current schedule, New Zealand will face Iran at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on 15 June. For both teams, this will mark their opening match of the tournament. New Zealand players have indicated that they have no objection to playing Iran outside the United States, should circumstances require it.

Tensions escalated in the Middle East last February when the United States and Israel launched strikes in Iran, raising concerns over Iran’s participation in the tournament. Earlier, the Iran Football Federation had explored moving their US-based matches to Mexico, discussing the possibility with FIFA. However, according to The Times, FIFA would not consider such proposals, though no formal statement has yet been released.

Iran’s federation president, Mehdi Taj, stated unequivocally: “We will boycott America, not the World Cup.” While Iran is keen to compete, it remains reluctant to play matches on US soil. Former US President Donald Trump had raised concerns over the “safety and security” of Iranian players in the United States, later clarifying that no threat would come from American authorities. Taj’s demand for a venue change has largely been based on this context.

Despite the uncertainty, Iran’s World Cup preparations continue unabated. The team is currently training in Turkey and is scheduled to play two friendly matches there. Reuters reports that New Zealand is preparing for the Iran fixture assuming it will proceed in Los Angeles, but players emphasised on Wednesday that they would be comfortable playing elsewhere if necessary.

Midfielder Ryan Thomas believes Iran earned their place in the World Cup through merit. Speaking to Reuters, he said: “They qualified on the field. If we need to play them in Mexico or Canada, we will. It’s not a major issue.”

New Zealand’s main base camp will be in San Diego, California, conveniently near the Mexican border. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed that her country is prepared to host Iran’s matches if required, though the final decision rests entirely with FIFA.

Winger Costa Barbarouses, currently playing in Australia, echoed these sentiments, asserting that the responsibility for venue decisions rests with the authorities. He expressed confidence that any relocation would not disrupt New Zealand’s preparations: “We already have a pre-tournament camp, so a change in venue would not cause problems. The authorities will ensure player and family safety.”

FIFA has yet to comment officially on potential venue changes but maintains continuous communication with the Iran Football Federation. It anticipates that all teams will compete according to the current schedule.

Group G Match Schedule

Both Iran and New Zealand are preparing to compete under these conditions, and a potential venue shift is not expected to affect their World Cup campaigns. Players have expressed confidence in the organisers’ ability to ensure safety for athletes and their families while maintaining tournament integrity.