New Zealand’s players have said they would be willing to play Iran outside the United States of America (US) in their opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as uncertainty over the match remains amid geopolitical tensions.
Iran was one of the first countries to qualify for the finals, but its participation has been in doubt since the US-Israeli conflict with the Islamic Republic broke out in late February.
Team Melli will play all three opening round group matches in the US, with their opener on June 15 against New Zealand in Los Angeles, but the Iranian Football Federation has threatened to boycott matches on US soil.
New Zealand is preparing with the idea that the Los Angeles match will go ahead, but players said on Wednesday they could make a switch if necessary.
Netherlands-based midfielder Ryan Thomas said Iran has earned its place in the World Cup and the All Whites could manage the extra attention the match generates.
“They deserve to be there as qualifiers,” he said Reuters. «If we have to play them in Mexico or Canada, we’ll play them there. It’s not really a 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, a short drive from the Mexican border.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said last week that her country would be open to hosting Iran’s World Cup matches, although the final say on any venue change would rest with FIFA.
Australia-based winger Kosta Barbarouses said players would leave it to «the people in charge» to make a decision on the match but did not think a move would harm New Zealand’s campaign.
“I don’t think it would derail our preparation at all,” he said Reuters. «We have a basis for our first match anyway. So yes, I don’t see why not.»
SAFETY CONCERNS
FIFA has declined to comment on the possibility of changing venues for Iranian matches, but said it is in contact with the Iranian Football Federation and looks forward to teams competing according to the current fixture schedule.
Iran will also play Belgium in Los Angeles and Egypt in Seattle during the group stage.
Barbarouses, a 36-year-old father of two, acknowledged security concerns ahead of the New Zealand-Iran match in Los Angeles but said he was confident authorities would ensure the safety of players and their families as the All Whites play their first World Cup since 2010.
“I understand there will be concerns for people but I think given the scale of the event I would love to have family there,” the Western Sydney Wanderers winger said.
«I would feel safe if they were there. I don’t think they would miss it.»
Thomas said the New Zealand players’ nerves would be high before the match, but that was normal for any opener at a major tournament.
“Obviously there’s a big build-up to the first game,” the 31-year-old said.
“So it will be interesting to see how we deal with that, but I am confident that the group will deal with it on the field.”
Published on March 25, 2026
