THE World Cup co-hosts are determined to have Iran play in this summer’s tournament despite fears of a boycott.
Reports emerged over the weekend that the Iranian national team could withdraw from competing after violence escalated with the USA.
Airstrikes rained down on cities across the country after a joint military operation between America and Israel on Saturday and Sunday.
Iran retaliated as chaos spread throughout the Middle East just months before the World Cup.
But between USA, Canada, and Mexico, there is hope that Iran will fulfil their duties and attend the jamboree of football.
US Soccer CEO JT Batson said to Sky News: “Fifa president Gianni Infantino shared over the weekend the intention of a safe and secure World Cup where all teams are participating.
“And we’re certainly very supportive of that.”
He added: “We played Iran a number of times in the World Cup and just like any other team of the 47 other teams we could play in the World Cup, our goal would be to win.
“And so we look forward to doing just that.”
SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET £50 BONUS WHEN YOU JOIN
Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj was not as certain, he said on Saturday: “With what happened today and with that attack by the United States, it is unlikely that we can look forward to the cup.”
He added: “But the sports chiefs are the ones who must decide on that.”
Infantino, who awarded US President Donald Trump with the Fifa Peace Prize at the World Cup group stage draw in December, said: “I hope so much it will be a moment of peace, I hope we can contribute to unite a little bit the world.
“I think the world really, really, needs it.”
Iran are in a group with Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand.
They are due to play in Los Angeles and Seattle with the potential to face the USMNT in the last 32 knockout round if both sides finish second.
That game would be on June 3 in Dallas should USA, under Mauricio Pochettino, be runners up in their group with Paraguay, Australia, and a qualifier yet to be confirmed.
There is already uncertainty over Iranian fans getting into America to watch games due to a travel ban imposed by Trump.
Fifa general secretary Mattias Grafstrom explained: “I read the news the same way as you did this morning [Sunday].
“We had a meeting and it’s a bit premature to comment on it in detail.
“But, of course, we will monitor developments.”
He continued: “We had the finals draw in Washington DC where all teams participated.
“Of course, our focus is to have a safe World Cup with everybody participating.
“We’ll continue communicating with the three host governments – Mexico, Canada and the USA – moving forward.”
FOLLOW all the build-up to next summer’s World Cup right here including England updates, ticket news and Donald Trump’s latest plans.
