In light of the recent regional war in the Middle East, questions over Iran’s participation in the World Cup this summer have multiplied.
Iran has competed in the past three World Cup tournaments and was the third country (behind Japan and New Zealand) to qualify for this summer’s competition in North America. The nation drew Group G and is currently scheduled to open group play in Los Angeles against New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21, before traveling to Seattle to face Egypt on June 26. If the U.S. and Iran both finish second in their respective groups, they could play each other in the Round of 32 in Dallas on July 3.
