Organizers are facing growing concerns, however, as instability in the Middle East and worsening security in Mexico tied to the government’s fight with drug cartels raise fears of disruption.
◆Iran hints it may skip World Cup after U.S. strike
The biggest uncertainty is heightened tension in the Middle East after U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran, including a direct U.S. strike. Iran has suggested it may not take part in the North American World Cup.
Mehdi Taj, head of the Iran Football Federation, said on Iranian state television on March 1, “In a situation where the United States has carried out airstrikes, it seems difficult to expect participation in this World Cup,” signaling a possible boycott. Since the 1950 World Cup in Brazil, no team that had already secured qualification has declared it would withdraw shortly before the tournament.
Iran is scheduled to play all of its group-stage matches in the United States: against New Zealand and Belgium on June 16 and 22 in Los Angeles, then against Egypt on June 27 in Seattle.
Iran could also face a fine of at least 250,000 Swiss francs and could lose eligibility to take part in the next World Cup qualifiers, the report said.
The BBC reported that if Iran boycotts, Iraq or the United Arab Emirates could benefit. Iraq reached the intercontinental playoff after beating the UAE 3-2 in a fifth-round qualifier. Iraq is set to play a one-off match on April 1 against the winner of Bolivia vs. Suriname; if Iraq wins that intercontinental playoff, a scenario could emerge in which the UAE takes Iran’s place in the finals.
FIFA said it is watching closely. Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom said, “Our goal is for all teams to participate and to stage the World Cup safely.”
Trump, president of the co-host United States, took a hard line. In an interview with Politico on March 4, he said of Iran, “I don’t care whether Iran comes to the World Cup or not,” adding, “I think Iran is a country that has been very seriously defeated. Completely depleted.”
Mexico, another co-host, is also grappling with worsening security. After the Mexican government killed the leader of a drug cartel in Jalisco state in February, cartel members have repeatedly blocked roads and set vehicles and shops on fire, among other acts of violence.
Some qualified teams have moved to issue travel advisories or raise alert levels for high-risk areas in Mexico. South Korea’s Foreign Ministry has also advised canceling or postponing travel there.
With concerns growing that the unrest could drag on, some have raised the possibility of changing host sites within Mexico or canceling certain matches. As speculation spread that Guadalajara could lose its hosting rights, Jalisco Gov. Pablo Lemus told a news briefing on Feb. 24 that there was “no risk at all” of Guadalajara being stripped of matches. FIFA President Gianni Infantino also said he trusted Mexican authorities and that there would be no schedule changes.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum sought to reassure the public. In a Feb. 25 briefing, she said, “There is absolutely no problem. If anything, trust is firm,” adding that fans would not be put at risk and that the government and security forces would use all available resources to guarantee safety during the World Cup.
South Korea’s national team is watching developments closely because all three of its group-stage matches are scheduled to be played in Mexico. Drawn into Group A, South Korea is set to open June 12 against the winner of a European playoff at Akron Stadium in Guadalajara. It then plays host Mexico there on June 19 and finishes the group stage June 25 against South Africa at BBVA Stadium in Monterrey.
South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo said the team would focus on preparation despite the unsettled environment. “It seems the World Cup is drawing major attention even before it begins because of various external situations,” Hong said. “Our team will not be shaken by the outside environment, and we plan to do our best with what we can do now,” he added. “Until the tournament begins in 100 days, the coaching staff and players will prepare well in their respective roles.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
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