As the United States and Iran continue to exchange missiles amid ongoing conflict, the possibility of a World Cup match between the two nations looms. If the game occurs, it could take place on July 3 at 2 p.m. in Dallas, Texas.
Texas ABC affiliate KVUE reported on June 6 about the potential matchup in Dallas. The U.S. is in Group D with Paraguay, Australia, and Turkey, while Iran is in Group G with Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand. If both teams finish second in their respective groups, they will face each other in Dallas, coinciding with the day before the 250th anniversary of American Independence Day.
KVUE also recalled the politically charged match between the U.S. and Iran during the 1998 World Cup in France, which is often referred to as the "most political game in World Cup history." Iran won that match 2-1 amid heightened political tensions between the two countries. At the time, 150 armed police were stationed outside the stadium, and 3,000 fans waved banners with political slogans. The two teams met again during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, shortly after the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who died after being detained for protesting against the hijab mandate. The U.S. won that match 1-0.
This year's political climate is even more charged. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the former supreme leader who ruled the country like a monarch, was removed following attacks from the U.S. and Israel.
Although the tournament has yet to begin, tensions are already surfacing. According to Al Jazeera and Arizona radio station KJZZ, the Iranian Football Federation has moved its training camp from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico. Reports suggest this relocation was due to last-minute negotiations over U.S. visa issues.
The U.S. government issued visas to the Iranian players without issue, but some officials from the Iranian Football Association were denied. The New York Times reported that while all 26 players received visas, about ten support staff members, including coaches, trainers, analysts, and medical personnel, were denied entry. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on June 5 that while there were no issues with the players' visas, personnel unrelated to sports, such as members of the Revolutionary Guard, would be scrutinized closely. Mahdi Taj, president of the Iranian Football Association and a former commander of the Revolutionary Guard, criticized the U.S., saying, "The rulers of America are hated, and no one wants to go to that country, but since the World Cup is being held there, the players must go."
The actual match between the two countries will depend on their tournament performance. CBS Sports predicts that the U.S. has a good chance of finishing in the top two of Group D, while Iran is expected to compete for second or third place in Group G against Egypt, following Belgium.
Controversy is also anticipated in Los Angeles, where the first match will take place on June 15. Local media LA East reports that Los Angeles has the largest Iranian population outside of Iran, with approximately 230,000 Iranian-Americans living in the area, many of whom fled due to opposition to the Islamic regime. These individuals may attempt to bring flags from the monarchy era into the stadium to protest. However, FIFA plans to prohibit the display of the monarchy's flag at World Cup matches, according to The Athletic.
Meanwhile, as of June 8, Iran and Israel have temporarily ceased hostilities. This pause follows a statement from former President Donald Trump on social media platform Truth Social, urging both nations to stop shooting at each other.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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