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 .
US Soccer CEO JT Batson is keen to have Iran at the World Cup later this yearCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
It comes after Donald Trump sanctioned airstrikes on the country in a joint military operation with IsraelCredit: Getty
between America and on Saturday and Sunday.
retaliated as chaos spread throughout the Middle East just months before the World Cup.
But between , , and ,.
US Soccer CEO JT Batson said to Sky News: “ president 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.”
, he said on Saturday: “With what happened today and with that attack by the , 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.”
Fifa president Gianni Infantino wants the tournament to be “a moment of peace”Credit: Reuters
President Trump was awarded the Peace Prize by Fifa in DecemberCredit: Getty
Infantino, , 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 , , and .
They are due to play in 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 , 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 .
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 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.”
Iran have been drawn in a group with Belgium, Egypt, and New ZealandCredit: AFP
FOLLOW all the build-up to next summer’s including England updates, ticket news and Donald Trump’s latest plans.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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