Iran are set to arrive in Los Angeles on Sunday ahead of their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending months of uncertainty surrounding their participation in the tournament amid escalating geopolitical tensions.
The Islamic Republic’s involvement in the competition had been thrown into doubt following the outbreak of a wider Middle East conflict after aerial attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran. Despite the political backdrop, Team Melli are now preparing to begin their World Cup campaign after training in Mexico.
Iran will face New Zealand in Los Angeles on Monday in a fixture that carries significant historical weight. The encounter marks the first time a World Cup host nation has staged a tournament involving a country with which it is currently at war.
However, Iran’s preparations have not been without complications. The team’s delegation has been affected by visa restrictions, with 15 administrative and management staff reportedly denied entry into the United States. As a result, several members of the support team have been forced to remain in Tijuana, Mexico, while the playing squad travels on to Los Angeles.
Away from the spotlight surrounding Iran’s arrival, several other intriguing World Cup fixtures are scheduled for Sunday.
The Netherlands will take on Japan, who have been dealt a major blow by the absence of captain Wataru Endo. The experienced midfielder announced on Thursday that his international career had come to an end following a foot injury.
Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu revealed that Endo was still struggling with the injury and apologised after confirming it had been his decision not to include the 33-year-old in the squad.
Elsewhere, Ivory Coast meet Ecuador in Philadelphia, while Sweden face Tunisia in the day’s final fixture.
Sweden’s route to the World Cup was among the most unusual of any team in the tournament. The Scandinavians failed to win a single match during the qualifying group stage but secured their place through their performances in the UEFA Nations League.
Despite that unlikely path, Sweden arrive with considerable attacking firepower, led by Premier League forwards Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres, who will be expected to spearhead the nation’s hopes of making a deep run in the competition.
