"The Iranian football federation's upbeat readout of the meeting in Turkiye made no mention of moving World Cup games to Mexico, a subject Infantino has repeatedly shut down."
"Infantino also offered tangible help for the squad to prepare for the World Cup in the next two months, as most Iran players are with clubs in the national league, which has shut down during the war."
"Talk of Iran boycotting football's biggest event or seeking to move its games from Los Angeles and Seattle to Mexico has faded, indicating a shift in focus towards participation."
"The war immediately cast doubt on Iran's ability and willingness to fulfill a World Cup entry that it secured in March 2025 as one of the best teams in Asia."
Iranian football officials met FIFA President Gianni Infantino for the first time since the US-Israel war began, achieving progress in football diplomacy. The Iranian football federation reported positively on the meeting in Turkiye, omitting discussions about moving World Cup games to Mexico. Infantino offered support for the team's World Cup preparations, while Iran's national league remains shut down due to the war. Despite uncertainties, plans for the World Cup in the US continue, with the Iranian delegation expected in Tucson by June 10.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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