"We're just ready to fight Iran," New Zealand coach adamant to Iran "Group G, as usual"

*This content was translated by AI.

New Zealand, which belongs to Iran in Group G of the 2026 2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup, is still preparing to face Iran.

Britain's 'Reuters News Agency' reported on the 18th (Korea Standard Time) that "New Zealand is still preparing to play against Iran in the World Cup."

Manager Darren Bazley, who leads the New Zealand national team, said, "For now, Iran is our opponent, and we will continue to prepare for the match against Iran as usual until we receive other notifications." "Of course, if the situation changes, I will deal with it, but it is a matter to be discussed higher than me," he said, showing an attitude that he will focus on training without being shaken by external circumstances.

FIFA announced in an official statement on the same day, "We continue to communicate with all participating countries' associations, including Iran, to prepare for the tournament," adding, "We expect all countries to play normally according to the official schedule confirmed on December 6, 2025." This is a clear line drawn by Iran's request to "make the World Cup match be played in Mexico, not the United States."

As armed conflict between the U.S., Israel and Iran broke out on the 28th of last month, the Iranian national team's entry into the U.S. and safety issues have been turned on.

On top of that, U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks on social media (SNS) on the 12th became a catalyst. President Trump said, "We welcome the participation of the Iranian national team," but added, "It is questionable whether it is appropriate to stay in the United States considering their lives and safety."

In 2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup, which opens in June, Iran, which belongs to Group G, will play all games in the United States. After playing the first and second group games against New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles (LA), the U.S., they will move to Seattle to play the third game against Egypt.

Feeling anxious, however, Iran asked FIFA to change the venue of the entire match in the U.S. to Mexico.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed a positive stance, saying, "If FIFA agrees, we will accept it." However, other countries in Group G, such as New Zealand, are reluctant to do so. Andrew Fragnell, secretary-general of the New Zealand Football Association, drew the line, saying, "Tens of thousands of tickets have already been sold and fans' flight and lodging reservations have been completed, so it is impossible to physically change the venue."

Moreover, it is a huge burden for FIFA to overturn the overall schedule of the tournament with the opening of the World Cup less than three months away. In the end, Iran's demands were not accepted without crossing realistic barriers.

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*This content was translated by AI.