Iran threatens to boycott World Cup match in LA over war; Darren Bazeley, NZ U-23 coach, is in the news as a key figure in international football.
As of March 26, 2026, Iran is negotiating with FIFA to move its 2026 World Cup group matches from the United States to Mexico due to safety concerns linked to ongoing US-Iran tensions. Iran is scheduled to play three group games in US cities Los Angeles and Seattle. FIFA maintains the original schedule but is in talks with Iran. Mexico has expressed willingness to host the matches if FIFA agrees.