Italy’s repechage to World Cup: toward cancellation of Iran’s first game in America

A report from Tehran again puts Iran’s presence at the upcoming World Cup, scheduled to be held in Canada, the United States and Mexico, in doubt. The Iranian selection, after qualifying for the World Cup, had scheduled a friendly against Puerto Rico in early June, also on U.S. soil, to finalize final details before the world debut on June 16 against New Zealand in Los Angeles.

According to the latest news reported by Persianfootball, the match is in danger of being canceled. The Puerto Rican Football Federation has reportedly sent a letter to its Iranian counterpart, requesting a new memorandum of understanding and speculating on the possibility of canceling the match. This development casts uncertainty on the feasibility of the match, but also casts shadows on Iran’s chances of participating in the tournament in North America amidst a war context that is still far from being resolved.

Technical commissioner Amir Ghalenoei is banking heavily on this test match for the team’s preparation for the World Cup, and important news could be coming in the next few days: in case of cancellation Tehran could opt for a substitute opponent. Meanwhile, soothing statements have come from both the White House and FIFA President Infantino on Iran’s participation in the event.

Ghalenoei’s national team will assemble in early May: the first to arrive will be players who play in the Iranian league, which is currently at a standstill due to the war. Iran, if it confirms its presence at the World Cup, will then carry out the last phase of preparation in Turkey before moving to the United States.

The situation in the Middle East remains tense and much will depend on what happens in the coming days. Italy remains at the window: in case of Iran’s forfeit, the Azzurri could be invited to a mini-tournament that would decide the repechage team. At the moment, however, FIFA has drastically ruled out an absence of Iran.