‘Iran will be at World Cup’ and play in US, FIFA’s Infantino says

ANTALYA, Turkey — FIFA president Gianni Infantino told AFP Tuesday that Iran “will be at the World Cup” and will play their group matches in the United States as scheduled, despite the Middle East war. “Iran will be at the World Cup,” Infantino said at half-time as Iran beat Costa Rica 5-0 in a friendly in Turkey. “That’s why we’re here. We’re delighted because they’re a very, very strong team, I’m very happy.” “I’ve seen the team, I’ve spoken to the players and the coach, so everything is fine,” added Infantino, whose attendance at Tuesday’s game was unannounced. Infantino went on to stress that Iran’s “matches will be played where they are supposed to be, according to the draw.” The World Cup, being hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, starts on June 11. Iran are set to play their first Group G game against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. They are then scheduled to play Belgium in Los Angeles on June 21 and Egypt in Seattle on June 27. Iran’s participation had been thrown into doubt by the war with the U.S. and Israel that broke out on February 28. “For us, what matters

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