With 100 days to go until the World Cup, the conflict with Iran has added a new layer of complexity to the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. Organisers are already grappling with cartel violence in one of Mexico's host cities, scaled-back fan festivals in the US and criticism over soaring ticket prices.
Iran is set to play two group stage games in Inglewood, California, and one in Seattle, but whether the team will travel is uncertain. Iran's top soccer official, Mehdi Taj, said last weekend that after the US and Israeli attacks that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and dozens of officials, they cannot look forward to the World Cup with hope. However, Iran has not announced a withdrawal; no qualified team has done so in 75 years.
Fan festivals, a key part of the World Cup experience, have been curtailed. The New York/New Jersey host committee eliminated its Fan Fest in Jersey City after selling tickets – a first for free-entry zones. Seattle and Boston reduced their plans, and Miami's host committee said it might cancel without federal funding within 30 days. Kansas City also cited an immediate need for federal security funds.
In Foxborough, Massachusetts, the Select Board refused to issue a permit for seven World Cup matches at the Gillette Stadium, demanding $7.8 million by March 17 for police and other costs. FIFA has 7 million seats to fill and received 500 million ticket requests. The tournament kicks off on June 11 with Mexico against South Africa in Mexico City.
