• New Zealand players are open to playing their World Cup opener against Iran outside the U.S.
• The match is scheduled for June 15, 2026, in Los Angeles, but venue uncertainty exists.
• Ryan Thomas and Kosta Barbarouses emphasize their confidence in adapting to venue changes.

New Zealand soccer players have expressed their willingness to play against Iran outside the United States in their opening match at the FIFA World Cup 2026, as the geopolitical tensions surrounding the event raise doubts about the fixture. While Iran was among the first teams to qualify for the tournament, their participation is uncertain due to threats from the Iranian Football Federation to boycott matches on U.S. soil in response to the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict that escalated at the end of February. Team Melli is scheduled to play their group matches in the U.S., including the opener against New Zealand on June 15 in Los Angeles, but the situation remains fluid, according to Reuters, Al Jazeera, and South China Morning Post.

New Zealand is preparing for the match as if it will take place in Los Angeles, although players have indicated they could accommodate a venue switch if necessary. Netherlands-based midfielder Ryan Thomas underscored that Iran had qualified rightly for the World Cup, stating, “They deserve to be there as qualifiers,” and added that playing the match in Mexico or Canada would not be a significant issue for him. As the World Cup scheduled from June 11 to July 19 approaches, New Zealand will be based in San Diego, just a short drive from the Mexican border, which could potentially host the match, as mentioned by Al Jazeera and South China Morning Post.

Kosta Barbarouses, an Australia-based winger, expressed confidence that a location change would not impede New Zealand's preparations, stating, “I don’t think it would derail our preparation at all.” He noted that the players were ready to defer to "the people in charge" regarding decisions about the match's venue. The president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, has offered to host Iran’s matches, though the final decision rests with FIFA, as reported by Reuters and South China Morning Post.

Concerns about security for the New Zealand-Iran match have been acknowledged, particularly in light of tensions surrounding the conflict. However, Barbarouses expressed trust in authorities to ensure the safety of players and their families during the World Cup, saying, “I would feel safe for them to be over there.” Thomas reflected on the natural nerves that accompany major tournament openers but conveyed confidence that the team could handle the pressure effectively, as detailed by both Reuters and Al Jazeera.