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The US and Iran Are at War Three Months Before the World Cup Kicks Off. It’s Unclear if the Iranian Team Will Play
Iran's World Cup participation is uncertain after U.S.-Israeli strikes killed Supreme Leader Khamenei, with FIFA yet to comment and training plans in Tucson on hold.
- On Saturday, joint U.S.-Israeli airstrikes killed Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and Mehdi Taj said, `What is certain is that after this attack, we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope.`
- As the strikes widened on Sunday, the Asian Football Confederation postponed playoffs and the Qatar Football Federation suspended all competitions until further notice.
- Iran is drawn in Group G and scheduled to play New Zealand on June 15, Belgium on June 21 and Egypt on June 26 while Kino Sports Complex in Tucson awaits clarity on Iran's training plans.
- FIFA has not publicly commented and said it will monitor developments, while U.S. travel restrictions already bar many supporters and could restrict Iran's participation.
- A leadership vacuum in Tehran makes it unclear who will decide on World Cup participation; FIFA rules allow replacing Iran with UAE or Iraq, who have three months to prepare.
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Al-MonitorReposted by 
The New Arab
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The war in the Middle East triggered by US and Israeli strikes on Iran has raised the question of whether the Iranian national team will take part in the World Cup later this year, during which it is due to play group games in the United States.- What is Iran's position? -The possibility of a boycott of the World Cup has been raised in Iran.
·Washington, United States
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The US and Iran are at war three months before the World Cup kicks off. It’s unclear if the Iranian team will play
It’s now 100 days until the FIFA World Cup is set to begin in North America, and the intensifying war in the Middle East has raised further questions around what is already a controversial tournament.
·Atlanta, United States
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Total News Sources41
Leaning Left10Leaning Right1Center23Last UpdatedBias Distribution68% Center
Bias Distribution
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68% Center
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C 68%
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