New Zealand football players have expressed their willingness to play Iran outside of the United States in their opening match at the FIFA World Cup 2026. The two nations are set to play their World Cup opener on June 15 in Los Angeles, but Iran has threatened to boycott its group matches due to the US-Israel war on their country. While New Zealand is preparing for the Los Angeles match, players have said they could accommodate a switch to outside the US if necessary. FIFA has declined to comment on the possibility of switching venues for Iran's games, but is in contact with the Iranian Football Federation. Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum has expressed her country's willingness to host Iran's World Cup fixtures.