US issue verdict on Iran’s World Cup participation amid withdrawal fears and Donald Trump travel ban threats

The Middle East has descended into chaos just months before football's showpiece event is due to begin across the United States, Canada and Mexico
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US Soccer has voiced its backing for Iran's inclusion in the World Cup.
Iran's participation in this summer's tournament remains in serious doubt following joint American and Israeli military strikes against the country over the weekend.
Speculation about a potential Iranian withdrawal from the tournament emerged after airstrikes hit multiple cities on Saturday and Sunday, prompting retaliation from Tehran amid escalating regional turmoil.
JT Batson, the head of the organisation, emphasised that facing Iran would be treated like any other fixture.
Speaking to Sky News, he stated: "FIFA president Gianni Infantino shared over the weekend the intention of a safe and secure World Cup where all teams are participating. And we're certainly very supportive of that.
"We played Iran a number of times in the World Cup and just like any other team of the 47 other teams we could play in the World Cup, our goal would be to win."
Infantino, who presented Donald Trump with the FIFA Peace Prize at December's group stage draw, expressed his aspirations for the tournament.
He said: "I hope so much it will be a moment of peace, I hope we can contribute to unite a little bit the world. I think the world really, really, needs it."

US Soccer has voiced its backing for Iran's inclusion in the tournament
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The Middle East has descended into chaos just months before football's showpiece event is due to begin across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Despite the heightened tensions, the three host nations remain hopeful that Iran will honour their commitment to compete in the tournament.
The president of the Iranian Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, struck a far more pessimistic tone about his country's prospects of attending the competition.
On Saturday, he declared: "With what happened today and with that attack by the United States, it is unlikely that we can look forward to the cup."
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JT Batson, the head of the organisation, emphasised that facing Iran would be treated like any other fixture
|GETTY
Taj stopped short of confirming a definitive decision, however, indicating that the matter lies beyond his authority.
He said: "But the sports chiefs are the ones who must decide on that."
The comments suggest Iran's sporting leadership is awaiting guidance from senior government officials before making any formal announcement regarding their World Cup status.
Iran have been drawn alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand in the group stage, with their matches scheduled to take place in Los Angeles and Seattle.

Mauricio Pochettino is leading the American side
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Should both Iran and the United States finish as runners-up in their respective groups, the two nations could meet in the last 32 knockout round on June 3 in Dallas.
The American side, managed by Mauricio Pochettino, is grouped with Paraguay, Australia and one remaining qualifier.
Further complications arise from a travel ban introduced by Trump, which has cast doubt over whether Iranian supporters can enter the country to watch their team.
FIFA general secretary Mattias Grafstrom confirmed the governing body would monitor developments closely.
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