Days before the World Cup kicks off across North America, Iran's tickets have been revoked — adding to a litany of concerns that already include geopolitical tensions, visa rows and warnings of 'gridlock alert days' for drivers.
The tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, marks the first World Cup on US soil in more than 30 years. Brazil's national team have set up camp at the Red Bull training facility in Morristown, New Jersey, where Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha told the BBC the fans have been "amazing" and praised the facilities and the weather. "The only thing... it's called football, not soccer," he joked.
“Iran's World Cup tickets revoked days before kick-off, as US hosts warn of gridlock and fans fear missing matches.”
But for local fans, excitement is tempered by fears that traffic will wreak havoc. Brazilian-American Vivi de Castro, who missed pitchside access during a March friendly between Brazil and France in Boston because of congestion, warned that ticket holders could arrive late or miss matches if they don't plan correctly. "People walking were getting there quicker than our bus that we had," she told the BBC.
Across New York and New Jersey's motorways and tunnels, signs warn that traffic will be more congested than usual. At transit hubs, posters urge commuters to "know before you go". New York is designating each matchday a 'gridlock alert day' to discourage unnecessary driving, deploying more than 100 staff throughout midtown to manage traffic operations, and modifying public transport to handle extra commuters.
At Brooklyn's Prospect Park, young players from the SC Gjøa Soccer club told the BBC they were lucky enough to secure tickets. Goalkeeper Baxter Rowland is attending two matches — one with his family and the other with a group of friends who have chartered a bus. His mother, Alice Baxter, has decided to drive to the first game but said she's worried about traffic getting to the stadium, parking, and leaving. "I think it's going to be a little bit stressful, and I think it might be difficult for the first few games, at least," she said.
With World Cup fever building and the opening game just days away, the revocation of Iran's tickets adds an unexpected twist — but for now, the focus remains on whether the host cities can handle the pressure of the world's biggest sporting event.