NEW YORK – Despite the unprecedented situation of a host country being at war with a World Cup qualifier, FIFA is still optimistic about its upcoming tournament that is 100 days away from kicking off. 

The US joined Israel last weekend in starting a war with Iran, which is scheduled to play its first World Cup match in mid-June in Los Angeles. No decision has been made on Iran’s participation, with a FIFA official saying on Feb 28 that the organiser is monitoring the situation.