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≡ FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 ≡
FIFA President Gianni Infantino (SUI) made a surprise visit to the Iran vs. Costa Rica friendly in Antalya (TUR) on Tuesday – won by the Iranians by 5-0 – and met with the Iranian team and offering assurance they will play their FIFA World Cup matches as scheduled, in Inglewood and Seattle.
He told the Mexican daily El Financiero:
“We live in the real world and we know about the extremely difficult situation that the Iranian team is in, but we are working to do everything possible to ensure that they play their matches at the World Cup in the best possible conditions.”
In an Instagram post, Infantino wrote about his meeting with the Iranian team:
“I congratulated Team Melli once again on their qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and for making millions of people in IR Iran and around the world proud. Representing a nation comes with great responsibility, and I encouraged the players to continue inspiring their fans and making their people dream on the global stage.
“Football brings unity and hope, even in the most challenging circumstances, and FIFA will continue to support the team to ensure the best possible conditions as they prepare for the FIFA World Cup. I look forward to seeing them deliver a positive message of humanity and togetherness to the world.”
He told reporters later, “I saw the team, I spoke with the players, with the coach, so everything is fine,” and added that “the matches will take place where the draw is drawn.”
Iran is slated to play New Zealand on 16 June and Belgium on 21 June at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California and then on 27 June vs. Egypt in Seattle, Washington.
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Beyond the sky-high price of tickets for 2026 World Cup matches, the costs of getting to a stadium by public transit is shaping up as costing more, too. Consider:
● In Boston, the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority confirmed that rail service to Foxborough Stadium for any of the seven World Cup matches scheduled at Gillette Stadium will cost much more than usual.
While rail service tickets to Foxborough usually costs $8.75, the price for service on days with New England Patriots games and other events at the stadium is usually $20. Now, service for World Cup matches is being planned at $75.
Rail tickets for the Brazil vs. France friendly on 26 March were $30. But for the World Cup, the concept is to sell tickets which will allow not just transportation to the matches, but throughout the network. Rail passes will go on sale on 8 April and the MBTA said the price has not yet been fixed.
● In Los Angeles, the L.A. Metropolitan Transportation Authority said direct service to the World Cup matches at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood from nine stations throughout the area will cost the same as regular Metro fares: $1.75 each way.
Bargain, right? Maybe.
The key is getting to the station and for many people that means parking at or near the station and then getting to their car once they return. That’s where the cost comes in:
“Parking reservations are now available, and pricing will differ by location. Early-bird pricing is currently in effect, ranging from $55 – $95, plus a service fee. Compared to the other parking pricing where rates will be more than two and three times the Metro rates, fans are encouraged to make their plans and book early for discounted Metro parking rates.”
The instructions note that paying for parking means “you are guaranteed a parking space and three round-trip rides to and from the stadium on the day of your match.”
A check of the parking prices showed no change in costs from match to match and pricing varying, depending on location, from $58.99 (including fees) from the North Hollywood Station or Pierce College Station, to $69.71 for the Harbor Gateway Center, to $101.89 for the three stations fairly close to the stadium: Hawthorne/Lennox, Crenshaw Station and El Camino College.
No matter where you are, it will cost you.
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