by Amaury Detroz
Before facing Iran on Sunday in Los Angeles in the 2026 World Cup, Thomas Meunier believes that the geopolitical context could complicate the task of the Red Devils. Matias Fernandez-Pardo could replace the ill Jeremy Doku.
The Red Devils will face Iran in their second match in the 2026 Football World Cup on Sunday in Los Angeles.
Due to the current geopolitical situation and the open conflict between the United States and Iran, this will be a high-tension duel. A provisional peace agreement has been signed between the two countries, but security measures are stricter due to the presence of Iran.
“We all know the situation,†Thomas Meunier said at a press conference on Saturday. “I don’t want to mix sport with politics, but it’s difficult at the moment. The current situation could well boost the Iranian team, as we saw during the Nations League against Ukraine last year. Then, we see players who are very motivated to make their people proud. This is an additional difficulty for us. Iranian players may have family members affected by the war. This makes it more difficult for us. I’m sure of it.”
Fernandez-Pardo’s finest hour?
Due to the absence of Jeremy Doku, who is ill, Matias Fernandez-Pardo should start. Meunier knows him well since they were teammates this season in Lille. “Matias has made enormous progress since his arrival. However, his beginnings were difficult. Sometimes a month or two would pass without playing. It was work, but he understood that he had to do everything for it. He is aware of his qualities and still has room for improvement. It can improve considerably. If he continues to do so, he can also land a transfer, like Divock Origi did in 2014 (he left Lille for Liverpool after shining during the Brazilian World Cup, editor’s note).
Red Devils Iran Thomas Meunier
