Iranian ambassador at World Cup: ‘Iran and the U.S. can be very good friends’
Article excerpt
Iran's ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh, used the World Cup as a diplomatic platform, suggesting that Iran's participation in the United States-hosted tournament signals Tehran's openness to reconciliation with Washington. The ambassador framed Iran's presence at the 2026 World Cup as a gesture of goodwill, positioning sports diplomacy as a potential bridge amid ongoing tensions between the two nations. His remarks come as both countries navigate complex negotiations over their nuclear standoff and regional conflicts.
If you were planning on bringing any refillable plastic water bottles to any of the World Cup matches at Gillette Stadium, renamed Boston Stadium for the tournament, you should initiate a different plan.
Refillable plastic water bottles were banned by FIFA from all stadiums hosting World Cup matches.
FIFA has cited safety concerns, but the measure has drawn swift backlash.
"FIFA is committed to protecting the health and safety of all players, referees, fans, volunteers, and staff," soccer's governing body told Reuters in a statement. "FIFA made the decision to prohibit bottles to prevent risk and injury to players and attendees."
How much will bottled water cost during World Cup matches at Boston Stadium?
A bottle of water will run you about $5-$6 at Boston Stadium.
Hot temperatures, lack of water are a concern for the World Cup matches.
Weather is one of the biggest concerns for this World Cup with only five of the 16 host stadiums having a roof. Boston Stadium is one of the ones that does not have a roof. While temperatures have been in the 90s during the day on June 13, the first games at Gillette, they are expected to drop into the 70s for the Haiti vs. Scotland game at 9 p.m.
Last summer's Club World Cup in the United States had players, coaches and fans complaining about the blistering heat, with at least one team even opting to have substitutes stay in the locker room during the game rather than the bench.
World Cup matches will also feature a mandatory three-minute cooling break around the 22nd minute of each half.
What World Cup games are being played at Gillette Stadium?
They include:
June 13, 2026 (9 p.m. ET): Haiti vs. Scotland
June 16, 2026 (6 p.m. ET): Norway vs. Iraq
June 19, 2026 (3 p.m. ET): Scotland vs. Morocco
June 23, 2026 (4 p.m. ET): England vs. Ghana
June 26, 2026 (3 p.m. ET): Norway vs. France
June 29, 2026 (4:30 p.m. ET): Round of 32 (Group E Winner vs. Group A/B/C/D/F Third Place)
July 9, 2026 (4 p.m. ET): Quarterfinal
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: FIFA bans refillable bottles at World Cup matches, including Boston