Angola Cancel Pre-World Cup Friendlies against Iran, Jordan

Angola have cancelled planned friendlies this month against Jordan and Iran, the Angolan Football Federation ​said in a statement.

They were due to ‌take on Jordan and Iran, who have both qualified for the World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the U.S ​later this year, in Dubai at the ​end of March.

“The aggravation of the current conflict ⁠in the Middle East and the consequent instability ​that is felt in the region meant a ​serious, prudent and responsible re-evaluation,” the statement said.

Angolan officials said they tried to seek an alternative for the match against ​Jordan but “after a deep and rigorous evaluation of ​the financial obligations involved, the required logistical and administrative effort ‌and ⁠the respective competitive benefit for the national team, it has been concluded that playing just one game would not rationally and strategically be justified”.

Angola said ​they were ​therefore cancelling ⁠plans to play in the March international window. The country did not qualify ​for the 2026 World Cup and will ​play ⁠their next competitive fixture in September when the group qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations ⁠finals ​kick off.