The Iranian football federation is currently in negotiations with FIFA to relocate the national team’s World Cup fixtures from the United States to Mexico, citing player safety concerns.
This move follows recent joint airstrikes by the U.S. and Israel against Iran. Last week, Donald Trump stated that while Iran was welcome to participate, it might not be appropriate for the team to play on U.S. soil “for their own life and safety.”
Mehdi Taj, president of Iran’s football federation, addressed the situation via the Iranian embassy in Mexico’s X account. “When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America,” Taj said. “We are negotiating with FIFA to hold Iran’s World Cup matches in Mexico.’’
While FIFA has not yet commented, the request poses a major logistical challenge. The tournament, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, begins on June 11. Iran is currently scheduled for group stage matches in Los Angeles and Seattle against Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand. If both the U.S. and Iran finish as runners-up in their respective groups, they are slated to meet in the round of 32 in Dallas.
Organizing committees in Los Angeles and Seattle have not yet responded to requests for comment.
Relocating matches for geopolitical reasons has historical precedent in other sports, such as cricket, where India and Pakistan face each other at neutral venues. Most recently, India played Champions Trophy matches in Dubai rather than traveling to Pakistan.
If FIFA denies the request to move the venues, Iran’s participation appears unlikely given the current conflict. Iran’s sports minister, Ahmad Donyamali, previously stated participation was not possible following airstrikes that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. However, Iranian state media later suggested no final decision on a withdrawal had been reached. While the sports minister’s comments are significant, the final verdict rests with the higher levels of the Iranian government.
An official withdrawal would be unprecedented in the modern era, forcing FIFA to urgently secure a replacement team.