Iran is in discussions with FIFA to relocate World Cup matches from the US to Mexico due to concerns about safety

Iran is in discussions with FIFA to relocate World Cup matches to Mexico, expressing concerns about safety regarding games in the United States.

The president of Iran’s football federation, Mehdi Taj, has announced that discussions are underway with FIFA regarding the relocation of its World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico due to security concerns for the players.

The decision comes after remarks from US President Donald Trump, who indicated that Iran would be welcome at the tournament but implied that it may not be suitable for them to compete in the United States “for their life and safety.”

“Given that Trump has clearly indicated he cannot guarantee the safety of the Iranian national team, we will definitely not be traveling to America,” Taj stated in a post shared through the Iranian embassy on Mexico’s X account.

“We are in discussions with FIFA regarding the possibility of hosting Iran’s World Cup matches in Mexico.”

FIFA has not yet made a public response to the proposal.

The development contributes to the uncertainty surrounding Iran’s involvement in the tournament, scheduled to begin on June 11 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Iran is set to compete in two group matches in Los Angeles and one in Seattle.

The sports minister of Iran previously stated that the team’s participation would be unfeasible due to the US and Israeli airstrikes on Tehran, which resulted in the death of the nation’s supreme leader.

A formal withdrawal would represent a historic first in the modern era, prompting FIFA to urgently seek a replacement team.

However, the Asian Football Confederation asserted that they have not received official notification about Iran’s withdrawal.

“Ultimately, the decision rests with the federation regarding their participation, and as of now, the federation has informed us that they will be attending the World Cup,” stated AFC General Secretary Windsor John.

New Zealand is currently preparing for their opening match against Iran, expressing their readiness to adapt should circumstances shift.

“Currently, we are proceeding as if we are facing Iran,” coach Darren Bazeley stated.

“They are the team that qualified, and we were drawn against them.” That remains the schedule, and until we receive different instructions, we will proceed with that preparation.

“If circumstances shift, we will address that, but those discussions would involve individuals at a higher level than myself.”

Andrew Pragnell, the chief of New Zealand Football, stated that FIFA had not indicated any increased threats or intentions to move matches.

“I am skeptical that FIFA would relocate fixtures.” “It’s likely not an action they would consider,” he stated.

FIFA has not yet commented on the potential relocation of Iran’s fixtures, currently scheduled in the United States.