Iran Football Federation is reportedly negotiating with FIFA to relocate its first round World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico Iran’s football chief, Mehdi Taj, said that US President Donald Trump explicitly stated that the safety of the Iranian national team could not be guaranteed. “We are currently negotiating with FIFA to hold Iran’s matches in Mexico,” Taj said on the embassy’s X account.
Iran was initially scheduled to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, followed by a match against Egypt in Seattle, with the team’s base camp set in Tucson, Arizona.
Abolfazl Pasandideh criticized the US government for its lack of cooperation regarding visa issuance and logistical support for the Iranian delegation. He confirmed that he suggested to FIFA that Iran’s matches be moved to Mexico to ensure the team’s safety. FIFA has not yet responded to requests for comment.
The situation escalated after Trump stated that while Iran’s football team would be “welcome” in the United States, they should avoid traveling “for their own life and safety.” This followed assurances from FIFA president Gianni Infantino that the Iranian team would be welcome. Iran responded by asserting that no entity could exclude its national team from the tournament.
The uncertainty comes amid heightened military action between the United States, Israel, and Iran, with missile and drone strikes intensifying tensions across the region.
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