Iran requests FIFA to move World Cup games to Mexico

Iran’s football federation is in talks with FIFA to move its first-round World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East

The country’s participation in this summer’s tournament, set across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, has been uncertain since the outbreak of war late last month.

“When (US President Donald) Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America,” Iranian football chief Mehdi Taj said on the embassy’s X account. “We are currently negotiating with FIFA to hold Iran’s matches in the World Cup in Mexico.”

Iran is scheduled to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, followed by Egypt in Seattle. Their base camp is currently planned for Tucson, Arizona.

Abolfazl Pasandideh, Iran’s ambassador to Mexico, criticized “the US government’s lack of cooperation regarding visa issuance and the provision of logistical support” for the Iranian delegation in a statement on the embassy’s website. He also said he had “suggested to FIFA that Iran’s matches be moved from the United States to Mexico.”

FIFA did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

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Trump stirred controversy last week by saying Iran’s football team would be “welcome” in the US but warning they should avoid traveling for “their own life and safety.”

This came despite FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s assurances that Trump had guaranteed the team’s welcome.

Iran responded, insisting that “no one can exclude Iran’s national team from the World Cup.”