The Iranian government says it is discussing with FIFA to move the country’s matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup away from the U.S. to Mexico.
This move followed ongoing airstrikes by the U.S.-Israeli military on Iran, including the assassination of its supreme leader.
The Iranian embassy in Mexico disclosed this in a statement attributed to Medhi Taj, the president of the Iranian Football Federation, citing security concerns if the team plays its games in the United States.
“When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America/We are currently negotiating with FIFA to hold Iran’s matches in the World Cup in Mexico,” the embassy stated.
The reported ongoing discussion followed last week’s statement by President Donald Trump warning that it would be inappropriate for the Iranian football national team to come to the U.S. for their lives and safety.
“The Iranian national soccer team is welcome to the World Cup, but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety,” Mr Trump said.
Iran is drawn in Group G of the tournament alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand, with all their matches scheduled to take place in the United States.
