Iran questions safety in US, negotiates Mexico switch for World Cup matches

Iran’s football federation says it is in talks with FIFA about relocating the team’s World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico, citing concerns over player safety.

Iran’s involvement in the tournament has come under uncertainty following recent joint US-Israeli airstrikes on the country. Former US President Donald Trump stated last week that Iran could still take part but hinted it might not be safe for them to play on American soil.

Mehdi Taj, president of Iran’s football federation, indicated that the team would refuse to travel to the US if their security could not be guaranteed. In a statement shared via the Iranian embassy in Mexico’s X account, he confirmed that discussions are ongoing with FIFA to stage Iran’s matches in Mexico instead.

FIFA has not yet commented on the matter. The World Cup, set to begin on 11 June across the US, Canada, and Mexico, currently has Iran scheduled to play two group matches in Los Angeles and one in Seattle, with Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand in Group G.

If both teams advance as runners-up, Iran could also face the US in the round of 32 in Dallas.

Organisers in Los Angeles and Seattle have not responded to requests for comment. Moving Iran’s matches to Mexico would represent a major logistical adjustment, though such changes have occurred before due to political tensions. For instance, strained relations between India and Pakistan have led to matches being held at neutral venues, with India playing all its fixtures in Dubai during last year’s Champions Trophy.

If FIFA declines the proposed venue change, Iran may opt not to travel to the US, especially amid ongoing conflict involving one of the host nations.

Earlier comments from Iran’s sports minister, Ahmad Donyamali, suggested the team would not participate following the airstrikes, which reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. However, state media later indicated that no final decision on withdrawal had been made and expressed surprise at the minister’s remarks.

While Donyamali’s opinion is influential, the final call will rest with higher authorities in government. A formal withdrawal would mark an unprecedented move in modern World Cup history and force FIFA to quickly find a replacement team.