Iran national football team are actively in discussions with FIFA over a potential switch of their FIFA World Cup fixtures from the United States to Mexico, following controversial remarks by Donald Trump.
The development comes after the former US President suggested it may not be “appropriate” for Iran to participate in matches hosted on American soil, citing concerns over safety.
As the situation unfolds, Iranian football authorities are now pushing for a relocation of their games to ensure security and stability for the squad.
Leading the response, Mehdi Taj, president of Iran’s football federation, made it clear that the team will not consider travelling to the United States under the current circumstances.
“When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America,” declared Taj.
Taj further confirmed that discussions are already underway with FIFA to explore alternative arrangements.
“We are currently negotiating with FIFA to hold Iran’s matches in the World Cup in Mexico.”
As it stands, Iran are scheduled to play two group-stage matches in Los Angeles and one in Seattle. However, those plans could now be revised if talks progress successfully.
On the pitch, Iran are drawn in a competitive Group G alongside Belgium national football team, Egypt national football team, and New Zealand national football team, setting up a challenging route in the tournament.
As negotiations continue, the situation adds an unexpected twist to the build-up of the World Cup, with logistics, politics, and player safety all intersecting.
The final decision from FIFA will be crucial in determining where Iran’s campaign will ultimately unfold.
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