Iran’s soccer authorities are reportedly in discussions with FIFA to relocate their scheduled World Cup matches from the USA to Mexico, citing safety issues for the nationwide group.
Iranian Soccer Federation President Mehdi Taj confirmed on Monday that the request follows current remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, who indicated that whereas Iran could be allowed to take part within the event, making certain the security of the Iranian group in the USA could possibly be difficult.
Responding to the assertion, Taj stated Iran wouldn’t danger sending its gamers to the U.S. underneath unsure safety circumstances.
“If the security of our nationwide group can’t be assured, we won’t journey to the USA,” he said in a message shared عبر the Iranian Embassy in Mexico’s official social media account.
“We’re presently in discussions with FIFA to host Iran’s matches in Mexico.”
FIFA has not but issued an official response to the request.
Uncertainty Amid Rising Tensions
The state of affairs comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions, as Iran stays engaged in battle involving one of many event’s co-host nations. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is ready to start on June 11, with matches scheduled throughout the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Iran is presently slated to play two group-stage matches in Los Angeles and one in Seattle.
Nonetheless, Iran’s Sports activities Minister lately instructed that participation itself could possibly be in danger following U.S. airstrikes carried out alongside Israel focusing on Tehran. The strikes reportedly resulted within the dying of Iran’s Supreme Chief, additional escalating the disaster.
Potential Withdrawal Nonetheless Unconfirmed
Regardless of rising hypothesis, no official withdrawal has been introduced.
The Asian Soccer Confederation (AFC) confirmed that it has not obtained any formal notification from Iran concerning withdrawal from the event.
AFC Common Secretary Windsor John, talking to reporters in Kuala Lumpur, emphasised that the ultimate resolution rests with Iran’s soccer federation.
“As of now, the federation has confirmed that they intend to take part within the World Cup,” he stated.
Implications for FIFA
If Iran finally decides to withdraw, it might mark a uncommon and unprecedented growth in fashionable World Cup historical past. FIFA would then be required to determine a substitute group on brief discover, doubtlessly disrupting event planning.
For now, discussions proceed as the worldwide soccer group carefully watches how the state of affairs unfolds.
Supply: Companies (CNA)
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