Iran’s participation in the World Cup is uncertain as the competition kicks off in less than two months in North America, with the Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) awaiting a response from FIFA regarding its request to relocate its matches planned in the United States.
The FFIRI has been advocating for weeks to move its three group stage matches from the United States to Mexico, citing American military involvement in Israel’s strikes triggering the ongoing war in the region.
Last month, the federation stated that it was still in discussions with FIFA on the matter, while the Ministry of Sports has prohibited national teams and clubs from traveling to countries deemed hostile until further notice.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino recently stated that Iran would play its matches as scheduled. The Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali confirmed in an interview that the request to relocate Iran’s matches to Mexico is still pending FIFA’s response.
If approved, Iran’s participation in the World Cup will be ensured, but the final decision lies with the government. Iran is set to play all its Group G matches in the United States, against New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, and Egypt in Seattle.
US President Donald Trump previously welcomed the Iranian team to the United States but expressed concerns about their safety. He clarified that there was no threat to the players from the United States.
Iran’s participation in matches in the United States is deemed unlikely unless necessary security guarantees are provided. The FIFA regulations prioritize ensuring security in the host country.
The World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
(Authored by Aadi Nair in Bangalore, French version edited by Vincent Daheron, Benoit Van Overstraeten)
