Iran await Fifa response over World Cup venue switch from USA to Mexico
Iran’s government has stated their national football team’s participation in the upcoming World Cup is uncertain until Fifa responds to a request to move their group games from the United States to Mexico.
The Iranian football federation has heavily lobbied for the relocation of their Group G fixtures due to American military involvement in the Middle East.
Ahmad Donyamali, the country’s Minister of Sport, confirmed that a final decision on tournament participation rests entirely with the state government.
Security concerns over American fixtures
The Middle Eastern nation are currently scheduled to play New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, before facing Egypt in Seattle.
Despite Fifa president Gianni Infantino recently asserting that all matches would proceed as planned, the relocation appeal remains highly active.
“Our request to Fifa to relocate Iran’s games from the US to Mexico is still valid, but we have not yet received a response,” Donyamali told Turkish state news agency Anadolu.
The sports minister expressed significant doubts regarding player safety and security guarantees on American soil during the summer tournament.
Political tensions impact tournament buildup
US president Donald Trump suggested last month that the travelling squad might face security risks, though he later clarified these threats would not originate from the host nation.
The Iranian sports ministry has already imposed a strict ban on its national and club sides travelling to any countries deemed hostile.
“Under these circumstances, the possibility of Iran participating in the World Cup matches in the US is very low,” added Donyamali.
World football’s governing body has yet to officially comment on the ongoing diplomatic standoff.
The global tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, is scheduled to run from 11 June to 19 July.
