Iran are seeking to have their World Cup matches relocated from the United States to Mexico because they will not travel to America. The president of their football federation, Mehdi Taj, says they are currently in discussions with FIFA, citing the national team’s security as the reason.
Taj has now said in a statement published on the Iranian embassy in Mexico’s X account: « When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America. We are currently negotiating with FIFA to hold Iran’s matches in the World Cup in Mexico.
Iran is not due to play any matches outside the United States, as all three of the nation’s group stage games against Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand are due to take place in either California or Seattle. The schedule has Group G’s winners remaining in Seattle to play their round of 32 tie, while the runners-up face a journey to Texas.
Ranking among the eight best third-place finishers would see them compete in either New Jersey or Vancouver, Canada. Only the latter route would involve playing outside the US again, with the round of 16 in Vancouver, and from the quarter-finals onwards, all fixtures are due to take place in America.
Iran’s football federation has already responded to Trump’s comments in a statement that reads: « The World Cup is a historic and international event, and its custodian is FIFA, not any country. Some so-called celebrities want Iran’s team excluded from the World Cup, but if any country should be excluded, it is a host country that cannot ensure the safety of the teams taking part. »
Trump disputed those claims in another post on Truth Social, saying: « It will be the Greatest and Safest Sporting Event in American History. All Players, Officials, and Fans will be treated like the « STARS » that they are!
Asian Football Confederation general secretary Windsor John also spoke about Iran on Monday. He said: « It’s the federation who should decide if they’re playing, and as of today, the federation has told us that they are going to the World Cup. »
« They are our member, we want them to play. You know, they qualified … so we hope that they will solve their issues, whatever they are, and be able to participate. »
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