Iran in talks with FIFA to potentially relocate World Cup matches to Mexico, says Embassy

Iran's football federation is engaged in talks with FIFA to potentially relocate the country's initial World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico, according to a statement released by Iran's embassy in Mexico on Monday, citing the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

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This development comes as Iran's participation in the upcoming World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico has been cast into uncertainty since the outbreak of war late last month.

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Mehdi Taj, the head of Iranian football, remarked in a post on the embassy's X account that the team would not travel to the United States, given US President Donald Trump's explicit statement that he cannot guarantee the security of the Iranian national team.

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Taj further revealed that negotiations are currently underway with FIFA to host Iran's World Cup matches in Mexico instead.

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Iran is scheduled to play against New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, followed by a match against Egypt in Seattle, with the team's base camp initially planned to be located in Tucson, Arizona.

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Abolfazl Pasandideh, Iran's ambassador to Mexico, condemned the US government's lack of cooperation regarding visa issuance and logistical support for the Iranian delegation ahead of the World Cup in a statement published on the embassy's website on Monday.

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Pasandideh also disclosed that he has suggested to FIFA that Iran's matches be relocated from the United States to Mexico.

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FIFA has not yet responded to a request for comment regarding this matter.

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Last week, Trump sparked controversy by stating that while Iran's football team would be welcome in the United States, it would be advisable for them not to attend the tournament for their own safety.

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Trump's comments followed assurances from FIFA president Gianni Infantino that Trump had promised him the Iranian team would be welcome in the United States.

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Iran responded to Trump's comments by asserting that no one can exclude the Iranian national team from participating in the World Cup.

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The uncertainty surrounding Iran's World Cup participation arose after the United States and Israel launched a massive offensive against the Islamic Republic, prompting Iran to retaliate with waves of missiles and drones targeting Israeli territory and American targets across the Middle East.