Iran’s football federation is negotiating with FIFA to move its group-stage matches from the United States to Mexico, citing security concerns amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Federation chief Mehdi Taj said Iran would not travel to America after President Donald Trump admitted he could not guarantee the team’s safety.
Iran is scheduled to play New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt in U.S. venues, with a base camp in Arizona.
Iran’s ambassador to Mexico criticized Washington’s handling of visas and logistics, urging FIFA to relocate the fixtures. FIFA has yet to comment.
The dispute follows Trump’s warning that Iran should avoid the U.S. “for their own life and safety,” remarks that contradicted earlier assurances from FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
