Iran’s participation in the upcoming FIFA World Cup is now uncertain. Tensions with the United States cast doubt over the team’s willingness to play matches on American soil.
Iran’s Minister of Sports, Ahmad Donyamali, has made it clear that the national team’s involvement hinges on receiving firm security guarantees. The Iranian football federation has officially requested FIFA to move its scheduled group-stage matches from the United States to Mexico. The final decision is still pending.
The tournament is set to be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada in June and July. Initially assigned Iran’s matches to venues in the US. However, Iranian officials have cited safety concerns as the main reason behind their refusal to compete there.
These concerns come amid heightened geopolitical tensions following the military actions of the US and Israel against Iran that began on February 28. Iranian authorities argue that under such conditions, the safety of players and staff cannot be assured.
Former US President Donald Trump stated that while Iran would be permitted to enter the country for the tournament, he could not fully guarantee their security. In response, Iran’s national team emphasized via social media that participation in the World Cup is their right and should not be restricted.
Mahdi Taj, head of Iran’s football federation, reaffirmed that the team will not travel to the United States. Discussions with FIFA are ongoing, to relocation of matches to Mexico is likely to determine Iran’s final decision on participation.