FIFA has turned down Iran’s request to move its World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico amid heightened geopolitical tensions, citing logistical impediments as a major concern.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed over the weekend that the matches will be played in the US as originally scheduled, reiterating FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s earlier stance.
Infantino had earlier emphasised there is “no plan B, C, or D,” and that matches will proceed “according to the draw.”
“FIFA ultimately decided that the matches cannot be moved from their original venues,” Sheinbaum said at a news conference in Mexico City.
“It [relocation] would make logistics too complicated, and this decision was taken by FIFA,” she said.
Iran was among the first countries to qualify for the World Cup, racing to book their spot from the Asian confederation. They are scheduled to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, and Egypt in Seattle, between 15 and 27 June.
Last month, the FFIRI expressed concern over its players’ safety and security in the US after President Donald Trump wrote in a social media post that it would not be appropriate for Iran to participate in the World Cup “for their own life and safety”.
“When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America,” Taj said in response to Trump.
Both countries have since exchanged indirect verbal arguments on the issue, with the latest comments coming from Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali, who indicated that his country’s participation in the World Cup will be uncertain unless FIFA relocates its fixtures.
Mexico, a co-host of the World Cup alongside the US and Canada, has shown a willingness to host Iran’s fixtures. However, Sheinbaum’s recent comments have reaffirmed the stance of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who met Iranian football players, coaches and officials in Turkiye on March 31.
Iran are in Group G of the tournament with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand.