Iran ‘negotiating’ with Fifa over moving World Cup games to Mexico: embassy
Country’s participation in this summer’s tournament thrown into doubt by US and Israel attacks and Donald Trump’s threats
Iran’s football federation is negotiating with Fifa to relocate the country’s first-round matches at the World Cup to Mexico from the United States, citing the conflict in the Middle East, Iran’s embassy in Mexico said on Monday.
The country’s participation at this summer’s finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico has been thrown into doubt since the war began late last month.
Iranian football chief Mehdi Taj said in remarks posted on the embassy’s X account that because US President Donald 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,” he added.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Tuesday that her country would have no problem hosting Iran’s matches, if Fifa agrees.
Football’s world governing body did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Iran are scheduled to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, followed by Egypt in Seattle.