Iran has warned that its participation in the upcoming FIFA World Cup remains uncertain unless its scheduled matches are relocated from the United States to Mexico, citing serious security concerns.
Iran’s Minister for Sports, Ahmad Donyamali, said he is not confident about the safety of Iranian players while competing on U.S. soil. His remarks come amid heightened political tensions and growing concerns over the security environment surrounding the tournament.
The issue has gained further attention following earlier comments by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who had suggested that Iran’s participation in matches hosted in the United States could expose the team to potential risks. Despite these warnings, FIFA has reportedly declined to move Iran’s fixtures to Mexico.
According to reports, Iran is scheduled to face New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt in matches planned for U.S. cities including California and Seattle.
The FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, with the tournament set to kick off on June 11 and conclude on July 19.
Iran’s stance has added a new layer of uncertainty ahead of the tournament, raising questions about logistics, security planning, and FIFA’s ability to manage geopolitical sensitivities during one of the world’s largest sporting events.
