Iran’s participation in the upcoming World Cup remains unresolved as the government waits for FIFA’s response to a request to relocate the national team’s group‑stage matches from the United States to Mexico. The Iranian federation argues that American military involvement in regional conflicts makes playing on U.S. soil unsafe, and the sports ministry has already banned travel to countries deemed hostile.
Despite FIFA president Gianni Infantino stating last week that Iran’s fixtures will proceed as scheduled, Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali insists the relocation request is still active and no official reply has been received. He stressed that Iran will keep the squad prepared, but the final decision rests with the government.
Iran are currently slated to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles before meeting Egypt in Seattle. Donyamali warned that without firm security guarantees, the likelihood of Iran competing in the U.S. is low, leaving the nation’s World Cup future uncertain.