Iran’s Football Federation has expressed security concerns over playing its scheduled FIFA World Cup matches in the United States and has proposed Mexico as an alternative venue for its fixtures. Discussions on the matter are currently underway with the world football governing body, FIFA.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Iranian Embassy in Mexico said uncertainty surrounding the safety of the Iranian national team in the United States had prompted talks about relocating the matches.
Mehdi Taj, president of the Iran Football Federation, said recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting that ensuring the security of the Iranian team could be difficult have contributed to the team’s reluctance to travel to the United States.
Under the current World Cup schedule, Iran is set to play all three of its group-stage matches in the U.S.—against New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, and against Egypt in Seattle. The team had also planned to hold its training camp in Tucson, Arizona.
Meanwhile, Iran’s ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh, has alleged that the U.S. government has not been providing adequate cooperation regarding visas and necessary logistical support. As a result, Iran has formally requested FIFA to consider shifting its matches to Mexico.
FIFA has not yet commented on the matter. However, FIFA President Gianni Infantino previously stated that all participating teams would be welcomed and their security ensured during the tournament.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC), for its part, said Iran is still expected to participate in the World Cup. AFC General Secretary Windsor John noted that the final decision ultimately rests with the national federation.