Iran Requests FIFA to Move World Cup Matches to Mexico

Iran's football federation is negotiating with FIFA to move its first-round World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico due to escalating tensions in the Middle East. The request follows U.S.

President Donald Trump's explicit statement that he cannot guarantee the safety of the Iranian national team during their travel to the U.S. The Iranian football chief, Mehdi Taj, commented on the situation via the Iranian embassy's social media account.

Iran is scheduled to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles and Seattle, respectively, with their base camp set in Tucson, Arizona. Abolfazl Pasandideh, Iran's ambassador to Mexico, criticized the U.S. government's lack of cooperation regarding visa issuance and logistical support for the Iranian delegation ahead of the World Cup.

The Iranian embassy's statement suggested that FIFA consider relocating Iran's matches to Mexico, but FIFA has not yet responded to this request. Trump's comments have raised concerns about the participation of Iran's national team in the tournament.