Iran Looks to Secure 2026 Mexico FIFA World Cup Despite Rising Safety Concerns
Iranian fans display a flag reading "IRAN" before the match between Iran and the USA in Group B of the 2022 World Cup at Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar, on November 29, 2022. (photo credit: Amin / Middle East Images / AFP via Getty Images) Iran's sports minister said last week the Iranian players couldn't participate in the tournament after the US launched airstrikes alongside Israel against Tehran, killing Khamenei. Iran 's football federation is in discussions with FIFA about moving their World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico due to concerns about the safety of their players, Iranian football president Mehdi Taj said on Monday.
Iran's sports minister said last week the Iranian players couldn't participate in the tournament after the US launched airstrikes alongside Israel against Tehran, killing the Islamic Republic 's supreme leader. US President Donald Trump has said Iran was welcome to participate but suggested it might not be appropriate for them to play in the US “for their own life and safety”. President of Iran Football Federation Mehdi Taj and Mayor of Tehran Alireza Zakani stand next to the FIFA World Cup Trophy during an unveiling ceremony in Tehran, Iran September 1, 2022.
(credit: MAJID ASGARIPOUR/WANA (WEST ASIA NEWS AGENCY) VIA REUTERS) World Cup: Iran considers Mexico over US safety concerns "When (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," said Taj in a post on the Iranian embassy in Mexico's X account. "We are negotiating with FIFA to hold Iran's World Cup matches in Mexico. " Iran has qualified for the 48-team tournament to be held in the US, Canada and Mexico from June 11 and is scheduled to play two group matches in Los Angeles and one in Seattle.