Iran will finalize its decision on participating in the upcoming FIFA World Cup only after receiving a response from FIFA regarding its appeal to relocate its group-stage matches, stated the nation’s sports minister.
Ahmad Donyamali, Iran’s Minister for Sports, explained that the government awaits FIFA’s reply to the request to shift Iran’s matches from the United States to Mexico. This move is being pursued due to security concerns linked to recent US military actions alongside Israel, which have escalated regional tensions.
The Iranian Football Federation has actively engaged with FIFA on this issue, emphasizing the potential risks. Meanwhile, the Iranian sports ministry has imposed a travel ban on national and club teams visiting countries deemed hostile until further notice.
Despite these concerns, FIFA President Gianni Infantino recently affirmed that Iran’s matches are scheduled to proceed as planned in the United States. However, Donyamali confirmed in an interview that the request to move the matches remains pending without any official response from FIFA.
He also noted that Iran is continuing preparations for the tournament but stressed that the ultimate decision lies with the government. Iran is set to compete in Group G, with matches against New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, followed by a game against Egypt in Seattle.
Last month, then-US President Donald Trump welcomed Iran’s team to the United States but expressed concerns about their safety, later clarifying that any threats would not originate from the US.
Donyamali highlighted that, FIFA regulations, host nations are responsible for ensuring the security of participating teams. Nonetheless, he indicated that security guarantees remain uncertain at this stage, making Iran’s participation in US-hosted matches unlikely without sufficient assurances.
The FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place across the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
