Iran's soccer federation is in talks with FIFA to get the country's matches in the upcoming 2026 World Cup moved from the United States to Mexico due to concerns about the safety of its players.
The move comes after President Donald Trump said last week that Iran was welcome to participate in the World Cup, despite the ongoing U.S.-led airstrikes on the country, but suggested that it might not be a good idea for the team to play in the U.S. "for their own life and safety."
Iranian officials have previously said it is up to FIFA and the U.S. to keep the team safe during the World Cup.
Iran, which earned a spot in the World Cup by winning its group in Asian qualifying last year, is scheduled to open the tournament in Los Angeles with matches against New Zealand on June 16 and Belgium on June 21. Another group match against Egypt is scheduled in Seattle on June 26.
"When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America," Iranian football President Mehdi Taj said in a statement issued by the Iranian embassy in Mexico.
