Iran's football federation is actively negotiating with FIFA to move its upcoming World Cup group stage matches from the United States to Mexico, citing security risks and lack of U.S. cooperation.
The announcement came from Iran's embassy in Mexico, which stated that U.S. President Donald Trump had failed to guarantee the safety of the Iranian national team.
Mehdi Taj, head of Iran's football federation, said they would not travel to the U.S. if security assurances are not provided.
Iran is scheduled to play New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, and Egypt in Seattle.
The team’s planned base camp in Tucson, Arizona, may also be relocated. Abolfazl Pasandideh, Iran's ambassador to Mexico, criticized the U.S. for withholding visas and logistical support, and confirmed he has formally proposed shifting all Iranian matches to Mexican venues.
FIFA has not yet responded to the request.
The geopolitical tension escalated following U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran, prompting retaliatory missile and drone strikes by Iran across the Middle East.
Despite the unrest, Iran insists its participation in the tournament remains non-negotiable.