sports
March 21, 2026
Iran to boycott US but not FIFA World Cup, football chief says
Iran will not play its World Cup matches in the US, its football chief says, seeking to move games to Mexico, although FIFA insists the original schedule is unchanged
TL;DR
- Iran's football federation president, Mehdi Taj, stated Iran will not play its World Cup matches in the US.
- The federation is seeking to move the matches to Mexico, citing safety concerns.
- These concerns are amplified by US President Trump's remarks suggesting the Iranian team's security could not be guaranteed in the US.
- Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum indicated openness to hosting Iran's matches.
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated the organization wants the tournament to proceed as scheduled and is not planning to move Iran's games.
- The situation follows a prior incident in Australia involving the Iranian women's football team's bus.
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