Iran to decide on World Cup participation after FIFA response on venue change

TEHRAN: Iran will decide on its participation in the upcoming FIFA World Cup after receiving a response from FIFA regarding its request to shift match venues, the country’s sports minister said.

Iran’s Minister for Sports, Ahmad Donyamali, said the government would make a final decision once FIFA responds to a request to relocate the team’s group-stage matches from the United States to Mexico.

Iran’s football federation has been pushing for the venue change, citing security concerns following U.S. military involvement alongside Israel in strikes that triggered ongoing regional tensions. The federation has also held talks with FIFA on the matter.

The Iranian sports ministry has barred national and club teams from travelling to countries it considers hostile until further notice.

However, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said last week that Iran’s matches would proceed as scheduled.

“Our request to move matches from the U.S. to Mexico remains in place, but no response has been received so far,” Donyamali said in an interview with Turkish state news agency Anadolu.

He said Iran would continue preparations for the tournament but emphasised that the final decision rests with the government.

Iran are scheduled to play all Group G matches in the United States, facing New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, followed by Egypt in Seattle.

U.S. President Donald Trump said last month that Iran’s team would be welcome in the United States, though he raised concerns about their “life and safety”, later clarifying that any threat would not come from the U.S.

Donyamali said that under FIFA regulations, host countries are responsible for ensuring security, but added that guarantees at this stage remain uncertain.

He said Iran’s participation in matches in the United States appears unlikely unless adequate security assurances are provided.

FIFA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The World Cup will be held across the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19.