Football: Irans participation in the World Cup still uncertain

Iran’s participation in the World Cup is still uncertain as the competition begins in just over two months in North America, and the Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) is awaiting a response from FIFA regarding its request to relocate its matches scheduled in the United States.

For weeks, the FFIRI has been advocating for its three group stage matches to be moved from the United States to Mexico, citing American military involvement in Israel’s airstrikes that triggered the ongoing war in the region.

Last month, the federation was still in discussions with FIFA on the matter, while the Ministry of Sports had, in turn, temporarily banned national teams and clubs from traveling to countries deemed hostile.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino, however, stated last week that Iran would play its matches as planned.

“Our request to FIFA to relocate Iran’s matches from the United States to Mexico is still valid, but we have not yet received a response,” Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali told the official Turkish news agency Anadolu in an interview published over the weekend.

“If accepted, Iran’s participation in the World Cup will be assured. However, FIFA has not yet responded.”

“As Sports Minister, along with the Iranian Football Federation, we will keep the football team ready for the World Cup. However, the final decision will rest with our government,” he added.

Iran is set to play all its Group G matches on American soil: against New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, and then against Egypt in Seattle to conclude the group stage.

Last month, US President Donald Trump stated that the Iranian team was “welcome” in the United States, but noted that the players’ presence was likely not appropriate “for their own lives and safety.” He later clarified that there was no threat to the players from the United States.

“According to FIFA regulations, security must be ensured in the country in question,” continued Ahmad Donyamali. “Under these circumstances, the possibility of Iran participating in World Cup matches in the United States is very low. But if the necessary security guarantees are provided, our government will decide on Iran’s participation.”

FIFA did not immediately respond to a request for comments.

The World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.