FIFA rejects Iran’s request to shift World Cup matches from US

Zurich: FIFA has firmly rejected Iran’s request to relocate its World Cup matches away from the US, reinforcing its stance that the tournament schedule will proceed as planned despite rising geopolitical tensions.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has made it clear that Iran will have to travel to the US to participate in the tournament, even as concerns mount over the safety of players amid the ongoing conflict involving the US and Israel. Iranian authorities had pushed for shifting their matches to co-host nations Mexico or Canada, citing security risks, but the governing body has ruled out any such changes, pointing to logistical constraints and assuring full protection.

The decision comes as the conflict remains under a fragile two-week ceasefire reportedly brokered by Pakistan, with the truce nearing its April 22 deadline. The uncertainty has been further heightened by remarks from US President Donald Trump, who raised concerns about the safety of Iranian players travelling to the country.

Despite these developments, FIFA has maintained that Iran, having qualified for the tournament, must compete as scheduled. Infantino has stressed that football should remain separate from political tensions, while acknowledging the complexities of the situation. His recent visit to Iran’s training camp in Antalya underscored FIFA’s position, with players reportedly keen to take part in the competition.

Iran is scheduled to play all their group-stage matches on the US West Coast, beginning against New Zealand on June 15, followed by Belgium on June 21 in Los Angeles, and Egypt on June 26 in Seattle. Should they progress further, all knockout fixtures would also take place in the US.

With FIFA refusing to budge, Iran now faces the prospect of competing under intense geopolitical pressure, as sport and global politics collide on football’s biggest stage.

Agencies