Iran in talks with FIFA to transfer World Cup matches to Mexico, embassy states

The Iranian football association is holding discussions with FIFA regarding the relocation of its opening group stage fixtures at the World Cup from the United States to Mexico, pointing to the escalating tensions in the Middle East, as announced by Iran's embassy in Mexico on Monday.

The involvement of Iran in this years tournament across the United States, Canada, and Mexico has faced uncertainty since hostilities erupted towards the end of last month.

"With (US President Donald) Trump openly declaring that he cannot guarantee the safety of the Iranian squad, we have no intention of heading to America," stated Mehdi Taj, head of Iranian football, in comments shared on the embassy's X platform.

"At present, we are in dialogue with FIFA to stage Irans games in the World Cup within Mexico."

Iran is set to play against New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, then take on Egypt in Seattle.

The squads training base for the event is planned for Tucson in Arizona at this stage.

Abolfazl Pasandideh, Irans envoy to Mexico, criticised on Monday "the US administrations reluctance to assist with visas and logistical arrangements" for the Iranian group preparing for the World Cup, in a message released on the embassy site.

He further mentioned that he had "recommended to FIFA relocating Irans fixtures from the United States over to Mexico."

FIFA offered no immediate reply to AFPs inquiry for a statement.

Trump caused a stir last week by saying that although Irans football side would be "welcome" in the United States, they ought not to attend the competition "for their own wellbeing and protection."

These remarks from Trump followed guarantees from FIFA leader Gianni Infantino that Trump had assured him of a warm reception for the Iranian team.

Iran responded sharply to Trumps words, asserting that "no entity has the authority to bar Irans national side from the World Cup."

The status of Irans spot in the competition became precarious following the large scale assault by the United States and Israel on the Islamic Republic, which countered with barrages of missiles and drones aimed at Israeli areas and US positions throughout the Middle East.