Iran regrets; wants to return to the World Cup, but has one condition: Our matches must not be played in the USA

Iran is considering an unusual solution for its participation in the 2026 World Cup, requesting that national team matches not be held on United States territory.

According to international media, the Iranian Football Federation and the country's sports authorities are expected to propose to FIFA that Iran's group stage matches be played only in Mexico. The request is related to ongoing tensions in the Middle East and security concerns.

Scheduled matches in the USA

The Iranian national team is in Group G and, according to the current tournament schedule, is scheduled to play three matches in the United States: two in Los Angeles and one in Seattle. Its opponents in the group are Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand.

Meanwhile, the team's training center during the tournament is scheduled to be in the city of Tucson, in the state of Arizona.

The position of the Iranian authorities

Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali, quoted by the state news agency IRNA, said the issue would be discussed with FIFA in the coming weeks.

" I hope that the conditions will be created for our boys to participate normally in the World Cup. It is important that all sporting aspects are carefully examined so that our participation remains possible ," he declared.

Difficulties in changing the calendar

However, such a change in the schedule is not expected to be easy to implement. Moving matches would affect the tournament calendar, team travel plans and the overall organization of the World Cup.

Political tensions in the background

The debate comes at a time of heightened tensions between Iran and the United States. The US and Israel have reportedly carried out airstrikes on Iran since February 28, while Tehran has responded with counterattacks in the region.

US President Donald Trump has said it is "not appropriate" for Iran to host matches in the US due to security concerns. Iranian authorities, on the other hand, have stressed that decisions on participation in the tournament rest solely with FIFA.

World Cup 2026

The 2026 World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19 and for the first time in history will feature 48 participating nations. The tournament will be jointly hosted by three countries: the United States, Mexico and Canada.

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