Iran Pushes FIFA to Move Matches From US Citing Security Risks

Amid escalating regional tensions and the shadow of recent military exchanges, Iran has raised alarm over the safety of its players at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, pushing for its matches to be shifted out of the United States.

The demand, placed before FIFA, comes as hostilities involving Iran, the US and Israel continue to shape the geopolitical climate. Iranian football federation president Mehdi Taj said the situation on the ground cannot be separated from sport, warning that the team's security could be at risk if it plays on American soil.

Taj's concerns were amplified after remarks by former US President Donald Trump, who said Iran would be allowed to compete but hinted that guaranteeing complete safety during matches in the US may not be possible. In response, Iran has opened talks with FIFA to relocate its fixtures to Mexico, viewing it as a safer alternative within the tri-nation hosting arrangement.

FIFA, however, has so far resisted any immediate change. Officials say the tournament schedule-finalised in late 2025-remains intact, and the body continues to engage with all participating teams, including Iran, to address concerns without disrupting the event.

Under the current plan, Iran is scheduled to play all its group-stage matches in American cities, including Los Angeles and Seattle. But with war rhetoric and military actions still fresh, Iranian authorities argue that the risk environment has fundamentally changed since the fixtures were drawn.

The backdrop to this dispute is a series of strikes and counter-strikes across the region, which have deepened mistrust and raised fears of spillover effects beyond the Middle East. Despite these tensions, Iran did not withdraw from qualification and secured its place in the tournament, marking its fourth consecutive World Cup appearance.

Iran's leadership has now framed the issue as one of fairness and safety. Officials insist that a global event like the World Cup must remain neutral ground, and no team should be placed in a situation where political conflict could threaten participation. Sports minister Ahmad Donyamali said current conditions do not provide the assurances needed for Iran to compete in the US.

With the tournament approaching, the standoff places FIFA in a delicate position-balancing logistical realities with rising security concerns driven by an ongoing conflict that is now spilling into the world of sport.