Overview
- Iran federation chief Mehdi Taj said the team will prepare for the tournament and “boycott America, not the World Cup,” confirming a training camp in Turkey with friendlies against Nigeria on March 27 and Costa Rica four days later.
- The federation has asked FIFA to relocate its group matches to Mexico; President Claudia Sheinbaum said Mexico is ready to host if authorized.
- FIFA stated it expects all teams to compete according to the schedule announced in December 2025 and has so far dismissed venue changes.
- Iran is slated to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles and Egypt in Seattle, with the current plan keeping all three group matches on U.S. soil.
- Taj cited President Donald Trump’s remarks questioning the Iranian squad’s “life and safety” in the U.S. as grounds for seeking new venues, following earlier conflicting signals from Iranian officials about participation.