This article contains adult content that may be inappropriate for minors. Please confirm that you are 18 years or older to continue. This article contains images or details that some readers may find disturbing. Reader discretion is advised. Iran will propose to FIFA a change in the location of its matches for the 2026 World Cup, suggesting that they be played only in Mexico rather than in North America, due to the conflict in the Middle East. Iran is placed in Group G and has three matches scheduled on American soil: two in Los Angeles and one in Seattle, against Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand. The team's training camp during the tournament is expected to be in Tucson, Arizona. Iran's Minister of Sports, Ahmad Donyamali, quoted by the state news agency IRNA, stated that the proposal will be analyzed together with FIFA. "I hope that conditions will be created for our boys to participate in the World Cup after all," Donyamali said. "It is important to carefully consider all sporting aspects to ensure that participation is still possible," he added. However, it will not be easy. Such a drastic change in the schedule would affect many teams, the entire calendar, and also travel arrangements. The U.S. and Israel have been conducting airstrikes against Iran since February 28, and Tehran has been carrying out counterattacks in the region. U.S. President Donald Trump believes it is "not appropriate" for Iran to play due to security concerns, but Iran has rejected this position, stating that decisions "are made exclusively by FIFA." The World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19 and will feature 48 teams for the first time, with matches being held in three countries: the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Mexican Soil This World Cup remains central to this story.
Mexican Soil This World Cup remains central to this story.
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