Audio By Carbonatix
World football governing body FIFA says the current schedule for June-July World Cup has not changed despite efforts by Iran to negotiate a change of host country for its matches.
Iran, housed in Group G with Belgium, New Zealand and Egypt will play their matches in Los Angeles and Seattle.
However, due the current war involving the USA, host of the tournament, Israel and Iran, US President, Donald Trump suggested the safety of Iran football team and fans cannot be guaranteed if they were to participate in the tournament.
"The Iran national soccer team is welcome to the World Cup, but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety,” the US president said on his Truth Social platform.
Iranian officials have previously said it is up to FIFA and the US to keep the team safe during the World Cup.
The embassy posted a statement attributed to Iranian soccer federation president Mehdi Taj saying Iran wants to move its group stage matches to Mexico to ensure the safety of players and officials.
"When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America," the statement said. "We are currently negotiating with FIFA to hold Iran's matches in the World Cup in Mexico."
However, a FIFA Spokesperson has downplayed any notion of imminent changes to the tournament schedule in an email to Joy Sports' Muftawu Nabila Abdulai.
“FIFA is in regular contact with all participating member associations, including IR Iran, to discuss planning for the FIFA World Cup 2026. FIFA is looking forward to all participating teams competing as per the match schedule announced on 6 December 2025.”
The statement suggests that, as it stands, there are no confirmed plans to move Iran’s matches away from their designated venues.
Latest Stories
-
Ghanaian community in Switzerland champions inclusive governance at Diaspora Dialogue Series
16 minutes -
UN slavery resolution isn’t binding, but revives calls for reparations – Prof Appiagyei-Atua
20 minutes -
Ablakwa expresses deep gratitude to UN member states for backing Ghana’s slavery resolution
23 minutes -
Gender Minister engages management, introduces new Chief Director at MoGCSP
30 minutes -
Last Gallop: The rise, fall and fight for Horse Racing in Ghana
33 minutes -
Communications Minister launches Ghana Climate Atlas to strengthen planning and climate resilience
35 minutes -
Maintain credibility, reduce commentary — NDC elections director advises Mussa Dankwah
41 minutes -
NDPC urges time discipline and stronger systems to accelerate Ghana’s development
43 minutes -
AU’s legal path to UN slavery resolution not strong enough – Prof Appiagyei-Atua
44 minutes -
Ghana Boundary Commission flags damaged pillars and development gaps in Bono Border communities
47 minutes -
Enforcing UN slavery resolution will be difficult — Prof Appiagyei-Atua
49 minutes -
Ghana, UK deepen education ties as Haruna Iddrisu meets British High Commissioner
50 minutes -
Students urged to lead climate action through Ghana Green Scholars Programme
54 minutes -
IMANI Brief: When service to nation becomes opportunities for sale
1 hour -
‘We want to make a statement’ – Semenyo on Austria friendly
1 hour
