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
-
Amazon eyes Ghana for broadband expansion after talks with Mahama
3 minutes -
National Investment Quiz 2026: Six schools qualify for quarter-finals
31 minutes -
‘Do not let Russia pay for its madness with lives of your people’ – Zelensky to Ghana, 46 other countries
38 minutes -
6,079 promotion cases fully processed and paid – CAGD says amid nationwide teachers’ strike
58 minutes -
Teacher unions to meet government Monday over nationwide strike
1 hour -
Photo story: Republic Bank-JoyNews Habitat Fair clinic wraps up after three days of housing solutions, expert engagement
1 hour -
National Peace Council urges investment in youth to sustain Ghana’s peace
2 hours -
Afenyo-Markin urges youth to speak up against injustice
2 hours -
CAF annuls Edo Queens victory, orders WAFU B final to resume from extra time
2 hours -
Interior Minister urges traditional authorities to enforce anti-bushfire bye-laws
2 hours -
3rd Republic Bank-JoyNews Habitat Fair Clinic ends on a high note after three days of strong patronage
2 hours -
Ten climbers missing after avalanche hits Himalayan base camp
3 hours -
NPP had more permanent fuel relief measures than current GH¢2 diesel cut – Amin Adam
3 hours -
Photos from the 3rd Republic Bank-JoyNews Habitat Fair Clinic
3 hours -
Ethiopia’s army promises restraint amid fears of new civil war
3 hours