Iran is trying to "return" to the World Cup, but with one condition to FIFA: Our matches must be played in...

Iran is considering an unusual solution for its participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Iranian Federation and the country's sports authorities are expected to propose to FIFA that the Iranian national team's matches not be held in the United States, but only in Mexico, due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

The Iranian national team is part of Group G and according to the current schedule, it must play three matches on American soil: two in Los Angeles and one in Seattle, against Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand. Meanwhile, the team's training center during the tournament is scheduled to be in Tucson, Arizona.

Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali, quoted by the state news agency IRNA, said the issue would be discussed with FIFA in the coming weeks. "I hope that conditions will be created for our boys to participate normally in the World Cup. It is important to carefully examine all sporting aspects so that our participation remains possible," Donyamali said.

However, such a change in the program is not expected to be easy to implement, as it would affect the match calendar, team travel and the overall organization of the tournament.

Tensions have risen after the United States and Israel carried out airstrikes on Iran since February 28, while Tehran has responded with counterattacks in the region. US President Donald Trump has said it is "not appropriate" for Iran to play in the US for security reasons, but Iranian authorities have rejected this position, stressing that decisions on participation in the tournament are made solely by FIFA.

The 2026 World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19 and for the first time in history, a record 48 national teams will participate. The tournament will be hosted in three countries: the United States, Mexico and Canada.

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