Khaberni - The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has rejected Iran's request to move its group stage matches at the 2026 World Cup from the United States to Mexico, despite security tensions linked to the ongoing war.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that the tournament schedule will remain as is, reaffirming the commitment to hold it on the scheduled date, emphasizing that football can play a role in promoting peace, without directly addressing Iran.
Tehran had requested the move due to difficulties for its team to travel to the United States amid ongoing military strikes since late February last year. The team is scheduled to play two matches in Los Angeles and another in Seattle.
In related news, FIFA has decided not to take any action on the complaints filed by the Palestinian Federation against its Israeli counterpart, considering that the legal status of the West Bank remains "complex and unresolved" according to international law.
Infantino confirmed that FIFA cannot resolve geopolitical conflicts, linking to the complexities of the situation.
