Ahmad Donyamali, Iran’s Minister of Sports and Youth, awaits a definitive response from FIFA before the nation can finalize its participation in the upcoming World Cup. Current schedules indicate Iran is slated to play three group stage matches in the United States: two in Los Angeles against New Zealand and Belgium, and one in Seattle against Egypt.
Donyamali stated that Iran’s World Cup participation would be assured if their request were accepted. He was referring to a proposal to relocate their scheduled matches from the United States to Mexico. Despite Iran reportedly not receiving an official response, FIFA President Gianni Infantini has publicly confirmed that a relocation is not being considered, emphasizing that the matches will proceed as originally announced, “where they should be according to the law.”
While Donyamali affirmed the team’s readiness, he stressed that the final decision rests with the government. He expressed concerns about the security guarantees for Iranian players and staff in the U.S., deeming them “questionable.” “Under these circumstances,” he added, “the probability of Iran participating in World Cup matches in the United States is very low.”
“However, should appropriate security assurances be provided, our government will make the decision regarding Iran’s World Cup involvement.”