Iran 'boycotting' US, not World Cup, says football federation chief

TEHRAN: Iran's football federation president Mehdi Taj has declared that his country will boycott the United States but will not withdraw from the upcoming FIFA World Cup, according to a video released by Iranian press agency Fars on Wednesday.

"We will be preparing for the World Cup. We will boycott the United States but not the World Cup," Taj stated in the video.

Iran is currently slated to play its group-stage matches in the United States during this year's tournament. Taj confirmed that the national team is actively preparing for the global football showpiece, with training already underway abroad.

"The national team is holding a training camp in Turkey, and we will also play two friendly matches there," he added.

Talks with FIFA over match relocation

Iran's football federation has stated that it has initiated discussions with FIFA regarding the possible relocation of its matches away from the United States. However, the world football governing body has so far maintained that the tournament's schedule remains unchanged.

The development comes amid broader tensions surrounding Iran's participation at this summer's World Cup finals in the United States. The prospect of Iran playing its group matches on American soil has raised logistical and diplomatic questions given the strained relations between the two countries.

Mexico offers to host Iran's matches

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Tuesday that her country is prepared to host Iran's first-round matches if required, citing the conflict in the Middle East as the reason for the offer. Mexico is one of the co-host nations for the tournament.

The offer from Mexico presents a potential alternative venue should FIFA agree to relocate Iran's group-stage fixtures. However, no decision has been announced by FIFA on the matter so far.

Taj's comments underscore Iran's determination to compete in the World Cup while simultaneously taking a political stance against the United States. The distinction drawn by the federation chief between boycotting the host nation and boycotting the tournament itself highlights the delicate balancing act Iran is attempting as it navigates the intersection of sport and geopolitics ahead of the competition.