Iran maintains its decision to play the World Cup, but threatened the United States with a 'boycott'

In the midst of a climate of uncertainty, Iran confirmed that it will participate in the 2026 World Cup, although it maintains its political position in the face of The United States and seeks to move the headquarters of its parties out of that country. The definition was announced by the president of the federation, Mehdi Taj, in the midst of an international context marked by tension in the

Middle East.

“We will prepare for the World Cup. We will boycott the United States, but not the World Cup,” said the leader, making a difference between sports competition and political conflict. The statement put an end to doubts about the possible absence of the Asian national team, which days ago had been slipped by government authorities

.

However, the situation is far from being resolved. The Iranian federation has already begun talks with FIFA to change the location of its group stage matches, currently scheduled in American cities. As an alternative, the possibility of moving them to Mexico, one of the tournament's host countries, emerged

.

From that country, President Claudia Sheinbaum assured that they are able to receive these matches if FIFA deems it necessary: "Mexico maintains diplomatic relations with all countries in the world, so we will wait to see what FIFA decides.”

For the time being, the governing body of world football has not changed the official schedule, which predicts that Iran will face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, and Egypt in Seattle in Group G. If he finishes second, he could cross paths with no less than the United States in the 16th finals

.

Meanwhile, although negotiations are still open and could lead to changes in the coming weeks, the body chaired by Gianni Infantino has a clear position: "FIFA expects all participating teams to compete according to the

announced match schedule.”