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The Independent UK

Sport

Jamie Gardner

Iran football chief clarifies stance on World Cup participation

Iran World Cup Football Donald Trump

Iran's participation in the upcoming World Cup is in doubt following US and Israeli air strikes and comments from Donald Trump.
Mehdi Taj, president of Iran's football federation, has looked to clarify matters by reportedly stating the nation will "boycott America, but not the World Cup", amid reports Iran wants to relocate their group matches from the US to Mexico.
Fifa has not received any official communication from Iran regarding a relocation request and expects all teams to compete according to the original schedule announced on 6 December 2025.
Donald Trump previously commented that it would not be "appropriate" for Iran to play at the World Cup "for their life and safety".
Despite the uncertainty, Iran plans to play friendly matches against Nigeria and Costa Rica in Turkey later this month.

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Iran football chief vows to ‘boycott America, but not the World Cup’ amid bid to move matches to Mexico

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