The Iranian government and its football federation have formally requested that FIFA reconsider hosting 2026 World Cup matches within the United States.
Citing security fears and a "hostile environment" for their athletes and fans, Iran is pushing for their fixtures to be relocated to a neutral territory.
This move comes amid heightened geopolitical uncertainty and concerns that the safety of the Iran national team cannot be guaranteed by the host nation.
Officials in Tehran expressed that the current security situation makes it difficult for their players to focus on the game without fearing for their well-being.
They have urged FIFA leadership to prioritize the "neutrality of sports" and move the scheduled matches to a country with fewer political tensions.
While the 2026 World Cup is set to be a massive celebration of football across North America, this official request adds a layer of complexity to the planning phase, as organizers must now address these specific safety protocols and international demands.
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