{"id":26708,"date":"2026-03-19T12:48:49","date_gmt":"2026-03-19T12:48:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2026\/03\/19\/iranian-soccer-coach-pivots-to-boycott-world-cup-but-team-wont-go-to-u-s\/"},"modified":"2026-03-19T12:48:49","modified_gmt":"2026-03-19T12:48:49","slug":"iranian-soccer-coach-pivots-to-boycott-world-cup-but-team-wont-go-to-u-s","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2026\/03\/19\/iranian-soccer-coach-pivots-to-boycott-world-cup-but-team-wont-go-to-u-s\/","title":{"rendered":"Iranian soccer coach pivots to boycott World Cup, but team won’t go to U.S."},"content":{"rendered":"
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Iran insists it wants to play in the World Cup, but the problem is that they would have to move their games to Mexico and then travel to the United States in order to play.<\/h2>\n
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08:36, March 19, 2026<\/span>Updated March 19, 2026 08:36<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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Iran has qualified for the World Cup and hopes to qualify for the tournament despite ongoing conflict in the Middle East (Image: AFP via Getty Images)<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n
Iran continues to prepare for the World Cup amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East, with Head of Soccer Mehdi Taj claiming, “I want to boycott America, not the tournament.”<\/p>\n
Despite being one of the first countries to qualify, Iran insists it will not travel to America for the tournament due to the conflict between the two countries. As military operations continue in the Middle East, Iran has been hit by airstrikes by the World Cup host nation.<\/p>\n
This summer’s World Cup will begin on June 11th and will be held in three countries for just over a month. The United States will host the majority of games, with Mexico and Canada serving as co-hosts. Iran was scheduled to play the match in the United States, but that has become problematic given the ongoing political issues.<\/p>\n
But their seniors have emphasized their desire to participate in what will be their fourth consecutive World Cup appearance, with the need for a trip to the United States at the center of attention.<\/p>\n
“The national team is holding a training camp in Turkey and we will also play two friendly matches there. We will boycott America, but we will not boycott the World Cup,” the country’s football president told Fars news agency.<\/p>\n
read more: FIFA signs landmark agreement with BBC to force major changes to ITV World Cup 2026 fixtures<\/span><\/span>read more: World Cup concerns emerge as President Donald Trump’s Homeland Security nominee sounds the alarm<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
US President Donald Trump has insisted that while Iranian players are welcome to play in the US, it may not be appropriate for their “life and safety” if they travel to Iran. As a result, Iran stated, “If President Trump makes it clear that he cannot ensure the safety of the Iranian national team, we will definitely not go to the United States.”<\/p>\n
Iran is considering moving the match to one of the co-hosting countries, specifically Mexico. FIFA appears to have ruled out the possibility of relocating the Iran match, insisting that the dates will remain. After the World Cup draw in December, a FIFA spokesperson said: “We look forward to seeing all participating teams compete according to the announced fixture schedule.”<\/p>\n
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President Donald Trump questions the “life and safety” of Iran’s players if they travel (Image: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Iran is scheduled to play New Zealand on June 16th and Belgium on June 21st in Inglewood, California. They are scheduled to finish their group game against Egypt in Seattle on June 26th.<\/p>\n
Mexico appears willing to welcome Iran if FIFA gives the green light, but that seems unlikely at this point. “That’s right. Mexico maintains diplomatic relations with all countries in the world, so we will wait for FIFA’s decision,” Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said at a press conference.<\/p>\n
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