Iran has said it is in talks with FIFA about playing its World Cup games outside of the United States after Donald Trump warned the team to stay away last week. 'We are currently negotiating with FIFA to hold Iran's matches in the World Cup in Mexico.' 'The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup, but I really don't believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety,' he wrote. When asked about Iran's participation at the World Cup by Politico the previous week, US President Trump replied: 'I really don't care'. While the World Cup is technically co-hosted by Mexico, Canada and the United States, the vast majority of games are being staged in the US.

Source: Metro March 17, 2026 10:02 UTC