Iran Boycotts US But Not the FIFA World Cup in Latest Move
Iranian Football Federation President Mehdi Taj announced on March 19 that his nation intends "to boycott" United States officials but explicitly stated it would not withdraw from its scheduled group matches in this year's FIFA World Cup. This clarification comes as the tournament is set to be hosted by USA, Canada, and Mexico later this summer with Iran currently preparing for their upcoming fixtures there according to federation plans released via news agency Fars.
Key Points
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1Iran's football federation president Mehdi Taj stated that Iran will boycott the United States but not participate in or withdraw from this year's World Cup.
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2The Iranian team is scheduled to play its group stage matches at home, with Mexico offering assistance for hosting some of these games south of the US border.
Developments
Perspectives
Iran will boycott the United States but not the World Cup
— (Danas.rs)'We are preparing for the World Cup', Iranian football federation president Mehdi Taj said in a video released by Fars, stating that while they would 'boycott America' due to political tensions involving Mexico's leadership regarding match locations.
— [Mid-day]"Boicotearemos Estados Unidos pero no el Mundial", anunció jefe de la federación iraní
— (24-horas.mx)'We will be preparing for the World Cup', with Mexican leader saying her country was prepared to host Iran's matches, according reports from Scmp.
— [Scmp]"Wir boykottieren die USA, aber nicht die WM': Irans Fußballverbandschef verwirrt mit neuen Aussagen
— (Tagesspiegel.de)Iranian football federation president Mehdi Taj stated that Iran will boycott United States but not participate in this year's World Cup due to safety concerns raised by President Donald Trump regarding travel risks for Iranian players on US soil, prompting Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and FIFA officials' discussions about potentially relocating the matches.
Iranian football federation president Mehdi Taj stated in a video released by Fars news agency on Wednesday that his country will boycott the United States but not attend this year's FIFA Women's World Cup. While Iran has opened talks with FIFA about potentially relocating its matches and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum offered to host them, Trump previously warned against Iranian players traveling due to safety concerns amid ongoing Middle East tensions.