Iran Football Federation Formally Confirms US Venue Boycott — Will Not Withdraw from World Cup

Iran's Football Federation president Mehdi Taj formally confirmed that Iran will boycott all World Cup matches scheduled in the United States but will not withdraw from the 2026 tournament entirely. The announcement followed Iran's Sports Ministry banning all national teams from traveling to 'hostile' countries — an edict that directly blocks Iran from playing their three group-stage matches, all scheduled at US venues in Group G. Iran formally requested FIFA to relocate their matches to Mexico, but FIFA rejected the request. Infantino stated FIFA expects all 48 teams to compete. President Trump's comments that Iran is 'welcome to compete' but he doesn't 'believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety' added further diplomatic complexity. The standoff remains unresolved with the tournament under 85 days away.