FIFA refuses to shift Iran's World Cup matches despite Donald Trump's threat

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has refused to move Iran’s World Cup matches out of the United States despite a clear warning from US President Donald Trump over the safety of the Iranian players.

Speaking during a visit to Turkey on Tuesday, Infantino made it clear that there were no plans to alter the schedule, even as tensions continue to rise between Iran and the United States amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

“No, no, the matches will be where they should be according to the draw,” Infantino said in Antalya, where Iran are currently holding a training camp.

Iran, who qualified for the tournament last year, are



scheduled to play all their Group G matches on American soil, with fixtures lined up in Los Angeles and Seattle against Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand.

The comments come against the backdrop of growing uncertainty over Iran’s participation. The Iranian Football Federation had requested FIFA to shift their matches to Mexico, citing security concerns amid the ongoing conflict.

That request was also linked to a broader policy decision back home. Iran’s sports ministry has banned national and club teams from travelling to countries it considers hostile, a list that effectively includes the United States given the current conflict involving the US and Israel.