Iran in talks with FIFA to move World Cup matches away from U.S.
The Iranian government says it is discussing with FIFA to move the country’s matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup away from the U.S. to Mexico.
This move followed ongoing airstrikes by the U.S.-Israeli military on Iran, including the assassination of its supreme leader.
The Iranian embassy in Mexico disclosed this in a statement attributed to Medhi Taj, the president of the Iranian Football Federation, citing security concerns if the team plays its games in the United States.
“When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America/We are currently negotiating with FIFA to hold Iran’s matches in the World Cup in Mexico,” the embassy stated.
The reported ongoing discussion followed last week’s statement by President Donald Trump warning that it would be inappropriate for the Iranian football national team to come to the U.S. for their lives and safety.
“The Iranian 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,” Mr Trump said.
Iran is drawn in Group G of the tournament alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand, with all their matches scheduled to take place in the United States.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
NationWide
NBC expands FreeTV access to mobile devices
The National Broadcasting Commission says Nigerians can now access Free TV services on mobile devices through a dedicated application, alongside satellite decoders.
Hot news Home top
Court orders ex-AGF Abubakar Malami to forfeit 48 property to FG
Justice Abdulmalik held that Mr Malami failed to show that the property were acquired through lawful sources.
Heading 2
Jamaican reggae star Fantan Mojah dies at 49
In a tribute, Ub40 Ali Campbell, described Mr Mojah’s demise as a sad development.
Heading 5
Oyo Hostages’ Release: Tinubu gave us Christmas in July, says Moyo Okediji
Mr Okediji, a professor of Art and Art History at the University of Texas, Austin, lauded the approach of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in rescuing the captives.
States
Residents beg for help as flood overruns Plateau community
Some of the residents told the Peoples Gazette that the community has been battling flooding for some years.
Heading 4
Court grants N100 million bail to ex-CCT chairman Danladi Umar who tried Tinubu for assets fraud
The court, however, ordered that the former CCT chairman be remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre until he fulfils the bail conditions.
