Iran has announced that it will participate in the upcoming World Cup only if its group-stage matches are moved from the United States to Mexico. The country’s sports minister, Ahmad Danialmali, told Turkey-based Anadolu Agency on Sunday that the request to shift venues remains in place due to security concerns. He said Iran’s participation will be confirmed only if FIFA approves the relocation; otherwise, the situation will remain uncertain.

According to the tournament schedule, Iran is set to play three group-stage matches in the United States—against New Zealand on June 16 in Los Angeles, Belgium on June 22 at the same venue, and Egypt on June 27 in Seattle. Although Mexico and Canada are also co-hosts, most matches are planned in the US. Danialmali added that the Iranian team continues its preparations but the government will not finalize its decision without security assurances.

Tensions have escalated in the region following a joint US-Israeli strike on February 28. US President Donald Trump said Iran would be welcomed but acknowledged possible security risks. Iran’s football federation president, Mehdi Taj, reaffirmed that the team will not travel to the US without guarantees and will continue discussions with FIFA about moving the matches to Mexico.