FIFA has rejected Iran’s request to shift its World Cup matches from the United States (US) to Mexico, citing logistical challenges as a primary worry amid the ongoing Middle East war.

Over the weekend, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum reaffirmed FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s earlier position that the games will take place in the United States as planned.

Infantino had earlier emphasised there is “no plan B, C, or D,” and that matches will proceed “according to the draw.”

“FIFA ultimately decided that the matches cannot be moved from their original venues,” Sheinbaum said at a news conference in Mexico City.

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“It (relocation) would make logistics too complicated, and this decision was taken by FIFA,” she said.

Iran was one of the first nations to qualify for the World Cup from the Asian continent. Between June 15 and 27, they will play Egypt in Seattle and New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles.

Following President Donald Trump’s statement on social media last month that Iran should not play in the World Cup “for their own life and safety,” the FFIRI voiced concerns about the security and safety of its players 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,” Taj said in response to Trump.

Since then, both nations have engaged in indirect verbal disputes over the matter. Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali made the most recent remarks, stating that his nation’s World Cup participation will be unclear unless FIFA moves its matches.

Mexico, which co-hosts the World Cup with the United States and Canada, has expressed interest in hosting Iran’s matches.

Sheinbaum’s latest remarks, however, have confirmed FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s position. On March 31, Infantino met Iranian football players, coaches, and administrators in Turkiye.