Iran has entered talks with the International Federation of Association Football about moving its World Cup matches out of the United States, citing security concerns. The request follows comments from United States President Donald Trump, who warned that he could not guarantee the safety of the Iranian national team and suggested it may not be appropriate for them to participate.

Iranian football federation president Mehdi Taj said the team would not travel to the United States under current conditions and is seeking to play its matches in Mexico instead. Iran is scheduled to face New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt on the West Coast in June, with most tournament matches set to be staged in the United States.

Tensions have escalated after recent conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel. Iran's sports minister has stated there are no conditions under which the team can participate, raising the prospect of a boycott. However, the Asian Football Confederation said it has not received any formal notice of withdrawal and that Iran has indicated it still plans to compete.