The U.S. and Israeli war against Iran has created a difficult relationship before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, during which the Iranian national soccer team planned on training in Tucson.
On March 12, President Donald Trump posted on social media that the Iranian national team is welcome to compete, but also seemed to threaten the team.
“I don’t believe it’s appropriate… for their own life and safety!” he wrote in the post.
On March 11, Iran’s sports minister Ahmad Donyamali, told Iranian state television that they will withdraw from the World Cup based on President Trump’s comments.
The Iranian team, however, still wants to compete. On March 13, the team posted on Instagram that they do not want to play on U.S. soil because they lack the ability to provide security. The team wrote that the U.S. should be the team omitted instead and that FIFA, not a country nor the president, has the power to exclude teams.
In a statement, Sarah Hanna with the Kino Sports Complex said the sports facility is aware of Iran’s withdrawal from the World Cup, and that they remain in communication with FIFA, without clarifying whether the team will train at Kino as planned.
Tucson’s local soccer team, FC Tucson, echoed Hanna’s statement, stating they will hear from Kino Sports Complex of any updates.
As of yet, there is no official withdrawal from any national team for this year’s World Cup.
On March 16, the Iranian Embassy in Mexico said that it was in talks with FIFA to move Iran's World Cup matches to Mexico.
The AP reported on Mar. 16 that the Iranian ambassador in Mexico City is negotiating to move the three group stage matches to Mexico.
FIFA then on March 17 posted on social media that it is in discussion with the soccer officials of Iran, but that it wants all teams to follow the match schedule announced in December, casting doubt on Iran’s hopes to play group stage games in Mexico.
Regarding Iran’s withdrawal, FIFA’s rules are not fully clear. Article 6 of FIFA’s regulations regarding withdrawals says that FIFA can “decide to replace” the team for another one based on their discretion.
Tucson mayor Regina Romero told AZPM that she disagrees with President Donald Trump’s war on Iran and the effects of the national team’s absence from training at Kino Sports Complex.
“I am disappointed about the lost opportunities for cultural exchange, diplomacy, and especially the economic activity this would have brought to Tucson,” Romero said. “I want people to know that Tucson is ready and willing to welcome all teams participating in the World Cup.”
