FIFA later expressed regret over the incident and indicated a separate meeting with Iranian officials would be arranged.
The episode came ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico in June.
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Iran’s participation under cloud of uncertainty
US officials have said Iranian athletes are not expected to face restrictions, though some accompanying individuals could be affected.
The FIFA president has said Iran is expected to participate, noting the team has qualified for the tournament.
Recently, a senior US envoy proposed that Italy replace Iran in the tournament, but sports writers and fans in Italy quickly rejected the notion, saying qualification must be earned on the pitch, not through politics.
Iran has requested to move its matches to Mexico in the wake of the US-Israeli war, but Mexico — which said it was open to hosting Iran’s matches — confirmed FIFA rejected the request.
Iran is scheduled to play all its Group G games — including Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand — in the US.
According to the team’s fixtures on FIFA’s website, Iran is set to play New Zealand on June 15 at Los Angeles Stadium, Belgium on June 21 at the same venue, and Egypt on June 26 at Seattle Stadium.
