Iran Football Federation has confirmed it is in discussions with FIFA over the possibility of relocating its 2026 World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico, citing safety concerns for its players.
The development follows rising geopolitical tensions after the United States carried out joint airstrikes on Iran alongside Israel a situation that has cast uncertainty over Iran’s participation in the tournament.
Former US President Donald Trump recently suggested that while Iran would be allowed to compete, it might not be appropriate for the team to play matches on US soil due to security concerns.
Iran Football Federation president Mehdi Taj stated that the team would not travel to the US if their safety could not be guaranteed.
“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 a statement shared via the Iranian embassy in Mexico. “We are negotiating with FIFA to hold Iran’s World Cup matches in Mexico.”
The 2026 FIFA World Cup — co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico — is scheduled to kick off on June 11. Iran are currently set to play two of their Group G matches in Los Angeles and one in Seattle.
Their group opponents include Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand, with a potential knockout clash against the United States looming should both teams advance as runners-up.
FIFA had not issued an official response at the time of publication, while local organising committees in Los Angeles and Seattle were also yet to comment.
A relocation of fixtures to Mexico would present significant logistical challenges for tournament organisers.
However, similar arrangements have been made in other sports due to political tensions. In cricket, for instance, matches between India and Pakistan are often staged at neutral venues during multi-nation tournaments.
If FIFA declines the request, Iran’s participation in matches hosted in the United States could remain in serious doubt, especially amid the ongoing conflict.
