Iran is actively negotiating with FIFA to move its scheduled 2026 FIFA World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico. This move comes in response to statements by U.S. President Donald Trump expressing doubts about ensuring the safety of the Iranian national team, citing ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Iran’s embassy in Mexico announced that the country is in discussions with FIFA to relocate its World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico. This decision stems from concerns over player safety, particularly after U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that it might not be appropriate for the Iranian team to participate due to potential risks to their lives and security. Iranian football federation president Mehdi Taj explicitly stated, “When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America.” He added that Iran is “negotiating with FIFA to hold Iran’s World Cup matches in Mexico.”
The push to move the matches follows a period of heightened geopolitical tension, including U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran, which resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran had previously sent mixed signals about its participation, with the sports minister initially suggesting it might not be possible to play. However, after Trump’s comments, the national team asserted its right to participate, emphasizing that the responsibility for player safety lies with FIFA and the host nation.
FIFA has acknowledged being in regular contact with all participating member associations, including Iran, to discuss tournament planning. A FIFA spokesperson stated, “FIFA is looking forward to all participating teams competing as per the match schedule announced on 6 December 2025.” Despite this, the situation remains fluid, with less than three months before the tournament begins.
Iran is scheduled to play its group stage matches in the U.S., with games planned in Inglewood, California, and Seattle. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Moving matches so close to the tournament’s start would be an unprecedented step in World Cup history. Other participating nations, like New Zealand, have stated they are monitoring the situation and continuing to plan for their scheduled matches until informed otherwise by FIFA.