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Iran’s football federation is in talks with FIFA to relocate its 2026 World Cup matches to Mexico, following remarks from U.S. President Donald Trump that the team would be "at risk" on American soil.
The move follows escalating tensions after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran on Feb. 28, triggering retaliatory attacks and raising broader concerns about safety and logistics ahead of the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Iranian football federation president Mehdi Taj said the team would not travel to the United States if security 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 remarks shared via Iran’s embassy in Mexico.
He confirmed that discussions are underway with FIFA to relocate Iran’s matches, adding, “We are negotiating with FIFA to hold Iran’s World Cup matches in Mexico.”
Under the current schedule, Iran is set to play three group-stage matches in the United States:
The team’s base camp is also planned for Tucson, Arizona.
Iran’s ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh, criticized what he described as a lack of cooperation from U.S. authorities, pointing to issues with visa processing and logistical support for the Iranian delegation. He said he had formally suggested moving the matches to Mexico.
FIFA has not issued an official response to the proposal.
The dispute intensified after Trump stated that while Iran would be “welcome” at the tournament, attending matches in the United States might not be appropriate “for their own life and safety.”
His comments appeared to contradict earlier assurances from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who had indicated that Iran would be able to participate without restrictions.
Iranian officials and players have rejected any suggestion that the team could be excluded from the tournament. In a previous statement, the national team said, “The World Cup is a historic and international event … certainly, no one can exclude Iran’s national team from the World Cup.”
The uncertainty reflects a broader disruption to tournament planning as the conflict enters its third week. Iranian authorities have warned that participation could be reconsidered under current conditions, while logistical coordination with FIFA has already been affected.
Iran was the first Asian nation to qualify for the expanded 48-team tournament, securing its place in March 2025.
The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19 across North America. FIFA has emphasized that its priority remains ensuring a safe and inclusive tournament for all participating teams.
However, Iran’s request to relocate matches highlights how geopolitical tensions are beginning to influence the organization of major international sporting events.
With no response yet from FIFA, Iran’s participation and match locations remain uncertain as the tournament approaches.
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