Iran Negotiates with FIFA to Move World Cup Matches

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The president of the Iranian Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, announced that Iran is negotiating with FIFA to relocate its 2026 World Cup matches to Mexico instead of the United States, citing player safety concerns after recent US-Israel airstrikes on Tehran. Reuters reported the statement.

Taj wrote on the Iranian embassy in Mexico’s X account: “When Trump explicitly stated he could not guarantee the safety of the national team, we certainly will not go to America.” FIFA has not issued an official comment.

Iran qualified for its fourth consecutive World Cup by finishing first in its group in the third round of Asian qualifiers. The tournament kicks off on June 11 across the US, Canada, and Mexico. Iran had planned two group matches in Los Angeles and one in Seattle. In Group G, Iran will face Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand.

Relocating matches to Mexico would pose significant logistical challenges, but FIFA and other international sports bodies have previously moved matches for security or geopolitical reasons. For instance, in September 2025, Scotland played a qualifier against Belarus in Zalaegerszeg, Hungary, due to safety concerns linked to the situation in Ukraine. Similarly, India hosted all matches of last year’s Champions Cup outside Pakistan for political reasons.

If FIFA does not approve the venue change, Iran’s participation in the US-hosted tournament may be impossible. Last week, Iran’s sports minister warned that player participation is under threat following the US-Israel strikes, which killed the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) stated that it has not received official notice of Iran’s withdrawal. “Ultimately, the decision rests with the federation, and for now, it intends to participate in the World Cup,” said AFC Secretary General Windsor John at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur.