World Cup 2026: Iran seeking to switch its games to Mexico, FIFA rejects idea
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Iran is reportedly seeking to have its World Cup matches moved from the United States to Mexico following comments from President Donald Trump that discouraged the country from taking part in the tournament and cited safety concerns.
The Iranian embassy in Mexico posted a message on X attributed to Mehdi Taj, President of the Iranian Football Federation, stating that since the team’s security cannot be guaranteed, negotiations with FIFA were taking place to alter their schedule.
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In a statement to The Athletic, FIFA said there will be no schedule changes to the World Cup, which will be hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
“FIFA is in regular contact with all participating member associations, including IR Iran, to discuss planning for the FIFA World Cup 2026. FIFA is looking forward to all participating teams competing as per the match schedule announced on 6 December 2025.”
On Tuesday, Mexico president Claudia Sheinbaum said the government is exploring the idea.
Estamos viendo si #Iran puede tener todos sus partidos del #Mundial en México, reveló la presidenta #ClaudiaSheinbaum (@Claudiashein) , luego que el país de Medio Oriente solicitará jugar solamente en nuestro país. #MañaneraDelPueblopic.twitter.com/76g3nM9oSv— SinLínea.Mx (@SinLinea_Mx) March 17, 2026
Iran was drawn into Group G with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand and is scheduled to play its games at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, and Lumen Field in Seattle. The team is scheduled to set up a training base in Tucson, Arizona.
Trump posted on social media last week that he does not feel like it is appropriate for Iran to participate in the World Cup due to safety concerns.
"The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup, but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety," Trump said.
Iran's national team responded Thursday, saying its participation in the World Cup is not up to an individual or country
Trump's comments came days after he met with FIFA president Gianni Infantino to discuss the tournament.
The uncertainty around Iran's involvement intensified earlier this month after Taj suggested the team's participation was in doubt following airstrikes by the U.S. and Israel in Tehran, which killed Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The country’s sports minister Ahmad Donyamali said that Iran cannot take part in this summer's tournament following U.S. military action.
