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Rabat – Iran is in discussions with FIFA about moving its World Cup 2026 matches from the United States to Mexico, according to a statement shared by the country’s embassy in Mexico.
The post cited Mehdi Taj, president of the Iranian Football Federation, who said the national team will not travel to the US this summer.
He pointed to safety concerns after US President Donald Trump said he could not guarantee the team’s security. Taj added that Iran is now trying to arrange for its games to be played in Mexico instead.
FIFA has not made any official comment so far, and there has been no clear response from Iranian authorities either.
As it stands, Iran are scheduled to play their group-stage matches in the United States, including games in Los Angeles against Belgium and New Zealand, and another in Seattle against Egypt. The 2026 World Cup will be hosted across the US, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
New Zealand’s federation said it is still preparing as planned. Officials confirmed they are in contact with FIFA and will continue to prepare for their opening match in Los Angeles unless they are told otherwise.
The situation comes at a tense moment. Recent US and Israeli strikes on Iran, which killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, have led to further threats and military responses across the region. That wider conflict is now starting to impact football.
Trump said last week that allowing Iran to take part may not be “appropriate,” warning it could put players at risk. His comments came shortly after FIFA president Gianni Infantino said he had spoken with Trump, who had previously stated that Iran would be welcome to compete.
Mexico, which will host 13 matches, could become an alternative venue. However, the country also holds safety concerns. Recent violence in Guadalajara following the killing of a major cartel figure has raised security questions ahead of the tournament.
A World Cup playoff event is still scheduled to take place in Mexico later this month, involving teams such as Jamaica, DR Congo, and Iraq, although travel issues linked to the regional conflict have already created some uncertainty.
With the tournament fast approaching, the situation remains unclear.
