FIFA rejects Iran’s request to move World Cup matches to Mexico from US

FIFA has ruled out moving Iran’s 2026 World Cup group-stage matches from the United States to Mexico after Iran’s federation cited player safety concerns following US-Israeli strikes on Iran.Last week, US President Donald Trump appeared to warn Iran not to participate when he said: “I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety.”Iran are scheduled to play two group matches in Los Angeles and one in Seattle, with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand drawn alongside them in Group G.A FIFA spokesperson said: “FIFA is in regular contact with all participating member associations, including 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 December 6, 2025.”Iran’s football federation president, Mehdi Taj, has said discussions were under way with FIFA about relocating the fixtures, arguing the team could not travel to the US without credible security assurances.Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum said Mexico would have “no problem” hosting Iran’s matches if FIFA agrees, adding a new political dimension to tournament planning across the three co-hosts.FIFA’s stance reflects the scale of operational disruption a venue switch would trigger, including host-city contracts, stadium operations, ticketing, travel itineraries, security planning and broadcast schedules already aligned to the December 2025 match calendar.Tournament stakeholders in the US host cities would also face knock-on commercial implications, with matchday inventory and local partner programmes built around specific teams and fixtures.Iran’s position has been further complicated by mixed messaging from the US, including comments from President Donald Trump suggesting it might not be appropriate for Iran to play in the US “for their own life and safety” while also saying the team were welcome to participate.Regional football officials have indicated Iran have not formally withdrawn, but a hard refusal from FIFA on venue changes increases the risk of a standoff that could force a late tournament decision on participation.A withdrawal would create a competitive and commercial headache for FIFA given the proximity to the June 11 kick-off, with any replacement process likely to raise questions over sporting merit, logistics and the integrity of a draw already integrated into commercial and operational plans.