Iran still waiting for Mexico switch for 2026 World Cup matches

Iran is awaiting a response from FIFA after requesting that its 2026 World Cup group-stage fixtures be relocated from the United States to Mexico amid escalating political and security concerns linked to the conflict involving the US and Israel.The Iranian Football Federation has asked FIFA to move all three Group G matches, which are currently scheduled to be played in US cities, with the tournament co-hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19, 2026.Iran’s Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali said: “Our request to FIFA to relocate Iran’s games from the US to Mexico is still valid, but we have not yet received a response.”“If accepted, Iran’s participation in the World Cup will be certain. However, FIFA has not yet responded.”FIFA president Gianni Infantino has publicly dismissed the prospect of a venue switch, insisting Iran’s fixtures will remain as drawn and positioned the matter as an operational planning issue rather than a political one.Infantino said: “No, no, the matches will be where they should be according to the draw.”Iran are due to play Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand in Group G, with two matches scheduled in Los Angeles and one in Seattle under the published match schedule.Iran’s request has created a risk point for FIFA’s event operations, including team services, travel and security planning, as well as for commercial partners with activation and hospitality programmes tied to specific host venues.A change of host country for one team’s full group schedule would also carry knock-on effects for venue revenue projections, local organising plans, broadcaster run-of-show, and sponsor commitments linked to match inventory in the US market.FIFA has said it is in regular contact with participating member associations as part of tournament planning and has reiterated its expectation that teams compete under the announced match schedule.Mexico has indicated it would be open to hosting Iran’s matches if FIFA approved a move, which would place additional demand on Mexican host-city logistics and security resourcing at short notice.The standoff comes as football’s governing body faces wider scrutiny over security, access and operational certainty across a three-country event, with stakeholders increasingly sensitive to late-stage changes that can affect travel demand, ticketing confidence and sponsor delivery.FIFA has not announced any change to Iran’s venues, leaving the federation’s participation position as a live issue while preparations and commercial planning across the tournament accelerate into the final months before kick-off.