Iran Seeks Mexico Switch for World Cup Matches Amid Security Fears
Iran’s football federation has opened discussions with FIFA over relocating the country’s World Cup fixtures from the United States to Mexico, citing safety concerns for its players.
The issue follows heightened geopolitical tensions after joint airstrikes by the United States and Israel on Iran. Former U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly indicated that while Iran would be allowed to participate, playing matches on American soil might not be advisable “for their own life and safety.”
Responding to the development, the president of Iran’s football federation, Mehdi Taj, stated that the team would not travel to the United States if security could not be guaranteed. He added that negotiations were ongoing with FIFA to have Iran’s matches staged in Mexico instead.
The expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, is scheduled to kick off on June 11. Iran are currently slated to play two group-stage matches in Los Angeles and one in Seattle. They have been drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand, with a potential knockout-stage clash against the United States in Dallas if both teams advance.
FIFA had not issued an official response at the time of reporting, while local organising committees in Los Angeles and Seattle also declined immediate comment.
A relocation of Iran’s fixtures would present a major logistical challenge for tournament organisers, although similar adjustments have occurred in international sport. In cricket, for instance, longstanding political tensions between India and Pakistan have seen matches between the two nations moved to neutral venues in global competitions.
Should FIFA reject the proposal, Iran’s participation in the tournament could be in jeopardy. Authorities in Tehran have already expressed reservations about competing in a country directly involved in military action against them.
Iran’s Sports Minister, Ahmad Donyamali, recently suggested it would be impossible for the national team to take part under the current circumstances. However, state media reports indicate that no formal decision has been taken, with the final call expected to be made at the highest levels of government.
An official withdrawal, if confirmed, would mark an unprecedented development in the modern World Cup era and leave FIFA with the urgent task of identifying a replacement team.
