Amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, Iran’s football federation is actively engaged in talks with FIFA to relocate its scheduled World Cup group stage matches from the United States to Mexico. This development was confirmed by Iran’s embassy in Mexico on Monday, highlighting the growing concerns over the safety and security of the Iranian national team during the upcoming tournament.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, has faced unexpected complications for Iran ever since the recent outbreak of conflict in the Middle East. The escalation of hostilities has cast doubt on Iran’s participation, particularly because their matches are currently planned to take place in American cities. The Iranian football authorities have expressed serious reservations about traveling to the US under the current circumstances.
Mehdi Taj, the head of Iran’s football federation, made a pointed statement on the embassy’s official social media platform, emphasizing that the team would not travel to the United States if their security could not be guaranteed. Taj referenced remarks made by former US President Donald Trump, who openly questioned the safety of the Iranian squad on American soil. Taj’s comments underscored Iran’s firm stance on prioritizing the players’ safety above all else, and he confirmed ongoing negotiations with FIFA to shift the matches to Mexico.
the original schedule, Iran was set to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, followed by a match against Egypt in Seattle. Additionally, the Iranian team’s designated base camp for the tournament was planned to be in Tucson, Arizona. These arrangements are now under reconsideration as the federation seeks alternative venues within Mexico, which is also co-hosting the event and geographically close to the US.
Adding to the tension, Abolfazl Pasandideh, Iran’s ambassador to Mexico, publicly criticized the US government for what he described as a lack of cooperation regarding visa issuance and logistical support for the Iranian delegation. In a statement published on the embassy’s website, Pasandideh expressed frustration over the obstacles faced by the team in securing necessary travel documents and assistance. He also revealed that he had formally proposed to FIFA the idea of relocating Iran’s matches from the United States to Mexico to ensure smoother participation.
FIFA has yet to issue an official response to these developments, leaving the situation in flux as the tournament approaches. The controversy intensified after Donald Trump’s recent comments, which sparked widespread debate. Trump stated that although the Iranian team would be “welcome” in the United States, he advised against their travel “for their own life and safety,” a statement that drew sharp criticism and heightened diplomatic sensitivities.
These remarks came shortly after FIFA President Gianni Infantino assured the public that Trump had personally guaranteed the Iranian team’s safe participation in the World Cup. Iran’s football authorities swiftly rejected Trump’s cautionary advice, affirming that no external party could bar their national team from competing on the world stage. The situation remains delicate, especially given the backdrop of military confrontations involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which have seen missile strikes and drone attacks across the region in recent weeks.
As the world eagerly awaits the kickoff of the 2026 World Cup, the fate of Iran’s matches hangs in the balance. The outcome of the ongoing negotiations with FIFA will not only determine the logistics of Iran’s participation but also reflect the broader impact of international conflicts on global sporting events.
