Iran waits for FIFA reply as debate over shifting its World Cup matches continues

Iran’s government has stated that it will only make a decision on the national football team’s participation in the 2026 World Cup after receiving a formal response from FIFA regarding the proposed relocation of their matches, according to Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali.

The Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) has been requesting that the team’s three group-stage games be moved from the United States to Mexico. The federation cited concerns over U.S. military involvement alongside Israel in regional strikes that have contributed to ongoing tensions.

Discussions with FIFA regarding a possible venue change have been ongoing, while Iran’s sports ministry has barred national and club teams from traveling to countries it considers hostile until further notice.

Despite these requests, FIFA President Gianni Infantino recently reaffirmed that Iran is expected to play its matches as originally scheduled.

“Our request to FIFA to move Iran’s games from the U.S. to Mexico remains active, but we have not yet received an official response,” Donyamali told Turkish news agency Anadolu over the weekend. “If FIFA agrees, Iran’s participation in the World Cup will be confirmed. Until then, the decision is pending.”

The Minister emphasized that the government, in coordination with FFIRI, is keeping the team prepared for the tournament, but the final decision will rest with Iranian authorities.

Iran is slated to play all of its Group G matches in the U.S., facing New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, followed by a match against Egypt in Seattle.

Last month, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that while Iran’s team is welcome in the U.S., the safety of players could be a concern, though he clarified that no threat would come from American authorities.

Donyamali noted, “FIFA regulations require the host country to guarantee security. With the World Cup approaching quickly, providing such guarantees within this timeframe is uncertain. While Iran’s participation on U.S. soil seems unlikely under current conditions, the government will decide if appropriate security assurances are provided.”

FIFA has not responded to requests for comment. The tournament is scheduled to take place in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19, 2026.