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The Iranian Football Federation is currently in talks with FIFA about the possibility of relocating their 2026 World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico due to concerns over player safety, according to Mehdi Taj, president of the federation.
Last week, Donald Trump stated that while Iran is welcome to participate in the tournament, it might not be safe for their team to play in the U.S. “for their own life and safety.”
Responding to this, Taj posted on the Iranian embassy in Mexico’s X account: “Since the U.S. President has openly stated that he cannot guarantee the safety of the Iranian national team, we will not travel to America. We are in discussions with FIFA to hold Iran’s matches in Mexico.”
FIFA has yet to comment on the situation. The 2026 tournament, which will run from June 11 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, currently lists Iran for two group-stage games in Los Angeles and one in Seattle.
Tensions have risen following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes against Tehran, with Iran’s sports minister recently suggesting that participation might be impossible under the current circumstances. A withdrawal would mark a historic first in the modern era of the World Cup and force FIFA to urgently find a replacement team.
The Asian Football Confederation confirmed that it has not received any official notice of withdrawal. Windsor John, AFC General Secretary, told reporters in Kuala Lumpur, “Ultimately, it’s the federation’s decision whether they play. As of now, they have informed us that they will attend the World Cup.”
