The Iranian Football Federation has initiated discussions with FIFA, football’s global governing body, regarding the relocation of their World Cup fixtures due to growing safety concerns in the United States. This was confirmed yesterday by the federation’s president, Mehdi Taz.
Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a statement suggesting that while Iran could participate in the World Cup, it might be unsafe for the team to play on American soil, citing “the safety and security of their lives.” Following this indirect threat, Tehran acted swiftly to seek alternatives.
Speaking at the Iranian embassy in Mexico, Taz stated,
“If the U.S. President himself acknowledges that he cannot guarantee the safety of our national team, we will not travel to the United States under any circumstances. We are negotiating with FIFA to host Iran’s matches in Mexico instead.”
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to begin on 11 June across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. According to the current schedule, Iran’s group-stage fixtures were set to include two matches in Los Angeles and one in Seattle. However, escalating tensions in the Middle East have raised significant concerns over Iran’s participation.
Recent events, including a U.S. airstrike in collaboration with Israel that resulted in the death of a top Iranian leader, have intensified the geopolitical crisis, casting doubt over the safety of the Iranian team. Last week, Iran’s Sports Minister hinted that playing in the United States under such conditions would be impossible.
Despite the uncertainty, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) remains optimistic about Iran’s participation. Speaking at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur, AFC Secretary-General Windsor John said,
“Ultimately, the decision to play rests with the federation. From what we have been informed so far, Iran is still intending to compete in the World Cup.”
The table below summarises Iran’s originally scheduled group-stage fixtures:
| Date | Venue | Opponent | City |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 June | Los Angeles Stadium | United States | Los Angeles |
| 18 June | Los Angeles Stadium | Canada | Los Angeles |
| 22 June | Seattle Stadium | Mexico | Seattle |
Football analysts note that relocating Iran’s matches to Mexico could ensure the team’s safety while maintaining the integrity of the tournament. FIFA, AFC, and the Iranian Federation are reportedly coordinating to finalise a decision in the coming weeks.
As international football intersects with geopolitics, Iran’s potential venue change underscores the growing impact of global events on sporting competitions, highlighting that World Cup participation now extends beyond the pitch to considerations of diplomacy, security, and international relations.
This situation remains under close observation, and a final decision on the venue is expected shortly, ensuring both safety and competitive fairness for all teams involved.