Iran Push For 2026 World Cup Matches To Be Moved From the US Over Security Fears

Iran have opened talks with FIFA over relocating their 2026 World Cup fixtures from the United States to Mexico, citing concerns about player safety amid rising tensions in the Middle East.

The move was confirmed by Iranian football federation president Mehdi Taj, who said the request follows remarks by US President Donald Trump questioning whether Iran should attend the tournament.

“When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America,” Taj said.

“We are negotiating with FIFA to hold Iran’s World Cup matches in Mexico.”

The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, is scheduled to run from 11 June to 19 July. Iran are due to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles before taking on Egypt in Seattle.

However, the backdrop to the tournament has been complicated by ongoing hostilities involving Iran, Israel and US-aligned states in the Gulf. Recent strikes and counter-strikes have heightened fears over security, particularly for Iranian players travelling to American venues.

Naija News reports that Trump had earlier said Iran are “welcome to the World Cup”, but added that he does not think “it is appropriate” for them to attend “for their own life and safety”.

“FIFA has acknowledged the situation but has not indicated any change to the schedule. FIFA is in regular contact with all participating member associations, including Iran, to discuss planning for the World Cup,” a spokesperson said according to the BBC. “FIFA is looking forward to all participating teams competing as per the match schedule announced on 6 December 2025.”

Iran, who have qualified for a fourth straight World Cup, have not withdrawn from the competition. A message on the national team’s Telegram account stressed that FIFA, not any host nation, controls the tournament and should guarantee security for all teams.

Iran’s Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali added that current conditions do not provide the right environment for participation.