Iran’s Bid to Move World Cup Matches to Mexico Rejected by FIFA

Iran’s intent to relocate its World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico has been met with resistance from FIFA. The Iranian embassy in Mexico stated that negotiations are underway, while FIFA insists there will be no change to the tournament’s schedule.

FIFA’s Stance on Location Change

FIFA confirmed to media outlets that it is in contact with Iran concerning planning for the upcoming World Cup. However, they reiterated that the matches will proceed as initially scheduled, with no alterations to the venue list.

Iran’s Paul for Security Guarantees

Mehdi Taj, president of the Iranian Football Federation, indicated that U.S. President Donald Trump could not guarantee the safety of the Iranian team. Consequently, Iran is seeking to shift its matches to Mexico instead.

Mexico’s Position

Claudia Sheinbaum, president of Mexico, clarified that while the logistics for hosting matches are manageable, the final decision lies with FIFA. She affirmed Mexico’s diplomatic relations with all nations and expressed anticipation for FIFA’s ruling.

World Cup Matches Overview

• Scheduled Matches for Iran:
  • Against Belgium in Los Angeles
  • Against New Zealand in Los Angeles
  • Against Egypt in Seattle
• Tournament Dates: June 11 – July 19, 2026

Concerns Over Security

There are rising concerns regarding security during the World Cup, particularly in Guadalajara. This follows the recent killing of drug lord Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes and subsequent violent events.

New Zealand has also expressed its awareness of the situation, affirming its preparation to compete in the U.S. as scheduled until further notice from FIFA.

Continued Complications

The geopolitical climate has created uncertainties surrounding this event. Notably, tensions between Iran and the U.S. have escalated, influencing public safety assessments for the tournament.

As preparations advance, FIFA is committed to ensuring that all participating teams compete under the confirmed schedule, as announced in December 2025.