Iran Seeks to Relocate World Cup Matches from US to Mexico
Iran is actively pursuing the relocation of its matches in the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup from the United States to Mexico. This decision stems from safety concerns raised following remarks made by US President Donald Trump.
Safety Concerns Prompt Relocation Talks
Mehdi Taj, the head of Iran’s football federation, confirmed that discussions are underway with FIFA regarding the potential move. Taj expressed serious apprehensions after Trump suggested he could not guarantee the safety of the Iranian national team. Taj stated, “When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America.”
Trump’s Remarks on Player Safety
Last week, Trump shared his views on social media, specifying that while Iranian players would be permitted to participate, their presence in the US might not be advisable for their own safety. His comments have raised alarm among Iranian officials.
Possible Tournament Boycott
The Iranian sports minister previously floated the idea of a boycott of the World Cup. This consideration is further fueled by the ongoing tensions related to joint US-Israeli military actions against Iran.
Upcoming Matches Scheduled in the US
Iran is set to compete starting June 15, 2026, as the tournament will span venues in the US, Mexico, and Canada. Currently, Iran’s base camp is planned for Tucson, Arizona, with its first match expected to be against New Zealand at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
FIFA’s Stance on Relocation
Despite Iran’s request, FIFA has not issued a statement regarding the potential relocation of matches. New Zealand Football chief Andrew Pragnell expressed skepticism about FIFA’s willingness to alter the match schedule. National team coach Darren Bazeley affirmed that preparation is continuing as planned, stating, “Right now, we’re preparing as if we’re playing Iran.”
Recent Developments in Iranian Football
In recent weeks, Iranian football has garnered significant media attention. Notably, five of the seven women players who sought asylum in Australia during the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup have returned to Iran. Additionally, the Iranian women’s soccer team opted not to sing the national anthem during their first match in Australia, an action that drew criticism from Iranian state media.
- Iran seeks match relocation due to safety concerns.
- Discussions ongoing between Iran and FIFA.
- Trump warned of safety issues for Iranian players.
- Iran’s tournament base camp set for Tucson, Arizona.
- Matches are scheduled across multiple venues in the US.
