Iran Seeks to Relocate World Cup 2026 Matches from US to Mexico amid Security Fears

Iran’s football federation is in active talks with FIFA to relocate its 2026 FIFA World Cup group‑stage matches from the United States to Mexico, citing serious security concerns linked to escalating geopolitical tensions. The 2026 tournament, scheduled to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, had originally placed Iran’s fixtures in Los Angeles and Seattle.

The request was confirmed by Mehdi Taj, president of the Iranian Football Federation, who said Iranian officials are negotiating with FIFA to shift their matches to Mexican venues, including cities such as Mexico City, Monterrey, or Guadalajara. Taj reiterated that the Iranian team “will certainly not travel to America” under current circumstances after US President Donald Trump publicly expressed doubts about guaranteeing the safety of Iran’s national team in the United States amid ongoing regional conflicts.

Iran’s group stage places the team in Group G, where it is set to face New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt. All three fixtures had been scheduled on US soil, but Iran’s leaders argue that the wider context of military tensions involving the US and its allies makes participation unsafe without relocating the venues.

Relocating World Cup matches at this stage would represent a significant logistical challenge, potentially affecting broadcasting rights, ticketing, and team preparations, due to the tight schedule and planning already in place for the expanded, 48‑team tournament. FIFA has not yet issued an official response, and the final decision on whether to approve the relocation is expected to emerge in discussions with the federation and tournament organizers.