Iran Pushes FIFA to Move 2026 World Cup Matches from U.S. to Mexico

Zurich/Tehran/Mexico City – March 17, 2026 – Iran’s national football team has formally opened discussions with FIFA over relocating its 2026 World Cup group-stage matches from the United States to Mexico, citing escalating security concerns linked to the ongoing U.S.–Israel conflict and remarks made by Donald Trump.

The move comes as tensions surrounding the tournament intensify ahead of the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

PulseNets learnt that officials of the Iran Football Federation have already initiated talks with FIFA seeking to stage Iran’s three group-stage fixtures in Mexico rather than the United States.

According to a statement obtained by PulseNets from the Iranian embassy in Mexico and shared on X, FFIRI President Mehdi Taj confirmed the ongoing negotiations.

“When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America. We are currently negotiating with FIFA to hold Iran’s matches in the World Cup in Mexico.”

Rising Tensions Following Regional Conflict

PulseNets reported earlier that Iran had initially signaled the possibility of withdrawing from the tournament entirely after the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei during coordinated U.S.–Israel airstrikes. The strikes reportedly caused extensive destruction across Tehran and surrounding regions.

Iran’s Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali had earlier warned that participation in the tournament could become impossible given that the United States, a principal World Cup host, is directly involved in the conflict.

“Under any circumstances,” Donyamali was quoted as saying, “our national team cannot compete in a country actively engaged in hostilities against Iran.”

Iran’s Group G Fixtures in the United States

Iran has been drawn in Group G alongside:

• Belgium

• Egypt

• New Zealand

PulseNets learnt that the original tournament schedule places all three Iranian group matches inside the United States:

• Iran vs. New Zealand – Los Angeles (likely at SoFi Stadium or Rose Bowl Stadium)

• Iran vs. Belgium – Los Angeles

• Iran vs. Egypt – Seattle at Lumen Field

Should FIFA approve the request, Mexico could host the fixtures at stadiums already designated for the tournament, including:

• Estadio Azteca

• Estadio BBVA

• Estadio Akron

Such a change would require FIFA to adjust the official schedule while maintaining the multi-country hosting structure of the 2026 tournament.

FIFA Yet to Issue Official Decision

PulseNets reported that FIFA has not publicly responded to the Iranian proposal. However, individuals familiar with the matter told PulseNets that the governing body is evaluating options aimed at preventing a full Iranian withdrawal.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is understood to have privately urged Iranian officials to reconsider any boycott while discussions continue.

Under Article 6 of FIFA’s World Cup regulations, any national federation that withdraws from the competition may face financial sanctions of at least $300,000. FIFA also retains authority to replace a withdrawing team.

Possible Replacement Teams

PulseNets learnt that if Iran ultimately pulls out, FIFA could consider selecting another Asian Football Confederation (AFC) team in order to preserve continental representation.

Teams reportedly under consideration include:

• Iraq national football team – finished third in Iran’s qualification group and currently competing in intercontinental playoffs.

• United Arab Emirates national football team – finished second in the same group before losing to Iraq in the AFC playoff round.

Travel complications tied to the regional conflict could complicate Iraq’s upcoming playoff match against the winner of the Bolivia–Suriname fixture scheduled in Mexico.

Some officials told PulseNets that FIFA may consider postponing or waiving certain obligations if Iraq is ultimately selected as Iran’s replacement.

Politics and Global Football Collide

The controversy also reflects the growing intersection between geopolitics and international sport.

Recent remarks by Trump have intensified Tehran’s concerns regarding the safety of the Iranian delegation.

“The Iranian national soccer team is welcome to the World Cup, but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety.”

Security planning for teams, officials, and international supporters remains a central issue for FIFA as the tournament approaches.

Also Read: 2026 FIFA World Cup Draw: Full Group Breakdown as President Attends Star-Studded Ceremony in Washington

If negotiations fail, FIFA could restructure Group G to include only three teams or introduce a replacement nation, both scenarios that would affect scheduling, broadcasting arrangements, and competitive balance.

The dispute introduces fresh uncertainty into preparations for the historic 48-team tournament scheduled for June to July 2026, a competition already facing logistical pressure amid wider regional instability.