FIFA Reports Unwillingness to Relocate Iranian World Cup Matches from United States

The Iranian Football Federation (IFF) confirmed on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, that it has entered negotiations with FIFA to move the national team’s group-stage matches from the United States to Mexico.

 The request follows a period of escalating military tension between the U.S. and Iran, and public comments from President Donald Trump suggesting the team should not travel to American soil "for their own life and safety."

IFF President Mehdi Taj announced the move in a statement posted to the Iranian embassy’s social media in Mexico City, asserting that the team would not travel to the U.S. under current conditions.

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

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

Despite these claims, FIFA has signaled it is unlikely to accommodate the request. A spokesperson for the governing body stated that FIFA remains in "regular contact" with all member associations but emphasized that planning continues "as per the match schedule announced on 6 December 2025."

 Sources within the organization noted that a late relocation would pose massive logistical and commercial challenges, as tens of thousands of tickets have already been sold for the scheduled games in Los Angeles and Seattle.

The dispute highlights a deepening rift between the tournament hosts and Iran, whose participation has been in jeopardy since U.S. and Israeli airstrikes targeted the country in February. 

While FIFA President Gianni Infantino previously noted that he received personal assurances from President Trump that the team was welcome, the Iranian government has characterized the U.S. as a host that "lacks the capacity and ability to provide security."

If Iran follows through on its threat to boycott the matches in the U.S., they face significant fines and potential disqualification from future tournaments.

FIFA is expected to make a final determination regarding the team's status during its upcoming congress in Vancouver on April 30.

Currently, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates are identified as the most likely replacements should Iran withdraw from the 48-nation tournament.

The Iranian national team is scheduled to open its campaign against New Zealand at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on June 15.