Iran Requests FIFA to Move 2026 World Cup Matches From USA

Iran is reportedly in discussions with FIFA to relocate its 2026 FIFA World Cup group-stage matches from the United States to Mexico. Officials cite growing security concerns tied to escalating geopolitical tensions.

Officials from the Iranian government say the request comes amid fears for the safety of players, team officials, and supporters. They are concerned should the squad be required to travel to the United States during the tournament.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by United States, Canada, and Mexico. It marks the first time the tournament will be jointly hosted by three nations.

According to diplomatic sources, the Iranian embassy in Mexico has communicated concerns about the security environment in the United States. These concerns follow remarks attributed to Donald Trump questioning the security arrangements surrounding the Iranian national team.

Iranian officials argue that such statements could pose risks for their delegation and fans traveling to the United States. This is especially true when combined with broader geopolitical tensions between Washington and Tehran.

Iran’s national team is currently scheduled to play group-stage matches in Inglewood, California, and Seattle, Washington. Iranian authorities are requesting that these fixtures instead be moved to stadiums in Mexico. Mexico is another official host country of the tournament.

The request follows heightened tensions between Iran and the United States, including recent military developments in the region.

Iranian officials claim that U.S.-backed military actions that reportedly killed senior Iranian officials have contributed to concerns about the safety of their athletes and diplomatic personnel. These risks are present when traveling to the United States.

These tensions have spilled into the sporting arena and prompted Iran’s sports ministry to initially hint that the country might withdraw entirely from the 2026 tournament. This would happen if safety guarantees could not be assured.

However, the government has since shifted its position. It is now pursuing negotiations with FIFA to secure a venue change rather than a withdrawal.

At this stage, FIFA has not publicly confirmed any decision regarding Iran’s request.

Sources familiar with tournament planning indicate that a venue change remains unlikely. The event’s complex scheduling and logistics were finalized years in advance.

Additionally, other teams expected to face Iran in the group stage—including New Zealand—are reportedly continuing preparations based on the existing match schedule. These matches are planned for the United States.

Moving matches across host countries could require significant adjustments to broadcasting, ticketing, and security planning for the tournament.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest World Cup in history. It will expand to 48 teams and feature matches across 16 host cities in North America.

Major U.S. venues include stadiums in Los Angeles (Inglewood), Seattle, Dallas, New York/New Jersey, Atlanta, and Miami, among others.

Mexico and Canada will also host several group-stage matches and knockout games.

With millions of fans expected to travel across North America, security coordination between the three host nations will be a major component. It is essential for the tournament’s organization.

For now, Iran continues diplomatic engagement with FIFA while preparing for the possibility that the original schedule will remain unchanged.

If FIFA rejects the proposal, Iran could face a difficult decision between participating under the current arrangements or revisiting earlier threats of withdrawal.

The final outcome may depend on both sports governance decisions. It will also be influenced by evolving international relations in the months leading up to the tournament.