Iran in Talks With FIFA to Move World Cup Matches From United States to Mexico – Eduzim News

Sports Correspondent – The football federation of Iran is reportedly in discussions with FIFA to relocate its group-stage matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup from the United States to Mexico due to escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Iran’s participation in the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, has faced uncertainty since conflict erupted in the region late last month.

At one point, Iran’s Ministry of Sports announced the country would withdraw from the competition. However, the nation’s football authorities are now exploring alternative arrangements that would allow the team to remain in the tournament while avoiding travel to the United States.

President of the Iranian Football Federation Mehdi Taj confirmed that talks are underway with FIFA over the possibility of moving their fixtures to Mexico.

“When US President Donald Trump openly stated that he could not guarantee the safety of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America,” Taj said in comments shared through the Iranian embassy’s account on X.

“We are currently negotiating with FIFA to stage Iran’s World Cup matches in Mexico,” he added.

Iran were the first nation to qualify for the tournament and have been placed in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand.

Under the current schedule, all of Iran’s group-stage matches are set to take place in American cities, including Los Angeles and Seattle.

However, the ongoing diplomatic tensions have prompted Iranian authorities to seek an alternative venue for their games.

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