FIFA Rejects Iran’s Request to Move 2026 World Cup Matches
Los Angeles, CA – March 18, 2026 – FIFA has officially denied Iran’s request to relocate its 2026 World Cup group stage matches from the United States to Mexico, citing logistical challenges and adherence to the already established tournament schedule. The decision comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions and concerns over the safety of Iranian players and officials while traveling to the U.S.
The Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) had lobbied for the matches to be moved, citing the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States and Israel as a potential security risk. President Mehdi Taj had publicly stated Iran’s unwillingness to play matches on American soil, seeking a venue shift to Mexico, a co-host nation for the expanded 2026 tournament. However, FIFA has remained firm in its stance, prioritizing the integrity of the existing schedule.
FIFA Stands Firm on Tournament Schedule
“FIFA is in regular contact with all participating member associations, including IR Iran, to discuss planning for the FIFA World Cup 2026,” a FIFA spokesperson stated. “FIFA is looking forward to all participating teams competing as per the match schedule announced.”
The decision to deny Iran’s request wasn’t taken lightly, but FIFA officials reportedly emphasized the significant logistical hurdles involved in altering the schedule at this late stage. Moving matches would disrupt travel arrangements for other teams, impact television broadcast schedules, and potentially create complications with sponsorship agreements. Several sources within FIFA pointed to these factors as key considerations in the decision-making process.
Iran is currently slated to play two group stage matches in Los Angeles and one in Seattle. They are grouped with Belgium, Egypt, and Novel Zealand in Group G, and are potentially on a collision course with the United States in the round of 32 in Dallas, a prospect that adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
Iran’s Participation in Question?
The situation is further complicated by recent statements from Iranian officials questioning the nation’s participation in the tournament altogether. Iran’s Minister of Sports, Ahmad Donyamali, indicated that Iran may withdraw from the World Cup following recent events, including reports of the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
“Considering that this corrupt regime has killed our leader, we cannot participate in the World Cup under any circumstances,” Donyamali reportedly told state television, according to Reuters on March 11th. This declaration casts significant doubt on whether Iran will ultimately compete in the tournament, regardless of the venue.
The potential absence of Iran from the 2026 World Cup would be a notable development, impacting the tournament’s competitive balance and raising questions about the intersection of politics and sports on a global stage. It also underscores the delicate position FIFA finds itself in, navigating geopolitical sensitivities while attempting to maintain the integrity of its flagship event.
Trump’s Previous Stance
Interestingly, former U.S. President Donald Trump previously weighed in on the matter, initially suggesting that Iran should be allowed to participate in the World Cup, before later expressing concerns about the safety of Iranian players traveling to the United States. FIFA President Gianni Infantino revealed that Trump had initially given a green light for Iran’s participation, only to later withdraw that support.
This shifting stance from a prominent political figure highlights the complex and often unpredictable nature of the situation. It also demonstrates the heightened scrutiny surrounding Iran’s involvement in the tournament, given the current geopolitical climate.
The decision by FIFA to uphold the original schedule leaves Iran in a challenging position. The FFIRI must now decide whether to accept the ruling and participate in the tournament under the current circumstances, or to follow through on the Minister of Sports’ threat and withdraw from the competition. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining Iran’s fate in the 2026 World Cup.
As of today, March 18, 2026, FIFA maintains that the tournament will proceed as planned, with Iran scheduled to play its group stage matches in the United States. The next official update from FIFA regarding Iran’s participation is expected in early April, following further discussions with the FFIRI.
