Los Angeles – The Iranian national football team is exploring the possibility of playing its 2026 FIFA World Cup matches in Mexico rather than the United States, citing security concerns stemming from recent geopolitical tensions. The move comes after former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly questioned the safety of the Iranian team playing on American soil.
The president of the Iranian Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, is reportedly in negotiations with FIFA to relocate Iran’s Group B matches – scheduled for Los Angeles and Seattle – to Mexican venues. This development underscores the complex political backdrop surrounding the expanded 48-team World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. The initial group stage matchups for Iran include games against New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, and Egypt in Seattle. Their proposed base camp during the tournament was slated for Tucson, Arizona.
“Given that Trump has clearly stated he cannot guarantee the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not go to the United States,” Taj stated, according to a post on the Iranian embassy’s X account. “We are in negotiations with FIFA to hold Iran’s matches in the World Cup in Mexico.”
The situation arose following Trump’s comments last week, where he asserted that the Iranian players would not be “safe” in the U.S., without specifying the nature of the threats. This statement followed assurances from FIFA President Gianni Infantino that Trump had pledged to welcome the Iranian team. The Iranian team responded to these developments on Instagram, stating, “No one can exclude the national team of Iran from the World Cup.”
Adding another layer to the issue, Iranian Ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh, criticized the lack of cooperation from the U.S. Government in providing visas and logistical support for the Iranian delegation. “We have similarly suggested to FIFA that Iran’s matches be moved from the United States to Mexico,” Pasandideh said in a statement released by the embassy.
FIFA has not yet issued an official response to the requests from Iran. The organization faces a delicate situation, balancing the demand to ensure the safety and security of all participating teams with the logistical complexities of potentially shifting matches between host countries. The 2026 World Cup is already the most ambitious in history, with games spread across 16 cities in three nations.
The current tensions are rooted in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. The United States and Israel launched a significant offensive against Iran on February 28th, prompting retaliatory missile and drone attacks from Iran targeting both Israeli and U.S. Assets in the region. This escalating conflict has clearly influenced the Iranian Football Federation’s concerns about player safety.
This isn’t the first time Iran has considered boycotting a major international sporting event due to political factors. In December 2023, half of Iran’s eight-member delegation to the World Cup draw in Washington D.C., including the president of its soccer federation, Mehdi Taj, were denied visas to attend, raising initial concerns about their participation in the tournament. The New York Times reported on the visa issues at the time.
The potential relocation of Iran’s matches to Mexico would likely present logistical challenges, including adjustments to travel schedules for players, staff, and fans. Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey are the Mexican host cities for the 2026 World Cup. The shift could also impact ticket sales and fan attendance, particularly for supporters who had already made plans to travel to the U.S. Venues.
For fans following the tournament, this situation highlights the increasing intersection of sports and geopolitics. The 2026 World Cup, already notable for its expanded format, is now facing a potential disruption that underscores the challenges of hosting a global event in a world marked by political instability. The outcome of the negotiations between Iran and FIFA will be closely watched by the international football community.
The situation also raises questions about the broader security protocols for all participating teams at the 2026 World Cup. FIFA and the host nations will need to demonstrate a robust security plan to reassure all teams and fans that their safety is a top priority. The incident serves as a reminder that even the world’s most celebrated sporting events are not immune to the realities of international relations.
As of now, the Iranian Football Federation continues to push for a resolution that ensures the safety and well-being of its players. The next step will be FIFA’s response to the request for a venue change, a decision that will have significant implications for the tournament’s logistics and the overall atmosphere surrounding the event.
The Iranian national team is currently preparing for the World Cup qualifiers, with their focus remaining on securing a spot in the tournament despite the ongoing uncertainty. The team’s performance in the qualifiers will be crucial, as it will determine their seeding and potential path through the group stage, regardless of where their matches are ultimately played.
Fans can stay updated on the latest developments regarding Iran’s participation in the 2026 World Cup through official FIFA channels and reputable sports news outlets. The situation is evolving rapidly, and further updates are expected in the coming weeks.
:format(webp)/nginx/o/2026/05/17/17645379t1he752.jpg)