Iran to Boycott US, Seek Mexico for 2026 World Cup Matches | FIFA Responds

TEHRAN, March 19, 2026 – The Iranian Football Federation has affirmed its commitment to participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions. However, the federation has made clear that it will boycott matches played in the United States, seeking alternative venues for its group stage games.

President of the Iranian Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, stated unequivocally that the national team will prepare for the tournament, but will not compete on American soil. “We will prepare for the World Cup. We will boycott the U.S. But not the World Cup,” Taj said in a video released by Iranian news agency Fars on Wednesday, March 18th. This declaration comes amid uncertainty surrounding Iran’s participation, given its scheduled group stage matches were initially planned to be held in the U.S.

The decision stems from escalating conflicts between Iran and the United States, as well as Israel, which began in late February. These tensions raised questions about the safety and logistical feasibility of Iran’s participation in matches hosted within the U.S. The Iranian federation is currently in negotiations with FIFA to explore the possibility of relocating their matches to Mexico, a co-host nation for the 2026 tournament.

Mexico has already signaled its willingness to host Iran’s matches. President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed Mexico’s readiness to serve as an alternative host during a press conference on Tuesday, March 17th. “Yes,” Sheinbaum stated, adding that “Mexico maintains diplomatic relations with every country in the world, therefore we will wait for what FIFA decides.” This offer underscores Mexico’s commitment to facilitating the participation of all qualified teams in the World Cup, regardless of political complexities.

Iran was among the first nations to qualify for the 2026 World Cup final tournament. The tournament is scheduled to run from June 11th to July 19th, and will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Initially, Iran was slated to play its group stage matches in the U.S., with two games planned for Los Angeles and one in Seattle. The potential shift in venue reflects the delicate balance between sporting competition and international politics.

The situation has drawn attention from high-level political figures. Former U.S. President Donald Trump previously cautioned that the safety of Iranian players could be at risk if they traveled to the United States. This statement followed earlier assurances from FIFA President Gianni Infantino that Trump had guaranteed Iran’s welcome in the U.S. However, Trump later suggested that the Iranian team should refrain from attending the World Cup for their own safety, creating further uncertainty.

Despite the political backdrop, the Iranian national team, known as Team Melli, is continuing its preparations. The team is currently holding a training camp in Turkey and will participate in two friendly matches in Antalya against Nigeria and Costa Rica. These matches were originally scheduled to be held in Jordan but were relocated due to ongoing conflicts in the region. “The national team is holding a training camp in Turkey, and we will also play two friendly matches there,” Taj confirmed, according to Reuters.

The Iranian Football Federation’s stance represents a clear separation between its political objections and its commitment to participating in the global sporting event. The federation’s focus remains on ensuring its team can compete in the World Cup, albeit without playing matches within the United States. This situation highlights the increasing intersection of sports and politics on the international stage, and the challenges faced by governing bodies like FIFA in navigating these complexities.

The coming weeks will be crucial as FIFA considers Iran’s request to relocate its matches. A decision will need to balance the logistical challenges of changing venues with the political sensitivities surrounding Iran’s participation. The outcome will not only impact Iran’s World Cup experience but also set a precedent for how FIFA addresses similar situations in the future.

For fans of Team Melli, the priority is clear: seeing their national team compete on the world’s biggest stage. The federation’s commitment to participation, despite the boycott of the U.S., offers a glimmer of hope that Iranian football will be represented at the 2026 World Cup, even if the location of those matches shifts to Mexican soil.

The next step in this developing story will be FIFA’s official response to Iran’s request. FIFA is expected to announce its decision in the coming days, providing clarity on where Team Melli will play its group stage matches. Archysport will continue to provide updates as this situation unfolds.