ZURICH: Football’s global governing body FIFA has rejected Iran’s request to move its 2026 FIFA World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico, citing logistical and organizational constraints.
The 2026 tournament is set to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Iranian officials had reportedly requested that their group-stage matches be relocated away from the United States due to security concerns linked to ongoing regional tensions involving Iran, the US, and Israel.
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed FIFA’s position, stating that matches will proceed as originally scheduled. She reiterated that the tournament schedule and venues would remain unchanged, with no relocations approved.
FIFA FIFA maintained that the World Cup fixtures will be held at their designated venues across all three host nations, emphasizing that logistical and operational planning cannot be altered at this stage.
Reports suggest that Iran’s national team may face challenges traveling to and participating in matches hosted in the United States, raising concerns over their participation in the tournament. However, no official decision has been made regarding any withdrawal.
US President Donald Trump has also previously expressed concerns regarding security arrangements for teams, including Iran, ahead of the tournament.
