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Iran Seeks FIFA Move: World Cup Matches from US to Mexico Over Security

The President of Iran's Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, has announced negotiations with FIFA to move Iran's 2026 World Cup group matches from the United States to Mexico. This follows public statements from former US President Donald Trump casting doubt on the safety of the Iranian national team on American soil. Iran's Sports Minister previously suggested the country could not participate after accusing the US of assassinating its Supreme Leader. Iran is slated to play in Group G in Los Angeles and Seattle, facing Belgium, New Zealand, and Egypt.

Key Points: Iran in FIFA Talks to Move World Cup Matches from US to Mexico

  • Security fears prompt match relocation
  • Trump warned Iranian team
  • Tied to political tensions
  • Qualification for Group G secured
  • Fixtures scheduled for LA and Seattle
2 min read

"We will certainly not travel to America": FFIRI President Mehdi Taj in talks with FIFA to move World Cup matches to Mexico

Iran's football chief negotiates with FIFA to relocate 2026 World Cup matches to Mexico, citing security fears after Trump's warnings.

"When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security... we will certainly not travel to America. - Mehdi Taj"

Tehran, March 17

Mehdi Taj, President of the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran, has said that Iran is in talks with FIFA to relocate its World Cup 2026 group matches to Mexico instead in USA, citing serious concerns about the team's security and political tensions surrounding the tournament.

The United States will co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico. The tournament will feature 104 matches, beginning at Mexico City Stadium on June 11 and culminating at New York New Jersey Stadium with the final on 19 July.

In a post on X, Taj stated that US President Donald Trump has explicitly indicated that he cannot ensure the safety of the Iranian national team, a remark that has deepened Tehran's apprehensions about travelling to the US for World Cup fixtures.

"When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America/We are currently negotiating with FIFA to hold Iran's matches in the World Cup in Mexico," he said in a post on X.

Iran's qualification for the 48-team tournament gave the nation a place in Group G. Iran is scheduled to play its fixtures in Los Angeles and Seattle. They will face Belgium, New Zealand, and Egypt. However, due to regional conflict, their participation has cast uncertainty on US soil.

On March 12, US President Donald Trump welcomed the Iranian national football team to participate in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, but also warned them to 'not be there for their own life and safety'.

In a post on Truth Social, the US President said, "The Iranian National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup, but I really don't believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety."

Trump's comments came just a day after the Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali said that the country cannot participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the United States killed the country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reported Al Jazeera, citing Reuters.

"Considering that this corrupt regime [the US] has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup," Ahmad Donyamali told state television, according to the report.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's heartbreaking for the players who have worked so hard to qualify. Imagine training your whole life for this moment, and then geopolitics gets in the way. 😔 Hope a solution is found. The world is watching how FIFA handles this.
R
Rohit P
From an Indian perspective, we know how political tensions can spill over into sports. Remember when we had issues with Pakistan? It's never the athletes' fault. Trump's comments are irresponsible for a head of state. He should be ensuring a safe tournament for all, not issuing veiled threats.
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Sarah B
While I understand the security concerns, pulling out or moving matches sets a difficult precedent. What about the fans who have booked travel and accommodation? And the other teams in their group? The logistics will be a nightmare. There has to be a better way to guarantee safety without disrupting the entire schedule.
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Vikram M
Absolutely the right call by FFIRI. You cannot send your national team into a hostile environment. Trump's "welcome" was clearly sarcastic and threatening. Mexico is a co-host, so it's a viable solution. FIFA should approve this quickly for the spirit of the game.
K
Karthik V
The Iranian Sports Minister's statement is just as political. Both sides are using football as a pawn. The real losers are the players of Iran, Belgium, New Zealand, and Egypt, whose tournament experience is being compromised. This is why many say keep politics out of sports. Sadly, that's never the reality.

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