FIFA Rejects Iran's Request to Switch 2026 World Cup Matches to Mexico

Iran cites safety concerns over playing games in the U.S. after Trump's comments, but FIFA says schedule is final.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 4:19pm

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Iran's national soccer team is scheduled to play its three 2026 World Cup group stage matches in Los Angeles and Seattle, but the Iranian Football Federation has requested to have those games moved to Mexico due to safety concerns following comments from former U.S. President Donald Trump discouraging Iran's participation. However, FIFA has rejected the request, stating the match schedule will not be changed.

Why it matters

The dispute over Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup highlights ongoing geopolitical tensions between Iran and the U.S., and raises questions about how FIFA will handle security and political issues surrounding the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

The details

Iran was drawn into Group G with Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand for the 2026 World Cup. The Iranian Football Federation has requested to have its three group stage matches moved from the U.S. to Mexico, citing safety concerns after former President Trump said he does not believe it is appropriate for Iran to participate in the tournament. However, FIFA has rejected the request, stating the match schedule announced in December 2025 will not be changed.

  • Iran was drawn into Group G for the 2026 World Cup in December 2025.
  • Trump posted his comments about Iran's participation last week.
  • The Iranian Football Federation made the request to move matches to Mexico in March 2026.

The players

Mehdi Taj

President of the Iranian Football Federation.

Gianni Infantino

President of FIFA.

Donald Trump

Former President of the United States.

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What they’re saying

“The Iran 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.”

— Donald Trump, Former U.S. President

What’s next

FIFA has stated the match schedule will not be changed, so Iran's national team is expected to compete in the 2026 World Cup as originally planned, playing its group stage matches in Los Angeles and Seattle.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the ongoing geopolitical tensions between Iran and the U.S., and the challenges FIFA faces in hosting a World Cup across three countries with complex diplomatic relationships. It remains to be seen how FIFA will address security and political concerns surrounding the tournament.