FIFA Rejects Iran's Push to Move World Cup Matches Out of US to Mexico

The 2026 World Cup schedule will remain unchanged despite Iran's request to relocate their group-stage matches.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 4:07am

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FIFA has rejected Iran's push to move their three 2026 World Cup group-stage matches out of the United States and into Mexico. In a statement, FIFA said it is in regular contact with all participating teams, including Iran, and the matches will take place as previously determined in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

Why it matters

This decision upholds the original 2026 World Cup hosting plan that was announced in 2025. Iran had sought to move its matches out of the U.S. due to ongoing tensions, but FIFA has maintained the schedule to avoid disrupting the tournament logistics and organization.

The details

Iran was scheduled to play matches in Inglewood, California, and Seattle during the group stage of the 2026 World Cup. However, Iran's ambassador to Mexico had urged FIFA to relocate those games to Mexico instead. FIFA rejected the request, stating the matches will take place as originally planned across the three host countries.

  • The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19.
  • Iran was set to play its group-stage matches on June 16, June 21, and June 26.

The players

FIFA

The international governing body of association football, futsal, and beach soccer.

Iran

The national soccer team of Iran, which was scheduled to compete in the 2026 World Cup.

Abolfazl Pasandideh

The Iranian ambassador to Mexico who urged FIFA to move Iran's matches to Mexico.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, who commented on Iran's potential participation in the World Cup.

Gianni Infantino

The President of FIFA, who said Trump reiterated that Iran's soccer team would be welcome to compete in the U.S.

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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 President of the United States

“We all need an event like the FIFA World Cup to bring people together now more than ever, and I sincerely thank the President of the United States for his support, as it shows once again that Football Unites the World.”

— Gianni Infantino, FIFA President

What’s next

The 2026 World Cup schedule will proceed as originally announced, with Iran's group-stage matches taking place in the United States as planned.

The takeaway

Despite Iran's request to move its World Cup matches out of the U.S. due to ongoing tensions, FIFA has maintained the original 2026 tournament schedule across the three host countries of the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This decision upholds the integrity of the World Cup logistics and organization.