Iran Negotiating With FIFA to Move World Cup Games From US to Mexico

Concerns over player safety after US airstrikes on Iran prompt talks to relocate matches.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 7:20am

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Iran's football federation is in discussions with FIFA about moving their World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico due to concerns about the safety of their players following recent US airstrikes on Iran. Iranian football president Mehdi Taj said they will not travel to the US after President Trump suggested Iran's team may not be safe there.

Why it matters

This is a significant logistical challenge for the 2026 World Cup, which is set to be co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. Relocating Iran's matches to Mexico would mark a major change to the tournament plans. It also highlights the broader geopolitical tensions between Iran and the US that are impacting international sporting events.

The details

Iran secured a spot in the 2026 World Cup by topping their group in Asian qualifying. They were scheduled to play two group matches in Los Angeles and one in Seattle. However, after the US launched airstrikes on Iran, Iranian officials say they will not travel to the US due to safety concerns for their players. They are now negotiating with FIFA to have all of Iran's matches moved to Mexico instead.

  • Iran qualified for the 2026 World Cup in late 2025.
  • The US and Israel conducted airstrikes on Iran in March 2026.
  • Iran began negotiations with FIFA about relocating their World Cup matches in mid-March 2026.

The players

Mehdi Taj

President of the Iranian football federation.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who suggested Iran's team may not be safe playing in the US.

Windsor John

General Secretary of the Asian Football Confederation.

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What they’re saying

“When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America.”

— Mehdi Taj, President, Iranian football federation

“At the end of the day, it's the federation who should decide if they're playing, and as of today, the federation has told us that they are going to the World Cup.”

— Windsor John, General Secretary, Asian Football Confederation

What’s next

FIFA will need to decide whether to approve Iran's request to move their World Cup matches from the US to Mexico. This would require a significant logistical shift for the tournament.

The takeaway

The escalating tensions between Iran and the US are now impacting the planning for the 2026 World Cup, highlighting how geopolitical conflicts can disrupt major international sporting events. The outcome of these negotiations will be closely watched as FIFA tries to balance political realities with the integrity of the tournament.