Iran Negotiating With FIFA to Move World Cup Games to Mexico

Concerns over player safety after US-Israel airstrikes on Iran

Mar. 17, 2026 at 11:18am

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Iran's soccer federation is in discussions with FIFA about moving their World Cup matches to Mexico from the United States due to concerns about the safety of their players, following US airstrikes on Iran. Iranian soccer president Mehdi Taj said they will not travel to the US 'for their own life and safety' after President Trump's comments that he cannot ensure their security.

Why it matters

This is a significant logistical shift for the 2026 World Cup, as relocating matches for security or geopolitical reasons is not unprecedented. However, an official withdrawal by Iran would be the first in the modern era and leave FIFA with the urgent task of finding a replacement.

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, but are now negotiating with FIFA to hold their matches in Mexico instead. The organizing committees for the LA and Seattle matches did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

  • Iran qualified for the 2026 World Cup in late 2025.
  • The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to kick off on June 11, 2026.
  • Iran was originally scheduled to play two group matches in Los Angeles and one in Seattle.

The players

Mehdi Taj

The president of the Iranian soccer federation.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States, who said Iran's national team may not be safe playing in the US.

FIFA

The global governing body of soccer, which Iran is negotiating with to move their World Cup matches.

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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 soccer federation

“Iran are welcome to participate but it might not be appropriate for them to play in the US 'for their own life and safety.'”

— Donald Trump

What’s next

FIFA has not yet responded to Iran's request to move the World Cup matches to Mexico. If FIFA rejects the request, it seems unlikely that Iran would travel to the US and take part in the tournament while at war with one of the co-hosts.

The takeaway

This geopolitical dispute over the 2026 World Cup highlights the complex challenges FIFA faces in hosting a global event amid international conflicts. The potential relocation of Iran's matches to Mexico would mark a significant logistical shift, but an outright withdrawal by Iran would be unprecedented in the modern era of the World Cup.