Iran campaign to move their World Cup fixtures from the USA to Mexico

Martin Macdonald

• 17 Mar 2026 08:15 CDT
• 2 min read

News

Iran have officially requested to FIFA that their World Cup fixtures be moved from the United States to Mexico.

For nearly a month, the USA, in partnership with Israel, have been in conflict with Iran and it all started with bombing campaigns on the capital of Tehran.

Iran retaliated and started bombing Israel as well as US army bases at locations around the Middle East. There is no sign of a ceasefire on the horizon, which has raised major doubts about Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup.

They are scheduled to play New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles and Egypt in Seattle.

"Considering that ‌this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances ⁠can we ​participate in ​the World ​Cup," sports minister Ahmad Donyamali told Iran's state television last Wednesday.

"Our children are not safe and, fundamentally, such conditions for participation do not exist. Given the malicious actions they have carried out against Iran, they have forced two wars on us over eight or nine months and have killed and martyred thousands of our people. Therefore, we certainly cannot have such a presence."

USA president Donald Trump said on Truth Social that Iran were welcome at the World Cup but the squad should probably stay away for safety purposes.

"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. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP," his post said.

It was thought that Donyamali's confirmation that Iran would not play at the World Cup was definitive, but it has now been revealed that the nation still wants to participate in the tournament - just not in the USA.

In a statement posted on the X account of the Iranian embassy in Mexico, Iranian football president Mehdi Taj said:

"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."

With all fixtures apparently set in stone across the USA, Canada and Mexico, this would present a logistical nightmare for not only FIFA, but the host venues across North America.

Even if Iran were to play all group stage matches in Mexico, there is the possibility that they will need to eventually play in the USA, should they progress through the competition.

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