FIFA has rejected a request from the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran to relocate Iran’s 2026 World Cup group-stage matches from the United States to Mexico.
The decision was confirmed by Claudia Sheinbaum, who said logistical challenges made any changes to the tournament schedule impractical. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has repeatedly stated that there are no plans to alter venues, stressing that all fixtures will go ahead as originally arranged.
Iran’s request was prompted by rising geopolitical tensions and concerns over player safety following exchanges between Tehran and Washington. Donald Trump suggested on social media that Iran’s participation could pose risks, while Iran’s Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali warned the country might reconsider taking part unless the matches were moved.
Although Mexico, a co-host of the tournament, had indicated a willingness to accommodate the games, FIFA concluded that shifting venues would create significant operational complications.
Iran has been drawn in Group G and is set to play New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, before facing Egypt in Seattle between June 15 and June 27.
Despite ongoing political tensions, FIFA maintains that the tournament—hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada—will proceed as planned, emphasizing that external political issues will not disrupt the competition.
