Iran Negotiates with FIFA to Relocate 2026 World Cup Matches from USA to Mexico

Mehdi Taj, President of the Iranian Football Federation, confirmed that the local federation is in talks with FIFA regarding the relocation of the Iranian national team's matches in the 2026 World Cup from the United States to Mexico. This request stems from concerns related to player safety and the surrounding security environment.

These statements follow heightened tensions between Iran and the United States, particularly in light of previous remarks by former US President Donald Trump, who expressed concerns about Iran's participation in the tournament in the United States "for its own safety." These comments provoked significant reactions within Iranian sports and political circles.

Taj stated in a post on the Iranian Embassy in Mexico's X (formerly Twitter) account that Trump's remarks, in which he claimed the security of the Iranian national team in the United States could not be guaranteed, make it difficult for the team to travel to America for the tournament. He reiterated that the federation is negotiating with FIFA to host Iran's matches in Mexico instead.

FIFA has not yet issued an official comment on these demands or the ongoing discussions. The final decision rests with the international federation, which could face significant logistical challenges if it agrees to change match venues before the tournament begins.