Iran World Cup 2026: Team Seeks Mexico Move Amid US Safety Concerns & Trump Remarks
GENEVA (AP) — The prospect of the 2026 World Cup being played without Iran participating in the United States took another turn Tuesday, as Iranian diplomats explored the possibility of relocating their group-stage matches to Mexico. The move comes amid a backdrop of political tension and statements from U.S. President Donald Trump questioning the team’s safety and welcome at the tournament.
According to statements released by the Iranian ambassador and embassy in Mexico City, negotiations are underway with FIFA to shift Iran’s three group-stage games from the U.S. To Mexico. This followed Trump’s comments last week, which discouraged the team from attending the 48-nation tournament, citing safety concerns. The Iranian ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh, reportedly stated, “We love the Mexican people remarkably much and for us, the best situation is for our games to be held in Mexico.” This sentiment was echoed by national soccer federation president Mehdi Taj, who was quoted as saying, “When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America.”
FIFA, however, appears to be holding firm on the existing schedule. In a statement, the governing body indicated it is “in regular contact with all participating member associations, including (the Islamic Republic of) Iran, to discuss planning for the FIFA World Cup 2026,” but reiterated it is “looking forward to all participating teams competing as per the match schedule announced on Dec. 6, 2025.” The organization effectively dismissed the possibility of unprecedented changes to a schedule agreed upon just three months prior.
The situation is further complicated by conflicting signals from within Iran itself. While some officials have suggested the U.S. Is unable or unwilling to guarantee the team’s safety, others have emphasized that it is FIFA and the U.S. Co-host’s responsibility to do so. Sports minister Ahmad Donyamali previously stated it was “not possible to play” due to unspecified “wicked acts,” but the national team subsequently asserted on Instagram that “no one can exclude” them from the tournament. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmail Baghaei, added that Trump’s statements indicated the U.S. “lacks the capacity and ability to provide security for such an important sporting event.”
Iran is currently scheduled to face Modern Zealand on and Belgium on in Inglewood, California, concluding group play against Egypt in Seattle on . Relocating these matches would represent a significant logistical challenge and a potentially damaging precedent less than three months before the tournament’s start.
The potential disruption has already drawn concern from other participating nations. Andrew Pragnell, chief executive of the New Zealand soccer federation, expressed skepticism about the feasibility of moving games, citing the logistical complications and the impact on fans who have already made travel arrangements. “By trying to move the match schedule, you actually create more problems down the track,” Pragnell told New Zealand media. “I don’t feel it’ll happen.” The Belgian soccer federation has declined to comment on the matter.
Trump’s statements have been inconsistent, ranging from expressing indifference about Iran’s participation to welcoming the team as stars, while simultaneously raising concerns about their safety. He stated last week, “I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety.” This back-and-forth has added to the uncertainty surrounding the situation.
Soccer holds a prominent place in Iranian culture, with a population of over 90 million people passionately following the sport. The national team, currently ranked No. 20 in the world by FIFA – the highest-ranked Asian team – has qualified for seven men’s World Cups, including each of the last four editions. The team’s participation is therefore a matter of national pride and significant public interest.
As of Tuesday, FIFA has not issued any further statements beyond an Instagram post from president Gianni Infantino last week, in which he claimed to have received assurances from Trump that Iran was welcome at the tournament. The organization’s continued adherence to the original schedule suggests a reluctance to yield to political pressure and a commitment to maintaining the integrity of the World Cup’s established plans. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether Iran will ultimately play its matches in the United States, Mexico, or potentially, not at all.