Iran negotiates with FIFA to relocate its World Cup matches to Mexico.

FIFA World Cup – (Web Desk) – Iran’s football federation is in talks with FIFA to move the country’s first-round World Cup games from the United States to Mexico. The decision comes because of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the Iranian embassy in Mexico said.

Iran’s participation in this summer’s World Cup, held across the US, Canada, and Mexico, has been uncertain since the war started last month.

Iranian football chief Mehdi Taj said on the embassy’s X account that the team would not travel to the US. He added that US President Donald Trump had said he could not guarantee the team’s safety. “We are now negotiating with FIFA to hold Iran’s matches in Mexico,” Taj said.

Iran is scheduled to play New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, followed by Egypt in Seattle. The team’s base camp is planned for Tucson, Arizona.

🔹مهدی تاج رئیس فدراسیون فوتبال ایران:
وقتی ترامپ صراحتأ اعلام کرده است که نمی‌تواند امنیت تیم ملی ایران را تأمین کند، قطعا به آمریکا سفر نمی‌کنیم/در حال مذاکره با فیفا هستیم تا مسابقات ایران در جام جهانی، در کشور مکزیک برگزار شود

— Embajada de Irán en México (@IraninMexico) March 16, 2026

Iran’s ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh, criticized the US government for problems with visas and logistical support for the team. He also said he had suggested to FIFA that Iran’s matches be moved to Mexico.

FIFA has not commented yet.

The controversy started after Trump said the Iranian team would be “welcome” in the US but should avoid the tournament “for their own safety.” This came after FIFA president Gianni Infantino said Trump had assured him the team would be safe.

5,600 Pakistanis & 431 foreigners enter Balochistan from Iran

Iran responded firmly, saying no one can stop its national team from playing in the World Cup. The team’s participation was further complicated after the US and Israel launched a major offensive against Iran, which responded with missile and drone attacks across the region.