Why is Iran “negotiating” with FIFA to move their FIFA World Cup 2026 matches from United States to Mexico?

Iran’s football federation has started talks with FIFA to move its FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage matches from the United States to Mexico. Iranian officials say the request comes because of the ongoing conflict in West Asia and security worries for their national team.

Iran’s embassy in Mexico confirmed that discussions are taking place. The country fears that current tensions could create risks for players and staff if they travel to the United States for the tournament.The 2026 tournament will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Iran were originally scheduled to play two group matches in Los Angeles and one in Seattle. However, Iranian officials now want those matches to be relocated to Mexico.

Iran in talks with FIFA to relocate FIFA World Cup 2026 matches

Iranian football authorities say they are currently negotiating with FIFA about shifting their matches to Mexico. The request comes after rising tensions between Iran and the United States following recent military actions in Iran.According to Iranian football federation president Mehdi Taj, the team is worried about travelling to the United States during the current situation. He explained that if the American government cannot clearly guarantee the safety of the Iranian squad, then the team would prefer not to play its matches there.

Taj said discussions with FIFA are already taking place to explore the possibility of hosting Iran’s games in Mexico instead.At the moment, Iran is scheduled to face New Zealand national football team and Belgium national football team in Los Angeles. Their final group match is set to be against Egypt national football team in Seattle. The team’s base camp for the tournament has also been planned in Tucson, Arizona.Iran’s ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh, criticised what he described as difficulties faced by the Iranian delegation in getting visas and logistical support from the United States. He said that because of these challenges, Iran has proposed to FIFA that its World Cup matches should be shifted to Mexico.Iranian officials strongly rejected the idea that their team could be excluded from the tournament.

They insisted that no country, not even the USA has the authority to block Iran from taking part in the World Cup.The controversy comes after the United States and Israel launched large-scale attacks on Iranian targets, which led to Iran responding with missile and drone strikes on American and Israeli positions across West Asia.For now, FIFA has not announced any final decision on Iran’s request.