Iran in talks with FIFA to move World Cup matches to Mexico amid safety concerns in USA
Iran have no plan to play the competition in USA.
In order to move their 2026 World Cup group-stage matches from the United States to Mexico, the Iranian Football Federation has started urgent talks with FIFA.
Iranian officials said they are unable to guarantee the safety of their team on American land, citing serious security concerns in the wake of a sharp rise in geopolitical tensions. The first-ever extended 48-team tournament’s logistics could be hampered by this extraordinary request.
Their participation in the North American football showcase has been called into question due to the military crisis between the United States and Iran. As Team Melli is scheduled to play their whole group stage schedule in the United States, beginning in Los Angeles against New Zealand and Belgium and concluding in Seattle against Egypt, the dispute has generated concerns about the national team visiting the United States.
In order to prevent animosity or security concerns, the federation is now formally advocating for these events to be moved to co-host Mexico. Citing recent remarks from Washington, Mehdi Taj, president of the Iranian Football Federation, has demanded a change of site.
President of Team Melli football federation in talks with FIFA to relocate group games in Mexico
Taj stated that the team will not visit the United States, given the current situation, in a statement published on the Iranian embassy’s X account in Mexico. Taj thus affirmed:
“When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America. We are currently negotiating with FIFA to hold Iran’s matches in the World Cup in Mexico.”
For FIFA and local organising bodies, moving games at this late hour is extremely difficult. Moving three matches would have an impact on team base camps, ticket sales, and television rights because 2026 is set to be the most complicated World Cup ever.
If Melli advance to the knockout stages, the bracket structure may compel them to return to American sites. FIFA is under pressure to uphold the competition’s sporting integrity and participant safety, but it has not responded.
Where will Iran play their World Cup games?
All their group stage games are officially set to be played in the USA.
Who will Team Melli face in the group stages?
New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt.
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After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.