FIFA Rejects Iran’s Request to Move World Cup Match in US to Mexico

Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has formally rejected Iran’s request to change the venue of its 2026 FIFA World Cup match.
On the 17th (local time), foreign media including Al Jazeera reported that, despite safety concerns raised by the recent outbreak of war between the United States and Israel on one side and Iran on the other, FIFA made it clear it would stick to the original schedule.
In a statement, FIFA said, "The 2026 World Cup will be held according to the match schedule announced on 6 December 2025," ruling out any possibility of changing venues.
Iran is scheduled to play all three of its group-stage matches in the United States.
Iran has been assigned to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, and Egypt in Seattle.
Former US President Donald Trump said that while Iran’s entry would be allowed, "I do not consider it appropriate from a security standpoint for them to come here."
In response, the Iranian side strongly protested, criticizing what it called the United States’ lack of cooperation on visas and logistical support.
On the 16th, Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) President Mehdi Taj reacted to Trump’s remarks implying that he could not guarantee the safety of the Iranian squad, saying, "We will not travel to the US mainland if safety is not guaranteed," and asked FIFA to move Iran’s group-stage matches to Mexico instead.
Claudia Sheinbaum, president of co-host nation Mexico, had indicated that her country was ready to host Iran’s matches, saying, "We maintain diplomatic relations with all countries." However, she also made clear that the final decision rested with FIFA.


jjyoon@fnnews.com Yoon Jae-joon Reporter