MEXICO CITY: Iran’s football federation is actively negotiating with FIFA to move its first-round World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico, citing the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and security concerns following controversial remarks by US President Donald Trump, according to Iran’s embassy in Mexico.
The Islamic Republic’s participation in this summer’s tournament, which is being jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, has come under serious question since hostilities escalated in the region late last month.
Security fears prompt diplomatic maneuvering
In a statement posted on the embassy’s X account, Iranian football chief Mehdi Taj made it clear that the team would not travel to American soil under current circumstances.
“When [President] Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America,” Taj said. “We are currently negotiating with FIFA to hold Iran’s matches in the World Cup in Mexico.”
According to the current tournament schedule, Iran is slated to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, followed by a match against Egypt in Seattle. The team has also been planning to establish its base camp in 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
Embassy raises visa and logistical concerns
Abolfazl Pasandideh, Iran’s ambassador to Mexico, issued a statement Monday through the embassy’s website denouncing what he described as “the US government’s lack of cooperation regarding visa issuance and the provision of logistical support” for the Iranian delegation ahead of the World Cup.
The ambassador further revealed that he had “suggested to FIFA that Iran’s matches be moved from the United States to Mexico.”
FIFA has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the negotiations.
Trump’s remarks spark controversy
The diplomatic maneuvering follows controversial statements made by Trump last week. While acknowledging that Iran’s football team would be “welcome” in the United States, the president suggested they should not travel to the tournament “for their own life and safety.”
The comments contradicted earlier assurances from FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who had stated that Trump promised him the Iranian team would indeed be welcomed.
Iranian officials quickly pushed back against Trump’s remarks, with a spokesman declaring that “no one can exclude Iran’s national team from the World Cup.”
Regional conflict casts shadow over tournament
Iran’s participation in the World Cup was thrust into uncertainty after the United States and Israel launched a major offensive against the Islamic Republic. According to official statements, Iran responded with waves of missiles and drones targeting Israeli territory and American assets across the Middle East, dramatically escalating tensions in the region.
The situation has created unprecedented diplomatic challenges for tournament organisers, who must now navigate complex geopolitical tensions while ensuring the safety and participation of all qualified teams.
Should FIFA approve Iran’s request to relocate its matches, it would mark an extraordinary last-minute change to the World Cup schedule and raise questions about how other politically sensitive matchups might be handled during the tournament.
