Tehran seeks to shift 2026 matches from US to Mexico over security fears
March 17, 2026: Iran’s participation in the FIFA World Cup 2026 has come under a cloud as security concerns linked to ongoing geopolitical tensions threaten to disrupt its schedule. The country’s football federation is currently in talks with FIFA to shift its matches from the United States to Mexico.
Iranian football president Mehdi Taj confirmed the development, stating that safety assurances remain a key concern. His remarks follow comments by Donald Trump, who reportedly said security for the Iranian team could not be guaranteed under current conditions.
The concerns stem from the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the US, and Israel, which has significantly heightened tensions in the region. Iran had earlier qualified comfortably for the expanded 48-team tournament, set to be co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada, and was scheduled to play group-stage matches in Los Angeles and Seattle.
While the Asian Football Confederation has not received any official communication regarding a withdrawal, it confirmed that Iran still intends to participate. However, with the situation evolving rapidly, uncertainty continues to loom over the team’s final decision.
If Iran withdraws, it would mark an unprecedented moment in modern World Cup history, potentially forcing FIFA to make a last-minute replacement.