Iran has entered talks with FIFA to relocate its 2026 FIFA World Cup matches out of the United States, citing serious safety concerns amid escalating geopolitical tensions, a development that threatens to overshadow preparations for the global tournament.
The Iranian Football Federation, led by President Mehdi Taj, said discussions are under way to shift the team’s group games — currently scheduled in Los Angeles and Seattle — to venues in Mexico instead, amid fears for the players’ security following recent U.S.‑Israeli military action.
U.S. political rhetoric has added to the uncertainty. Former President Donald Trump publicly questioned whether it was appropriate for the Iranian team to play on U.S. soil, saying their presence might pose risks to their “life and safety.”
Iran’s request comes as the Islamic Republic remains locked in heightened regional conflict that has seen military strikes and retaliatory actions in recent weeks, stoking fears among Iranian officials about attending the North American‑hosted World Cup.
While FIFA has yet to respond to the proposal, relocating matches less than 100 days before kickoff would present significant logistical challenges. Most of Iran’s group stage fixtures are currently set to be played in the U.S., where the tournament is jointly hosted with Canada and Mexico.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has said it has not received any official notice of Iran’s withdrawal and maintains that the nation remains slated to compete
