Iran in talks with FIFA to relocate 2026 World Cup group matches to Mexico over security concerns

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Iran's Embassy in Mexico confirmed on Tuesday that the Iranian Football Federation is in direct negotiations with FIFA to relocate the national team's three group stage matches from United States venues to Mexico for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The request follows explicit security concerns raised by US President Donald Trump and ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Scheduled US venues spark safety debate

The 2026 tournament, the first expanded 48-team edition, is co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Iran, ranked 20th in the FIFA world rankings and Asia's second-strongest side behind Japan, is set to face New Zealand on June 16 and Belgium on June 21 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, before concluding group play against Egypt on June 26 at Lumen Field in Seattle.

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