World Cup 2026: Iran ask Fifa to move group games from United States to Mexico | OneFootball

Iran is in talks with Fifa to move its 2026 World Cup group matches from the United States to Mexico. According to Le Progres, the move is being pursued as the United States entered war with Iran two weeks ago.

The Iranian embassy in Mexico said negotiations are under way, though the world governing body has not confirmed any switch.

Federation president Mehdi Taj said Iran would not travel to the United States after Donald Trump said he could not guarantee the team’s safety, and that matches should be staged in Mexico. Tehran also criticised a lack of cooperation from the US government.

Fifa said it is in regular contact with all participating federations, including Iran, to discuss planning. It added that it looks forward to all teams playing as per the 6 December 2025 schedule, which puts Iran’s entire first round in the United States.

Iran are due to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, then Egypt in Seattle. Their base camp is set for Tucson, Arizona.

Trump said Iran’s team is welcome in the United States but that players would not be safe, without detailing any threats. Fifa president Gianni Infantino had earlier said Trump promised to host Iran, and Team Melli said on Instagram that exclusion from the World Cup was not possible.

Source: Le Progres