Iran's Request to FIFA for Venue Change to Mexico Rejected
Iran's plea to the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) to have their 2026 World Cup group stage matches relocated from the United States to Mexico was denied. The Iranian Football Federation cited the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and lack of cooperation from the US concerning visas as the reasons for the request. However, FIFA has affirmed that the matches will proceed as previously planned.
The Request for Change
The president of the Iranian Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, has been in discussions with FIFA about the potential of transferring Iran's group stage matches for the 2026 World Cup - originally set to take place in the United States - to Mexico. The Iranian embassy in Mexico stated that the reason for the request was the ongoing war in the Middle East. Taj added, There is no cooperation from the Americans for the visas
.
The Iranian ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Psedniddeh, confirmed that the Iranian Football Federation had opened a dialogue with FIFA regarding the issue. The Iranian national team, which is scheduled to compete in Group G of the World Cup alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand, had its matches slated to happen in American cities. However, Taj stated unequivocally, Certainly we will not travel to the United States
.
FIFA's Decision
Despite Iran's concerns, FIFA announced that the 2026 World Cup matches would take place as scheduled. FIFA is in regular contact with all participating member associations, including (the Islamic Republic of) Iran, to discuss planning for the FIFA World Cup 2026. FIFA is looking forward to all participating teams competing as per the match schedule announced on 6 December 2025,
the organization said in a statement obtained by The Associated Press.
As per the schedule, Iran is set to play against New Zealand in Inglewood, California, on June 16, against Belgium on June 21, and will finish group play against Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
Implications and Reactions
The decision by FIFA to reject Iran's proposal has escalated an already tense dispute that extends beyond sports into politics. If Iran were to refuse to travel to the US, it would significantly impact the team's participation in the World Cup.
However, despite the rejection, Iran has made it clear that it will not withdraw from the 2026 World Cup. With the decision now made, all eyes will be on how the situation unfolds, both on and off the pitch.
Current Status
As things stand currently, Iran's group stage matches for the 2026 World Cup will proceed as planned in the United States. The Iranian Football Federation's request for a change of venue to Mexico has been turned down, and FIFA is expecting all teams to compete as per the previously announced schedule.