Iran has vowed not to send its national team to the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing security concerns, and is negotiating with world football’s governing body to move its group-stage matches to Mexico instead.
The country’s Football Federation president Mehdi Taj said the decision followed explicit warnings from US President Donald Trump about the inability to guarantee the Iranian squad’s safety amid heightened Middle East tensions.
“When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure security of the Iranian National team, we will certainly not travel to America,” Taj told state media. “We are currently negotiating with FIFA to hold Iran’s matches in the World Cup in Mexico.”
Trump, in a Truth Social post, appeared to endorse the safety fears: “The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup, but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety.”
Iran, drawn in Group G with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand, originally faced fixtures on US soil in the expanded 48-team tournament co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. FIFA has yet to comment publicly on the request, which would pose significant logistical and diplomatic challenges.
Iran’s embassy in Mexico has confirmed the relocation talks are under way, while the country’s sports minister has insisted participation under current conditions is impossible.
