World Cup 2026: Fifa seems to rule out transferring Iran’s matches to Mexico

Fifa seems to have dominated out transferring Iran’s matches at this summer season’s World Cup to Mexico from the United States.

The president of Iran’s soccer federation had mentioned negotiations have been underneath solution to transfer fixtures to be able to guarantee their gamers’ security.

It comes amid US and Israeli strikes on Iran, which has responded with assaults on Israel and US-allied states within the Gulf.

However, on Tuesday Fifa mentioned in an announcement it was wanting ahead to nations “competing as per the match schedule”.

The US is co-hosting the World Cup, which takes place between 11 June and 19 July, with Canada and Mexico.

Iran are scheduled to face New Zealand on 16 June and Belgium on 21 June, each in Los Angeles, and Egypt in Seattle on 27 June.

Last week US President Donald Trump mentioned that whereas Iran are “welcome to the World Cup”, he doesn’t suppose “it is appropriate” they attend “for their own life and safety”.

“When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America,” said Iranian football federation president Mehdi Taj in a post, external on a social media account belonging to the Iranian embassy in Mexico.

“We are negotiating with Fifa to hold Iran’s World Cup matches in Mexico.”

A Fifa spokesperson mentioned: “Fifa is in regular contact with all participating member associations, including Iran, to discuss planning for the World Cup.

“Fifa is wanting ahead to all taking part groups competing as per the match schedule introduced on 6 December 2025.”