The Iranian Football Federation has opened discussions with FIFA to relocate its 2026 World Cup group-stage matches from the United States to Mexico over security concerns.
The move follows rising geopolitical tensions between Iran and the United States, with officials in Tehran questioning the safety of the national team on American soil.
Iran are scheduled to play all their group-stage matches in the United States, including fixtures in Los Angeles against New Zealand and Belgium, and in Seattle against Egypt.
However, the federation is now pushing for those matches to be moved to co-host nation Mexico.
Federation president Mehdi Taj said the decision was influenced by recent comments from United States President Donald Trump.
He said: “When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America.”
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Taj added: “We are currently negotiating with FIFA to hold Iran’s matches in the World Cup in Mexico.”
The request comes as uncertainty grows over Iran’s participation in the expanded 48-team tournament, with concerns centred on travel, safety and diplomatic tensions.
FIFA has yet to publicly respond to the request, which could affect tournament logistics if approved.
