FIFA rejects Iran bid to change World Cup’s US venues
FIFA has rejected Iran’s request to relocate its 2026 World Cup fixtures from the United States to Mexico, despite rising geopolitical tensions, insisting that logistical constraints make any change impossible.
Mexican President, Claudia Sheinbaum, confirmed at the weekend that the matches will remain in the US as originally planned, aligning with FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s earlier position on the matter.
Infantino had already ruled out any possibility of relocation, stressing there is “no plan B, C, or D,” and that matches will proceed “according to the draw.”
Speaking at a press briefing in Mexico City, Sheinbaum reiterated FIFA’s decision, saying, “FIFA ultimately decided that the matches cannot be moved from their original venues,” Sheinbaum said at a news conference in Mexico City.
She added, “It [relocation] would make logistics too complicated, and this decision was taken by FIFA,” she said.
Iran, one of the earliest teams to secure qualification from Asia, is set to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, as well as Egypt in Seattle, between June 15 and June 27.
However, concerns have been raised by the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran regarding player safety in the United States.
The worries were amplified after US President Donald Trump posted on social media that Iran should not participate in the tournament “for their own life and safety”.
Reacting to the remarks, Iranian officials escalated their position. “When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America,” Taj said in response to Trump.
The dispute has since intensified through indirect exchanges between both sides, with Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali suggesting that participation remains uncertain unless FIFA revisits its decision on venue allocation.
FIFA, however, has maintained its stance. Infantino recently met Iranian players, coaches and officials in Turkiye on March 31, reaffirming that the tournament schedule will not be altered.
Iran have been drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand.
