Best Odds Center
best odds centre button
Click here!
Sport TV
watch live tv button
Click here!
to watch
Live FootBall
NPFL
Click here!
Live Scores
play watch Live Score button
Click here!

Iran Negotiating With FIFA to Relocate World Cup Matches to Mexico

Posted : 17 March 2026

Iran’s football federation has opened discussions with FIFA to relocate its group stage matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup from the United States to Mexico, Iran’s embassy in Mexico announced on Monday. The proposal comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East that have raised safety concerns for the Iranian national team and officials.

The Iranian federation’s president, Mehdi Taj, said the country would be unwilling to send its players to the U.S. if the security of the squad could not be guaranteed. This followed remarks from U.S. political figures suggesting that Iran’s team might face risks if they traveled to host cities on U.S. soil.

Iran is drawn into Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand, with its matches originally scheduled in Los Angeles and Seattle. The potential venue shift to Mexico would allow Iran to fulfil its fixtures without entering the United States.

FIFA has not yet publicly responded to Iran’s request. Officials are reportedly examining the implications and logistical challenges of relocating matches that are already scheduled, ticketed, and widely promoted across three host nations.

If FIFA refuses the request and Iran chooses not to participate, it would mark the first modern‑era World Cup withdrawal, potentially forcing the governing body to find a replacement team.

The evolving situation underscores how global political tensions can intersect with major sporting events, with both sporting bodies and governments under pressure to balance safety, diplomacy, and the integrity of the game.

 

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics

close button
Please fill captcha :