FIFA has declined a request from Iran’s football federation to relocate its 2026 World Cup group-stage matches from the United States to Mexico.
The decision was confirmed by Claudia Sheinbaum, who noted that major logistical challenges made any change to the tournament schedule impractical.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has repeatedly maintained that there are no plans to alter the existing match venues, stressing that the competition will proceed according to the original draw.
Iran’s request was prompted by rising geopolitical tensions between Iran and the United States, alongside concerns about player safety. U.S. President Donald Trump had suggested Iran’s participation could pose risks, while Iran’s Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali warned that participation might be reconsidered if the fixtures were not moved.
Although Mexico—a co-host of the tournament—was reportedly open to accommodating the matches, FIFA concluded that shifting venues would disrupt the complex tournament logistics.
Iran is currently drawn in Group G and is scheduled to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, before taking on Egypt in Seattle between June 15 and June 27.
Despite ongoing political tensions, FIFA has reiterated its commitment to staging the World Cup as planned across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
