Trending Now - Iran Seeks FIFA Approval to Shift World Cup Matches to Mexico
WHO:
Iranian ambassador to Mexico Abolfazl Pasandideh
FIFA President Gianni Infantino
Iranian soccer president Mehdi Taj
U.S. President Donald Trump
FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association)
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum
Asian Football Confederation (AFC) General Secretary Windsor John
New Zealand Football chief executive Andrew Pragnell
New Zealand national team's head coach Darren Bazeley
WHAT:
FIFA announced on March 17th, 2026, that the 2026 World Cup will take place as scheduled in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, rejecting Iran's request to move their matches.
Iran is scheduled to play its opening match against New Zealand on June 16th, 2026, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, followed by a match against Belgium on June 21st, 2026, and concluding with a match against Egypt on June 26th, 2026.
Iran is negotiating with FIFA to move their World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico.
Iran's participation in the World Cup is in doubt due to U.S. and Israeli air strikes on Iran.
Iran is scheduled to play three group matches: two in Los Angeles and one in Seattle.
Iran's opponents in Group G are Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand.
FIFA stated they are in regular contact with all participating member associations regarding the World Cup planning.
The tournament is set to kick off on June 11th, 2026.
WHERE:
Matches are scheduled to be held in the United States, specifically in Los Angeles and Seattle.
Mexico is being considered as an alternative location for Iran's matches.
WHEN:
The World Cup is scheduled to begin on June 11th, 2026.
The match schedule was announced on December 6th, 2025.
WHY:
Trump stated on March 10th, 2026, that while Iranian players would be allowed to compete, it might not be "appropriate" for them to be in the U.S. "for their own life and safety."
Concerns for the safety of the Iranian national team due to U.S. air strikes and Trump's comments about security.
Mehdi Taj stated that if Trump cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, they will not travel to the U.S.
HOW:
Mehdi Taj stated, "When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America," in comments posted on the Iranian embassy's X account.
Iran is currently negotiating with FIFA to hold their World Cup matches in Mexico.
The possibility of relocating matches is being discussed due to geopolitical tensions and security concerns.
(UPDATED March 17, 2026 21:10 UTC)
FIFA announced today that the 2026 World Cup will proceed as planned in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, rejecting Iran's request to relocate their matches. Iran is set to kick off their tournament against New Zealand on June 16 at SoFi Stadium in California, followed by games against Belgium and Egypt later in the month. This decision comes after Trump expressed concerns about the safety of the Iranian players in the U.S., prompting Iranian officials to declare they would not travel if security could not be guaranteed.
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(UPDATED March 17, 2026 17:27 UTC)
Iran is in negotiations with FIFA to potentially move their World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico, as concerns grow over the safety of their national team amid U.S. air strikes and comments from President Trump regarding security. Scheduled to kick off on June 11, 2026, Iran is set to play three group matches against Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand, with two of those matches planned for Los Angeles and one in Seattle. Mehdi Taj, the president of Iranian soccer, has stated that if Trump cannot guarantee the safety of the team, they will not travel to the U.S. for the tournament.