Iran’s football leaders say they are talking with FIFA to try to move their 2026 World Cup games out of the United States and into Mexico.
The move would be because of safety fears after rising tensions between Iran and the U.S. The Iranian team is set to play three group matches in the United States, against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt.
Iran’s football federation president, Mehdi Taj, said in a post shared by Iran’s embassy in Mexico that the team may not travel to the U.S. if it can’t be kept safe. He said discussions with FIFA are underway to hold the games in Mexico instead.
U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly said Iran’s team is welcome to play, but that he does not think it is safe for them to come to the U.S. at this time.
FIFA has not made a final decision. Moving games at this stage would be very hard because tickets are sold, visits are planned, and transport is arranged.
If FIFA rejects the request, Iran’s federation has said the team might skip the tournament, something that would be historic.
