FIFA has rejected Iran's request to move its 2026 World Cup group stage matches from the United States to Mexico amid ongoing visa and security concerns stemming from US-Iran tensions. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum indicated willingness to host, but FIFA insists on the original schedule. A potential matchup against the US in the round of 32 adds to the stakes.
Following earlier statements from Iran's ambassador suggesting matches in Mexico due to travel issues, FIFA sources confirmed to EFE: “FIFA has regular contact with all participating member federations and expects all teams to compete according to the schedule announced in December.” FIFA recently reiterated: “FIFA expects all participating teams to compete according to the announced match schedule." Iran's group stage games remain set in US venues: Los Angeles and Seattle.