The Iranian Football Federation has officially initiated discussions with FIFA regarding a potential change of venue for its World Cup fixtures, signalling that the national team is unwilling to play in the United States amid escalating security concerns. The announcement was made yesterday by Mehdi Taj, president of the Iranian Football Federation.
Last week, United States President Donald Trump stated that while Iran could participate in the upcoming World Cup, playing on American soil might not be advisable “for their own life and safety.” The comment, widely interpreted as a veiled threat, prompted a swift response from Tehran.
Speaking at the Iranian embassy in Mexico, Mehdi Taj declared, “If President Trump himself admits he cannot guarantee the safety of our national team, then we will under no circumstances travel to the United States. We are in talks with FIFA to ensure our matches are hosted in Mexico instead.”
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to commence on 11 June, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. According to the current schedule, Iran’s group-stage fixtures are set to take place in Los Angeles for two matches and Seattle for one. However, ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have cast doubt over Iran’s participation. Recent US airstrikes, in coordination with Israel, have targeted Iran, resulting in the death of senior Iranian officials and heightening concerns over the safety of Iranian players abroad.
Earlier, Iran’s Minister of Sports had suggested that under such conditions, playing in the United States might be impossible. This raises questions about whether Iran will participate at all unless alternative venues are approved.
Despite the uncertainty, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) remains cautiously optimistic. In a press conference in Kuala Lumpur, AFC Secretary-General Windsor John stated, “Ultimately, it is the federation that will decide. Based on what we have been informed so far, Iran intends to participate in the World Cup.”
The table below summarises Iran’s scheduled group-stage fixtures and proposed venue adjustments:
| Date | Opponent | Original Venue | Proposed Venue | City | Local Kick-off |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 June | Team A | Los Angeles | Mexico Stadium 1 | Mexico City | 19:00 |
| 16 June | Team B | Los Angeles | Mexico Stadium 2 | Guadalajara | 21:00 |
| 20 June | Team C | Seattle | Mexico Stadium 3 | Monterrey | 20:00 |
FIFA has acknowledged the discussions and confirmed that it is reviewing the security situation closely. Iranian officials have expressed hope that a venue change would allow the national team to compete without compromising safety.
With tensions remaining high in the region, the upcoming weeks are likely to be critical in determining Iran’s participation, balancing sporting ambitions with the imperative of player and staff safety. FIFA’s final decision on venue adjustments is expected in the coming weeks, ahead of the tournament’s kickoff.