Iran Seeks to Move 2026 World Cup Matches from US Over Security Concerns

Iran is requesting to move its 2026 World Cup matches out of the US due to security concerns after comments by former President Trump. FIFA has not responded, while New Zealand, Iran’s opening opponent, continues preparations. The situation adds to recent controversies in Iranian football, including women players seeking asylum.

Iran is actively seeking to move its 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup matches out of the United States, citing growing security concerns following remarks made by former US President Donald Trump. The country’s football chief, Mehdi Taj, confirmed that discussions are ongoing with FIFA, the world football governing body, to relocate Iran’s matches to Mexico. In a statement shared via the Iranian Embassy’s X account, Taj emphasized that Iran would refuse to travel to the United States as long as Trump had explicitly stated that the safety of the Iranian national team could not be guaranteed.
The initiative by Iran comes after Trump’s comments on his Truth Social platform last week, where he stated that Iranian players would technically be allowed to participate in the tournament, but that it would not be “appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety.” In addition to these remarks, Iran’s sports minister has previously hinted that the national team could boycott the 2026 World Cup entirely, particularly in the context of ongoing US-Israeli military actions targeting Iran.
The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to be held across three countries: the United States, Mexico, and Canada, beginning in June. Under the current plan, Iran is set to play its matches in various US stadiums, with its base camp established in Tucson, Arizona. The team’s opening game is slated to be against New Zealand at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. This has raised immediate logistical questions and uncertainty over whether the fixtures could actually be relocated should Iran’s request be approved by FIFA.
New Zealand Football chief Andrew Pragnell said on Tuesday that he doubts FIFA would make any changes to the current fixture list. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s head coach, Darren Bazeley, confirmed that the team is continuing its preparations as though the match against Iran will go ahead as scheduled. FIFA has not publicly commented on Iran’s request, leaving the situation unresolved and subject to ongoing monitoring by teams and officials.
The controversy surrounding Iran’s World Cup participation comes amid heightened scrutiny of Iranian football more broadly. In recent weeks, five of the seven women players granted asylum in Australia during the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup reportedly chose to return to Iran. This decision followed a pre-match protest in which some players remained silent during the national anthem, an act that was condemned by Iranian state television as “wartime treason.” The situation has further highlighted tensions between Iranian athletes, the state, and international sporting authorities.
Overall, the combination of political statements, security concerns, and recent controversies in Iranian football has created uncertainty around Iran’s participation in the US-hosted matches of the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup. Teams, officials, and fans alike are awaiting clarity on whether the Iranian government’s request to relocate its matches will be considered and approved by FIFA, as the tournament approaches.