FIFA Rejects Irans Request to Move World Cup Matches from US to Mexico

FIFA Confirms 2026 World Cup Schedule Unchanged

The FIFA organization has confirmed that the 2026 World Cup matches will be played according to the schedule announced last year. This decision comes after Iran’s participation in the tournament was cast in doubt following the outbreak of the US-Israeli war on Iran.

In a statement, FIFA stated that it is in regular contact with all participating member associations, including Iran, to discuss planning for the 2026 World Cup. The organization expressed its intention for all participating teams to compete as per the match schedule announced on December 6, 2025.

Iran’s football team had previously expressed interest in hosting their matches in Mexico due to concerns over security in the United States. However, FIFA has maintained that the original schedule will be followed.

US President Donald Trump had stated that Iran was welcome to participate in the World Cup, but also expressed concerns about the country’s safety. In response, Iranian football chief Mehdi Taj announced that his team would not travel to the US if security could not be guaranteed.

Mexico has offered to host some of Iran’s matches, with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stating that her country is prepared to accommodate the games. However, FIFA has not yet made a final decision on the hosting arrangements for Iran’s matches.

The 2026 World Cup will take place in three countries - the US, Mexico, and Canada - for the first time ever. The tournament is scheduled to begin on June 11 with a match between South Africa and Mexico.

Source: Al Jazeera