US EditionIran negotiating with FIFA to move World Cup games to Mexico from US
Iran seeks to relocate its three 2026 World Cup group matches from the US to Mexico due to safety concerns amid regional conflict, with talks ongoing with FIFA less than three months before kickoff.
- Iran's football federation is in talks with FIFA to move its first-round World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico, with officials confirming these discussions on Mar 17, 2026.
- After recent strikes across the region, Iranian officials say Iran’s push follows U.S. and Israeli strikes and Tehran's missile responses that raised security concerns, citing U.S. President Donald Trump's safety warnings last week.
- According to the current schedule, Iran are set to play two group matches in Los Angeles and one in Seattle with their base camp slated for Tucson, Arizona, and moving games would be unprecedented less than three months before the World Cup starting June 11.
- Iran's embassy in Mexico and Abolfazl Pasandideh, Iran's ambassador to Mexico, urged FIFA to relocate matches, criticizing U.S. visa issues, while FIFA had not immediately responded and New Zealand officials doubted the move.
- Viewed broadly, the stakes are high because Iran is a nation of more than 90 million people with seven World Cup qualifications, and its participation has been in doubt since the war began last month.
270 Articles
270 Articles
2026 FIFA World Cup: Iran Making Strong Push to Avoid USA
The 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be one of the world’s premier sporting events once again. This edition will be split between the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The first North American tourney will feature one potentially controversial participant: Iran.The political backdrop surrounding the United States’ military action in the Middle East has put the Iranian Side on the spot. The political situation prompted Iranian Sports Minister Ahm…
Iran 'negotiating' with FIFA to relocate World Cup games to Mexico
Iran's football federation is "negotiating" with FIFA to relocate the country's first-round matches at the World Cup to Mexico from the United States, citing the conflict in the Middle East, Iran's embassy in Mexico said Monday.
Donald Trump recently discouraged the Iranian team from participating in the tournament, citing security concerns.
Will Iran come to the U.S. for World Cup? Here’s what they want
Iran has asked FIFA to relocate its 2026 World Cup games out of the United States, citing a social media post by President Donald Trump that cast doubt on the safety of the Iranian national team.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Tuesday that her country is ready to host Iran's first-round match at the 2026 World Cup if necessary due to the conflict in the Middle East.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 38% of the sources lean Left, 38% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
