2026 World Cup: Iran push FIFA for venue change after Trump security claim

March 17, 2026 Oliver Obel

Iran’s football federation has asked FIFA to consider moving its 2026 World Cup matches out of the United States, as political tensions raise concerns over team security and tournament logistics.

According to GiveMeSport, Iranian officials are seeking to have their fixtures staged in Mexico instead. The 2026 tournament, which begins on June 11, will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico an unprecedented three-country arrangement that already presents complex scheduling challenges.

The request follows escalating tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, which have cast doubt over whether Iran would be willing to play matches on U.S. soil.

Iranian football federation president Mehdi Taj confirmed that discussions with FIFA are ongoing, signaling that the issue is being treated as an active negotiation rather than a hypothetical concern. He said: “When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America. We are negotiating with FIFA to hold Iran’s World Cup matches in Mexico.”

The political backdrop has also led to stronger rhetoric from within Iran. Sports minister Ahmad Donyamali suggested the country could withdraw entirely, saying on state television: “Considering that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup.”

Beyond the team itself, logistical concerns extend to supporters. GiveMeSport reported that visa restrictions linked to U.S. travel policies have affected fans from several countries, including Iran, Haiti, Senegal, and Ivory Coast. The same report noted that there have been discussions in some quarters about potential boycotts, though no official actions have been confirmed.

Iran are currently drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand. As it stands, their opening match is scheduled for Los Angeles on June 15, with other group-stage fixtures also set to take place in U.S. venues.

Even if FIFA were to approve relocating Iran’s group matches, the issue would not be fully resolved. Knockout-stage games are pre-assigned across host nations, meaning Iran could still be required to play in the United States depending on their progress.

FIFA has yet to indicate whether it would accommodate such a request, and any adjustment would likely have ripple effects across the tournament schedule. For now, the situation leaves organizers balancing political realities with the logistical demands of a global event.

Sources: GiveMeSport