Iran’s request to move World Cup games from USA to Mexico denied by FIFA

Iran is trying to find a way to compete in the FIFA World Cup despite being engaged in military conflict with the United States and Israel — but FIFA isn’t willing to entertain their requests. Instead soccer’s international governing body is saying it’s “looking forward to all participating teams competing as per the match schedule announced.”

Iran formally asked FIFA to relocate their three scheduled 2026 World Cup games from the United States to Mexico after President Trump said last week that the “life and safety” of players could be at risk if they travel to the USA for the cup. Sources told The Guardian that the biggest reason behind the decision not to relocate the games was due to the logistic and ticketing issues that moving the games would cause.

Several sources at Fifa pointed out that moving Iran’s matches would inconvenience other countries and cause commercial problems because tickets have been sold and global broadcast schedules and sponsorship deals agreed.

Iran was set to play two games in Los Angeles, and one in Seattle. The full schedule has not yet been announced, but these games would have been against their Group G opponents: Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand. FIFA has not yet announced what their plans are if Iran formally withdraws from the World Cup, which is yet to happen despite statements from the nation that they won’t attend.

An announcement on an alternate plan is expected on April 30 when the FIFA congress meets in Vancouver ahead of the World Cup.