Diplomatic push lands in Mexico City
Iran’s effort to reframe where it will play at the 2026 World Cup shifted to Mexico after Iranian diplomats said they want their three group-stage matches moved out of the United States. Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, signaled she is open to the idea, saying her government is looking into whether it is feasible and will communicate updates once FIFA decides.
The Iranian ambassador and Iran’s embassy in Mexico City claimed talks were underway with FIFA to relocate Iran’s June fixtures to Mexico, arguing that U.S. conditions and visa issues make travel and security uncertain. The suggestion escalates a public dispute that has already included mixed messages from U.S. President Donald Trump about Iran’s participation and safety.
FIFA insists the schedule stands
FIFA responded by reiterating it expects the tournament to proceed according to the match calendar announced on Dec. 6, 2025. The governing body said it remains in regular contact with participating associations, including Iran, but emphasized it is “looking forward to all participating teams competing” as scheduled.
A move of this kind would be highly unusual so close to kickoff. World Cup venues are locked to complex operational timelines that include stadium staffing, security planning, broadcast commitments, travel logistics, and tickets already sold to tens of thousands of fans.
What Iran is asking to change
Iran is currently listed to play New Zealand and Belgium in Inglewood, California, before finishing group play in Seattle against Egypt. Iranian officials and federation-linked statements argue the U.S. cannot guarantee safety and has been uncooperative on visas, and therefore Iran wants its matches hosted in Mexico instead.
Sheinbaum said Mexico maintains relations with countries across the world and framed the issue as a FIFA decision. Iran’s diplomats, for their part, described Mexico as the preferred alternative venue.
Feasibility questions and pushback
Relocating matches would create immediate ripple effects. Opponents would have to adjust travel and preparation, while tournament organizers would need to handle ticketing, stadium allocation, and security coordination in a different country on short notice.
New Zealand’s soccer leadership has already expressed skepticism, arguing that shifting the match schedule would create more downstream problems than it solves. Belgium’s federation has not publicly engaged with the proposal.
For now, Iran has not withdrawn from the tournament, and FIFA has not indicated it plans to alter any host-country assignments. The standoff leaves a major question hanging over one of the tournament’s most politically sensitive delegations as the World Cup approaches.
