Iran wants World Cup games moved from US to Mexico

"When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America. Iran's football chief Mehdi Taj made this statement in comments posted on the Iranian Embassy's X account, emphasizing the country's concerns about player safety during the 2026 World Cup tournament scheduled across US, Mexico, and Canadian venues."

"While Iranian players would be allowed to compete, he added it would not be appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety. Trump made these remarks on his Truth Social platform regarding Iran's participation in the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup, raising questions about security conditions for the Iranian national team competing in the United States."

"Right now, we're preparing as if we're playing Iran. They qualified. We were drawn against them. And until we're told otherwise, that's the match. New Zealand Football coach Darren Bazeley expressed confidence in the scheduled fixture, indicating that preparations remain unchanged despite Iran's relocation request to FIFA."

Iran's football chief Mehdi Taj announced the country is negotiating with FIFA to move its 2026 World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico due to security concerns. This follows Trump's remarks stating it would not be appropriate for Iranian players to compete in the US for their own safety, despite allowing them to participate. Iran's sports minister previously suggested a potential tournament boycott amid US-Israeli military actions. Iran is currently scheduled to play matches across US stadiums beginning June 15, with its base camp in Tucson, Arizona, and opening match against New Zealand at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. New Zealand Football officials expressed skepticism about FIFA approving the relocation, stating preparations continue as planned. FIFA has not publicly responded to Iran's request.

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