Can FIFA Force Iran's 2026 World Cup Matches Out of the Country and Into Mexico?
Amid growing concerns about Iran's World Cup 2026 participation, the Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) has revealed ongoing talks with FIFA to relocate Iran's group matches from United States venues to Mexico due to current military tensions.
"Given that [U.S. President Donald] Trump has clearly indicated he cannot guarantee the Iranian national team's safety, we will definitely not journey to America," federation president Mehdi Taj stated Monday in comments shared on Iran's embassy X account in Mexico. "We are presently in discussions with FIFA to stage Iran's World Cup matches in Mexico."
This summer's tournament represents the inaugural World Cup hosted jointly by three countries, with 48 nations competing throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Iran, having secured qualification last March, is presently scheduled to play in U.S.-hosted Group G, meeting New Zealand and Belgium at Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi Stadium), then facing Egypt at Seattle Stadium (Lumen Field). Their summer preparation camp is situated in Tucson, Arizona.
Can FIFA Move Iran's World Cup Games?
Can FIFA Move Iran's World Cup Games?
The straightforward response is affirmative.
"FIFA possesses the authority to cancel, postpone or move one or multiple matches (or the complete FIFA World Cup 26) for any cause at its exclusive judgment, including due to force majeure or because of health, safety or security concerns," states Article 6.9 of FIFA's regulatory framework for the 2026 World Cup.
The extensive military campaign by the U.S. and Israel targeting Iran likely qualifies as "force majeure" given the regional conflict that has persisted since America's initial strikes on February 28. However, even without such classification, FIFA maintains authority to transfer Iran's matches to Mexico or Canada. This seems to be an urgent request from the Iranian squad following Trump's social media statement last Thursday.
"The Iran national soccer team is welcome to the World Cup, but I genuinely don't think it's suitable for them to be present, for their own protection and security," the President posted on Truth Social.
What Will FIFA Do?
What Will FIFA Do?
While FIFA has the ability to relocate Iran's matches, they probably won't.
"FIFA maintains ongoing communication with all participating member nations, including IR Iran, to address preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026," a FIFA representative posted on X Monday. "FIFA anticipates all qualified teams competing according to the match calendar revealed on December 6, 2025."
The fixtures and venues for participating nations were finalized more than three months ago during the World Cup Final Draw. Subsequently, broadcasting arrangements, commercial agreements, stadium preparations and, crucially, ticket distribution have been executed. Additionally, the tournament commences in fewer than 100 days.
However, Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo announced Tuesday that she remains "willing to accommodate Iran's fixtures" and "will await FIFA's determination," according to Sportstar magazine reporting.
Iran has previously indicated they might withdraw from the World Cup entirely, which remains a possible scenario if FIFA rejects their relocation request.