FIFA has turned down Mexico’s proposal to host Iran’s World Cup matches following remarks by US President Donald Trump suggesting that Iran should not participate in the competition. The ongoing tensions between the USA, Israel, and Iran show no signs of abating.
After Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was reportedly killed in an airstrike, the country’s sports minister hinted that they might not take part in this summer’s tournament across the USA, Mexico, and Canada. Despite this, FIFA has not made an official decision regarding Iran’s participation, stating that Iran is still expected to play two group matches in Los Angeles and one in Seattle.
Amid the escalating tensions between Iran and the USA, Mexico had reportedly offered to host Iran’s matches, a request that FIFA is said to have denied.
The Iranian Football Association had indicated discussions to relocate their matches to Mexico. This announcement came after Trump’s social media post expressing concerns about the safety of the Iranian team at the World Cup, prompting speculation about the team’s participation.
It remains unclear whether Trump’s comments were about the safety of Iranian players in Iran or in the USA. Mehdi Taj, the president of the Iranian FA, interpreted Trump’s statement as a lack of assurance regarding the players’ safety.
Despite Mexico’s offer being rejected, FIFA reiterated that Iran is welcome to compete in the USA. FIFA emphasized ongoing communication with all participating member associations, including IR Iran, to ensure smooth planning for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Iran is scheduled to face New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21 in LA, with their final match set for June 26 in Seattle against Egypt. In case Iran decides to withdraw from the competition, FIFA has the authority to determine a replacement country. Iraq and the United Arab Emirates are the next highest-ranked countries from the Asian Football Confederation yet to qualify.
Windsor John, head of the Asian Football Confederation, affirmed that Iran is expected to travel to the USA for the World Cup. He stressed the importance of the federation’s decision to participate and expressed hope for a resolution to any issues that may arise.