FIFA has rejected Iran’s request to relocate its World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico, citing major logistical challenges.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed over the weekend that the fixtures will go ahead in the United States as originally planned, reinforcing the earlier position of FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Infantino had previously stated that there was “no plan B, C, or D,” stressing that matches would proceed “according to the draw.”
“FIFA ultimately decided that the matches cannot be moved from their original venues,” Sheinbaum said at a press conference in Mexico City. It would make logistics too complicated, and this decision was taken by FIFA,” she added.
Iran, represented by the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI), was among the first teams to qualify for the tournament from Asia. The team is scheduled to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, and Egypt in Seattle, between June 15 and 27.
Concerns over security were raised last month after U.S. President Donald Trump suggested in a social media post that it might not be appropriate for Iran to participate in the tournament “for their own life and safety.”
In response, FFIRI president Mehdi Taj warned that the team could reconsider travelling to the United States if adequate security guarantees were not provided.
Tensions have since continued, with Iran’s Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali stating that the country’s participation in the World Cup could be uncertain unless its matches are relocated.
Mexico, which is co-hosting the tournament alongside the United States and Canada, had indicated a willingness to stage Iran’s fixtures. However, Sheinbaum’s remarks reaffirm FIFA’s final decision to keep the matches in their originally assigned venues.
Notably, Infantino had also met with Iranian players, coaches, and officials in Türkiye on March 31 to discuss the situation.
