Recently, FIFA officially announced that it is impossible to move the matches of the Iranian national team at the 2026 World Cup from the USA to Mexico. This decision was made despite an official request from the Iranian side. The President of the Football Federation of Iran, Mehdi Taj, had previously reported on negotiations with FIFA, pointing out the team's lack of safety for performances in the States amid the escalating conflict.
The situation was exacerbated by statements from Donald Trump, who noted that he could not guarantee the safety of the Iranian team, although the team formally has the right to participate in the tournament. As a result of the draw, Iran ended up in Group G along with Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand, with all matches in this group planned to be held in the USA, in Los Angeles and Seattle.
FIFA confirmed that the championship will proceed according to the established schedule, and moving the matches is impossible due to complex logistical circumstances, including already sold tickets and potential changes in the playoff bracket. Given the ongoing conflict, Iran's participation in the World Cup remains in question, and the authorities of the country do not rule out the possibility of boycotting the tournament. Thus, Iran's situation becomes one of the key political factors that could influence the conduct of the 2026 World Cup.
