Mexico city: Iran announced ongoing discussions with FIFA to relocate its 2026 World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico, citing security and logistical concerns. The Iranian authorities are actively engaging with FIFA to address these issues, emphasizing their need for a safer and more feasible venue for their team's participation.

According to Anadolu Agency, Iran's Embassy in Mexico communicated through the US social media platform X that negotiations are underway following security concerns raised by Iranian officials due to the conflict in the Middle East. The President of Iran's Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, expressed the team's decision to avoid traveling to the US after statements attributed to US President Donald Trump suggested that the security of the Iranian squad could not be ensured.

'We will certainly not travel to America,' Taj stated, highlighting the ongoing discussions with FIFA to potentially host Iran's matches in Mexico. The Iranian team is scheduled to play against New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, and Egypt in Seattle, with a planned base camp in Tucson, Arizona.

Iran's Ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh, also pointed out visa and logistical challenges with US authorities, proposing Mexico as an alternative location for the matches. The 2026 World Cup is set to be co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.