ISLAMABAD (MNN); FIFA has rejected Iran’s request to relocate its World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico, citing logistical challenges, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed.
Iran’s Football Federation had urged the global football body to move its fixtures out of the US last month due to security concerns, but FIFA maintained that all matches will proceed as scheduled in their original venues.
Speaking at a press conference in Mexico City, Sheinbaum reiterated FIFA’s position, stating that shifting venues would create significant logistical complications.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino also confirmed that Iran will participate in the tournament and that matches will be played according to the official draw.
Iran, one of the early qualifiers for the tournament, is placed in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand. The team is scheduled to play its group-stage matches on the US West Coast, including two games in Los Angeles and one in Seattle.
Mexico, a co-host of the World Cup alongside the United States and Canada, had expressed readiness to host Iran’s matches; however, FIFA has firmly rejected any possibility of relocating the fixtures.
The request came amid heightened tensions following the US-Israel conflict with Iran, which raised concerns about the safety of Iranian players in the United States.
Iranian football officials had earlier warned of a possible boycott if security could not be guaranteed, after US President Donald Trump suggested that participation might pose risks.
Despite the tensions, FIFA has assured that Iran will take part in the tournament, while discussions around security and participation continue.
