Iran awaits FIFA decision on World Cup venue shift amid security concerns

Iran will decide on its participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup only after receiving a response from FIFA regarding a proposed relocation of its matches, the country’s sports minister said, underscoring mounting uncertainty linked to regional tensions.

Minister of Sport Ahmad Donyamali said Tehran is awaiting clarification from FIFA after the Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) formally requested that its group-stage matches be moved from the United States to Mexico, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The request follows concerns tied to U.S. military involvement alongside Israel in strikes that triggered an ongoing regional conflict.

“Our request to FIFA to relocate Iran's games from the U.S. to Mexico is still valid, but we have not yet received a response,” Donyamali told Anadolu. “If accepted, Iran's participation in the World Cup will be certain. However, FIFA has not yet responded.

“As the Minister of Sports, together with the Iranian football federation, we will keep the football team ready for the World Cup. However, the final decision will be made by our government.”

Iran had earlier indicated it was in talks with FIFA over the proposed venue switch. The country’s sports ministry has also barred national and club teams from travelling to nations it considers hostile until further notice.

However, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said last week that Iran’s matches would proceed as scheduled, suggesting limited appetite within the governing body for altering fixtures.

Iran is currently set to play all Group G matches in the United States, facing New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles before a final group fixture against Egypt in Seattle.

U.S. President Donald Trump said last month that while Iran’s team would be welcome in the country, participation might not be appropriate for their “life and safety,” although he later clarified that any potential threat would not originate from the United States.

“According to FIFA's relevant regulations, security must be provided in the country concerned,” Donyamali added. “However, the World Cup is taking place soon, and providing guarantees ⁠during this period is questionable.

“Under these circumstances, the possibility of Iran participating in the World Cup matches in the U.S. is very low. But, if the relevant security guarantees are provided, our government ⁠will make the decision on Iran's participation in the World Cup.”

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19.

By Aghakazim Guliyev