Iran ‘negotiating’ with FIFA over moving World Cup games to Mexico: Embassy

Follow our live coverage here.

MEXICO CITY – Football’s world governing body FIFA on March 17 appeared to rule out moving Iran’s World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico.

The president of Iran’s football federation had said negotiations were under way to relocate their fixtures to ensure players’ safety amid the conflict in the Middle East.

A Fifa spokesperson said in a statement: “Fifa is in regular contact with all participating member associations, including Iran, to discuss planning for the World Cup.

“Fifa is looking forward to all participating teams competing as per the match schedule announced on Dec 6, 2025.”

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on March 17 that her country would have no problem hosting Iran’s matches, if FIFA approves.

Iran’s participation in the quadrennial tournament – to be hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19 – has been thrown into doubt since the war began in late February.

“When (US President Donald) Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America,” Iranian football chief Mehdi Taj said in remarks posted on the embassy’s X account.

“We are currently negotiating with FIFA to hold Iran’s matches in the World Cup in Mexico.”

Iran are scheduled to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles followed by Egypt in Seattle during the group stage.

The team’s base camp for the tournament is currently slated to be located in Tucson, Arizona.

Abolfazl Pasandideh, Iran’s Ambassador to Mexico, on March 16 denounced “the US government’s lack of cooperation regarding visa issuance and the provision of logistical support” for the Iranian delegation ahead of the World Cup, in a statement published on the embassy’s website.

He added that he had “suggested to FIFA that Iran’s matches be moved from the US to Mexico”.

Mr Trump triggered uproar last week after stating that while Iran’s football team would be “welcome” in the US, they should not travel to the tournament “for their own life and safety”.

His comments came after FIFA president Gianni Infantino had given assurances that Mr Trump had promised him that the Iranian team would be welcome.

Iran hit back at Mr Trump’s comments, saying “no one can exclude Iran’s national team from the World Cup”.

All these developments are not surprising, considering there have already been growing doubts about the country’s participation at the World Cup while at war with one of the co-hosts. 

Iran’s sports minister said last week it was not possible for the Iranian players to take part in the tournament, but it could still happen if matches were moved to Mexico.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said on March 16 that it had not received any notification that Iran would withdraw from the event.

“At the end of the day, it’s the federation who should decide if they’re playing, and as of today, the federation has told us that they are going to the World Cup,” AFC general secretary Windsor John told reporters in Kuala Lumpur.

Meanwhile, New Zealand are continuing to prepare for their World Cup opener against Iran but will be ready to adjust if the Middle Eastern nation do not take part, coach Darren Bazeley said.

The Iranians’ first match is against the New Zealanders on June 15 in Los Angeles.

“Right now, we’re still continuing as though we’re playing Iran,” Bazeley told local media.

“They’re the team that qualified and we got drawn against them. That’s still the fixture and until we get told otherwise, we’ll continue with that preparation.

“Obviously, if things change, then we’ll deal with that.”

New Zealand football chief Andrew Pragnell said they were taking security around their matches very seriously, but had not heard any updates from FIFA about heightened threats. AFP, REUTERS