Iran's attempt to move their FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage matches from the USA to Mexico met with a negative response from the organizers. The FIFA revealed that it is determined to hold all matches 'as per schedule', turning down Iran's request.

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has put Iran's participation in the FIFA World Cup 2026 on hold. The USA, Mexico, and Canada are hosting the biggest sporting event on the planet starting June 12. Iran is scheduled to play all their three group-stage games in the USA, starting on June 16, but their ongoing military confrontation with the host nation has put FIFA in a difficult position.

Iran's stance remains unclear as they initially announced they would skip the event after the US air strikes killed their supreme leader, Ali Khamenei. However, US President Donald Trump assured FIFA of Iran's participation but also threatened the Asian football giants with controversial remarks on players' safety.

This triggered a strong response from Iran's football federation president Mehdi Taj. He revealed that Iran is negotiating with the FIFA to shift their matches from the USA to Mexico. However, the FIFA has turned down such a request in the latest update on the matter.

"FIFA is in regular contact with all participating member associations, including Iran, to discuss planning for the World Cup," a FIFA spokesperson said on March 17. "FIFA is looking forward to all participating teams competing as per the match schedule announced on 6 December 2025."

Meanwhile, after Donald Trump's threatening message, Iran claimed that the World Cup belongs to FIFA, not to any single country.

What's next for Iran and FIFA?

Iran's sports minister Ahmad Donyamali had earlier said that the Team Melli would not participate in the FIFA World Cup under any circumstances, but it seems that the country is determined to participate in the tournament after Donald Trump's instigating remarks.

Iran had two options: travel to the USA and play their matches as per schedule or convince the FIFA to relocate their matches to Mexico or Canada. With the second option being turned down quickly, the Asian football team has no option left but to play their games in the USA.

For FIFA, the situation is turning into a disaster. The governing body's failure to solve the issue is also drawing sharp criticism from football fans all over the globe. Host nations are responsible for players’ safety at the World Cup, but Trump’s recent comments have put FIFA in an embarrassing position.

If Iran pulls out of the tournament officially, the FIFA is likely to be blamed for their failure to find a solution. FIFA will be left with no option but to replace Iran with the next best team from Asia or field only three teams in Group G.

Also read: Iran to play FIFA World Cup 2026? AFC responds to growing speculation