Iran Pushes to Shift World Cup Games From U. S. To Mexico
Iran’s football leaders have asked that their 2026 World Cup fixtures be shifted from the United States to Mexico, citing safety concerns after remarks by former President Donald Trump.
Safety Worries
Iran’s sports officials say they can no longer trust the U.S. to protect their players following Trump’s social‑media post warning of danger for Iranian athletes.Travel Refusal
The football chief declared the team would refuse to travel to the U.S. unless security guarantees are provided.Tournament Context
The 2026 tournament spans North America, with matches in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
Iran is scheduled to play several games on American soil, including a first‑match clash against New Zealand at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Their training base would be in Tucson, Arizona.
New Zealand’s Stance
New Zealand officials say FIFA is unlikely to alter the schedule. Their coach maintains preparations as if the match will proceed, pending any official notification.FIFA’s Silence
FIFA has not publicly responded to Iran’s relocation request.Broader Context
The debate over safety adds to growing scrutiny of Iranian football. Earlier this year, five of seven female players who had sought asylum in Australia during the Asian Cup returned home after a protest at a match where some players stayed silent during the national anthem, an act criticized by Iranian state media.
