The world football governing body FIFA has turned down Iran’s request to relocate its matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup from the United States to another host nation, according to reports from Iranian state media.
The decision means Iran’s participation in the tournament has once again come under scrutiny amid ongoing diplomatic and security concerns.
According to Iran’s foreign news agency, FIFA made it clear that once the official tournament schedule, match officials, and regulations are finalised, no changes can be made.
Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, also confirmed that fixtures will proceed as planned under the existing 2026 World Cup hosting arrangement.
FIFA reportedly rejected the relocation request due to major logistical commitments, commercial agreements, ticketing systems, and broadcast schedules already in place.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with Iran expected to play its group-stage matches in the United States as originally scheduled.
It should be noted that, due to tensions between the United States and Israel and related security concerns, Iran had requested that its group-stage matches be moved from the United States to Mexico.
Iran expressed concerns that it may not be safe to play in the United States under the current situation. Meanwhile, US authorities have also expressed security-related concerns.
It is confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Iran is expected to play its group-stage matches in the United States as originally scheduled.
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