Iran says it will decide on World Cup participation after FIFA responds to a request to relocate group-stage matches from the United States to Mexico.
Iran will only confirm its participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after receiving a response from FIFA regarding a proposed relocation of its matches, according to Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali.
🚨🇮🇷 BREAKING: Iran’s sports minister, says the country will not be able to participate in the upcoming FIFA World Cup
— Politics Global (@PolitlcsGlobal) March 11, 2026
The Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran has requested that the team’s group-stage fixtures be moved from the United States to Mexico, citing security concerns linked to geopolitical tensions. Iran’s sports ministry has also imposed a temporary ban preventing national and club teams from travelling to countries it considers hostile, adding uncertainty to the national team’s World Cup plans.
However, FIFA president Gianni Infantino previously indicated that Iran’s matches would go ahead as scheduled, though no formal response to the relocation request has yet been confirmed.
Donyamali stated that Iran’s participation would be guaranteed if the request to move venues is approved, but stressed that the government will make the final decision once FIFA provides clarity. Iran are currently scheduled to play their 2026 World Cup Group G matches in Los Angeles against New Zealand and Belgium, before facing Egypt in Seattle.
Donald Trump commented that Iran’s team would be welcome in the United States but suggested that safety considerations should be taken into account, while later clarifying that any potential threats would not originate from the U.S.
The tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19, with Iran’s participation still dependent on security guarantees and FIFA’s response.
