The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has resolved the debate over where to host the Iranian national team’s matches in the 2026 World Cup, affirming its commitment to the previously determined schedule in the United States, and indirectly rejecting demands to move the matches to Mexican territory.
Tehran had considered, through statements by Sports Minister Ahmed Denyamali and its ambassador to Mexico, the possibility of moving the “Team Milli” matches from the American cities (Los Angeles and Seattle) to Mexico, due to security concerns and logistical difficulties related to visas, in light of the current military tensions with Washington.
FIFA’s decision confirms the stability of the group schedule, as the Iranian national team will face Belgium, New Zealand, and Egypt in the first round. On the other hand, US President Donald Trump previously raised questions about the “appropriateness” of the Iranian team’s presence in America for security reasons, while Tehran confirmed that the technical and organizational decisions for the tournament are the responsibility of the International Federation alone.
With this announcement, the possibilities of withdrawal that some Iranian parties had previously hinted at vanished, with preparations continuing for the “Lions of Persia” to participate in the expanded edition hosted by North America next summer.
