Sports Desk; Tehran/Zurich: Major uncertainty has surfaced regarding Iran’s participation in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Iran Football Federation (IFF) has submitted an official request to FIFA to relocate their group-stage matches from the United States to co-host Mexico.
Iranian officials have hinted that if this request is rejected, the team’s appearance in the tournament may be in jeopardy.
Official Confirmation from the Sports Minister
In an interview with the Turkish news agency Anadolu on Sunday, Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali confirmed the request. While the IFF has already reached out to football’s governing body, they are yet to receive a formal response.
“Iran’s participation in the World Cup will only be confirmed if FIFA accepts our request to move the matches,” Donyamali stated.
He clarified that while the squad’s preparations are in full swing, the government maintains a strict stance on traveling to the U.S. under current conditions.
Security Concerns and Geopolitical Tensions
The friction arises from the volatile geopolitical situation involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran following military strikes in late February.
Minister Donyamali noted that the possibility of playing on American soil is “very slim” unless the highest level of security guarantees is provided.
IFF President Mehdi Taj echoed these sentiments, previously stating that the team cannot travel to the U.S. if safety cannot be guaranteed.
However, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has recently emphasized that all matches will proceed according to the original schedule, insisting that “football builds bridges” despite global conflicts.
Iran’s Scheduled Path (Group G)
Under the current FIFA schedule, Iran is placed in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand. Their campaign is set to begin in the U.S. West Coast:
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June 16: vs. New Zealand (Los Angeles)
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June 22: vs. Belgium (Los Angeles)
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June 26: vs. Egypt (Seattle)
If FIFA maintains its refusal to relocate the matches, Iran faces a potential withdrawal or boycott, a move that could lead to significant fines or replacement by another nation, such as Iraq.