Iran is negotiating with FIFA regarding the relocation of its World Cup 2026 matches to Mexico. The Iranian Football Federation, led by president Mehdi Taj, has expressed concerns about the safety of the Iranian national team traveling to the United States. This concern was heightened following remarks made during the Trump administration, indicating that safety couldn't be guaranteed for the Iranian squad.

As per the draw conducted in December, Iran was placed in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand, with all three matches originally scheduled to take place in the U.S., specifically in Los Angeles and Seattle. This has led the Iranian representatives to seek alternative arrangements for their participation in the World Cup, which is set to occur between June 11 and July 19 of next year across the three host nations: the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.

Furthermore, Iran's absence from a FIFA planning summit in Atlanta, which involved teams participating in the World Cup, raises additional questions about its participation and the overall readiness of the team. The situation emphasizes the complexities of international sports events, where political and security issues can significantly affect scheduling and logistics, reflecting the broader geopolitical tensions between Iran and the United States.