FIFA Rejects Iran's Request to Move 2026 Matches from US

FIFA has rejected Iran's request to relocate its 2026 World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico, citing significant logistical challenges, as confirmed by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. The decision leaves Iran's group-stage fixtures scheduled on the U.S. West Coast amid ongoing geopolitical tensions between Iran and the United States, one of the tournament's co-hosts.

The 2026 World Cup, set to run from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, will feature Iran in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand. The Iranian national team is slated to open its campaign against New Zealand on June 15 in Los Angeles, followed by a match against Belgium on June 21 in the same city and a game versus Egypt on June 26 in Seattle. Iran's Football Federation (FFIRI) had sought the venue change last month, expressing concerns over the safety of its players in the U.S. following military actions involving the United States and Israel that escalated into conflict starting February 28.

Sheinbaum, speaking at a news conference in Mexico City over the weekend, reiterated FIFA's position that all matches will proceed as originally drawn. "FIFA...