Mexico president says FIFA rejected Iran request to move World Cup games

Seth Vertelney, USA TODAYMon, April 13, 2026 at 4:00 PM UTC

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Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum revealed that FIFA has rejected Iran's request to move its World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico.

Amid an ongoing war with the United States, Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup is still up in the air with two months remaining until the tournament kicks off.

Iran qualified for the World Cup and is scheduled to play New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, Belgium in Los Angeles on June 21 and Egypt in Seattle on June 26.

But Iran has been looking to avoid traveling to the United States, where President Donald Trump warned last month that the team may not be safe.

"We will boycott the United States but not the World Cup," Iranian football federation president Mehdi Taj said last month.

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However, Sheinbaum said at a press conference on Friday, April 10, that FIFA did not allow Mexico's request to proceed.

"FIFA ultimately decided that the matches cannot be moved from their original venues," Sheinbaum said, adding that FIFA believed that the request would require "an enormous logistical effort."

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The rejection puts the onus on Iran to decide its next move. The country has hinted at withdrawing from the World Cup but at this point, has not done so officially.

Why did FIFA reject Iran's request to move games to Mexico?

As Sheinbaum mentioned, changing the venue of a World Cup game – especially to a different country – this close to the tournament is a logistical headache.

Iran, as well as the other three teams in Group G, have already booked a location for base camp throughout the tournament, which is based on where they are playing their games.

In addition, fans, media members and many others have booked flights, hotels, rental cars and other necessities for travel.

Should Iran advance from the group stage, its round of 32 game would also very likely be scheduled for the United States. Avoiding the U.S. would require a venue change just days in advance.

The U.S. is also scheduled to host every match of the tournament from the quarterfinals on.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: FIFA rejects Iran's request to move World Cup games to Mexico

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