FIFA rejects Iran's push to move World Cup matches out of US to Mexico

"FIFA is in regular contact with all participating member associations, including (the Islamic Republic of) Iran, to discuss planning for the FIFA World Cup 2026. FIFA is looking forward to all participating teams competing as per the match schedule announced on 6 December 2025."

Iran is scheduled to play in Inglewood, California, against New Zealand on June 16 and Belgium on June 21 before finishing group play against Egypt in Seattle on June 26. The U.S. is hosting the tournament with Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.

Iran's ambassador to Mexico Abolfazl Pasandideh urged FIFA to move the team's games to Mexico in comments posted Monday on the embassy website. He reportedly said that the "best situation" for Iran would be to move the team's games to Mexico. 

FIFA's statement Tuesday ended speculation that there would be any adjustments to the schedule, including match locations. 

"The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup, but I really don't believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety," he said.

"We all need an event like the FIFA World Cup to bring people together now more than ever, and I sincerely thank the President of the United States for his support, as it shows once again that Football Unites the World," he said in a post on Instagram. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.