Iran is awaiting a formal response from FIFA before making a final decision on its participation in the 2026 World Cup, amid growing uncertainty over playing matches in the United States.
Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali said Tehran has requested that its matches be moved from the United States to Mexico, stressing that approval of this proposal would pave the way for the team’s participation in the tournament.
He confirmed that the national team continues its preparations in coordination with the Iranian Football Federation, aiming to be fully ready for the competition. However, he noted that the final decision on participation ultimately rests with the Iranian government.
Donyamali highlighted that FIFA regulations require host countries to guarantee full safety and security for all participating teams, adding that such assurances remain in doubt under current conditions and amid statements by Donald Trump.
He warned that if adequate guarantees are not provided, matches should not be held in the United States, suggesting that Iran’s participation in games hosted there appears unlikely. Nevertheless, he added that sufficient security assurances could still lead to a reversal of that position.
Concerns over Iran’s participation have intensified as tensions in the region continue to escalate. The 2026 World Cup is set to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico starting June 11, with Iran originally scheduled to play two group-stage matches in Los Angeles and one in Seattle.
Iran has been drawn into Group G alongside Belgium, New Zealand, and Egypt, making it one of the tournament’s most closely watched groups.
The uncertainty reflects broader geopolitical tensions, with ongoing military escalation since late February raising questions about logistics, safety, and the viability of participation for certain teams.
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