A360
Key Takeaways✦ Atlas AI
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Iran seeks World Cup venue change.
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FIFA's response will determine participation.
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Security concerns cited for U.S. venues.
Atlas AI
Iran’s government said it is waiting for FIFA to respond to a request to move Iran’s 2026 World Cup group-stage matches out of the United States and into Mexico, a decision that officials indicated would shape Tehran’s final position on taking part in the tournament. Iran’s Minister of Sport Ahmad Donyamali said on April 7 that the government is awaiting FIFA’s answer before determining its stance on participation.
According to Donyamali, the Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) began talks with FIFA last month to seek a venue change. The federation cited American military involvement in regional conflicts as the reason for asking that the matches be relocated from the U.S. to Mexico.
Iran is currently scheduled to play New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, and Egypt in Seattle. Donyamali said the question of where those games are held is central to whether Iran ultimately plays, adding that without a change of venue or what he described as sufficient assurances, participation in matches on American soil is unlikely.
The minister also pointed to security concerns, saying Iran is seeking guarantees for its team in the United States. He linked the government’s position to whether FIFA approves the requested shift or whether adequate assurances are provided for the existing U.S. venues.
The comments come despite FIFA President Gianni Infantino recently saying Iran would play as scheduled. Donyamali’s remarks indicated that, from the government’s perspective, participation remains conditional on FIFA’s response to the venue request.
Iran’s sports ministry has previously barred national and club teams from traveling to countries it considers hostile, Donyamali said. That policy background was cited as part of the context for the current request and the emphasis on security and venue.
The 2026 World Cup is set to be staged across the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19. FIFA’s decision on Iran’s request would determine whether Iran’s group-stage fixtures remain in Los Angeles and Seattle or are moved to Mexico, as sought by Iranian officials.