FIFA rejects Iran’s request to move World Cup matches from US to Mexico

FIFA has rejected Iran's request to relocate its World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico during the 2026 tournament. The Iranian Football Federation had sought to move the games, likely citing political tensions between Iran and the US, but FIFA determined that all matches will proceed according to the schedule announced in 2024. The decision reinforces FIFA's stance on maintaining the integrity of the tournament format and refusing to accommodate geopolitical disputes. Iran will compete in matches hosted across the US as originally planned for the joint World Cup involving the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The ruling sets a precedent that FIFA will not alter competition logistics based on diplomatic tensions between nations.