Iran Pushes to Shift World Cup Games From U. S. To Mexico

Iran’s football leaders have requested that their 2026 World Cup matches be moved from the United States to Mexico, citing safety worries after remarks by former President Donald Trump. The change comes as Iran’s sports officials say they can no longer trust that the U. S. will protect their players. The suggestion follows Trump’s recent social‑media post, where he warned that Iranian athletes might face danger if they play in America. Because of this, Iran’s football chief said the team would refuse to travel to the U. S. if it cannot guarantee security. The 2026 tournament will run across North America, with games in the U. S. , Mexico and Canada. Iran is currently scheduled to play several matches on American soil, with its first game against New Zealand set for the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.The team’s training base would be in Tucson, Arizona. Officials from New Zealand say FIFA is unlikely to change the schedule. Their coach says they are preparing as if the match will go ahead, and they have no reason to alter plans unless notified otherwise. FIFA has not responded publicly to Iran’s relocation request. The debate over Iran’s safety concerns adds to a growing spotlight on Iranian football. Earlier this year, five out of seven female players who had sought asylum in Australia during the Asian Cup decided to return home. Their decision followed a protest at a match where some players stayed silent during the national anthem, an act that drew harsh criticism from Iranian state media.