FIFA has confirmed it has no plans to move Iran's scheduled matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup from the United States to Mexico. The statement comes amid recent media speculation and follows a period of diplomatic discussions regarding Iran's participation in the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
The governing body for world football emphasized that the match schedule and host city allocations for the 2026 tournament are firmly set. FIFA's stance is that sporting events should remain separate from geopolitical tensions, and it expects all qualified teams to compete in their assigned host countries.
Iran qualified for the 2026 World Cup, which will feature 48 teams for the first time. Their group stage matches are slated to be played in the United States as part of the initial tournament draw and schedule announced by FIFA.
