Iran's football federation is in discussions with FIFA about moving their World Cup matches to Mexico from the United States due to concerns about the safety of their players, Iranian football president Mehdi Taj said on Monday. "We are negotiating with FIFA to hold Iran's World Cup matches in Mexico." Huge logistical switchIran secured a trip to a fourth successive World Cup by topping their group in the third round of Asian qualifying last year. India refused to travel to Pakistan for last year's Champions Trophy and were allowed to play all their matches in Dubai instead. "At the end of the day, it's the federation who should decide if they're playing, and as of today, the federation has told us that they are going to the World Cup," AFC General Secretary Windsor John told reporters in Kuala Lumpur.

Source: The Telegraph March 17, 2026 13:20 UTC