Iran have been drawn with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand in Group G for this summer's World Cup. Photo: Hector Vivas - Fifa via Getty ImagesFifa is unwilling to switch Iran’s World Cup matches to Mexico despite the country’s football federation claiming it is in discussions with the world governing body about moving their games outside the United States. There were reports in the Wall Street Journal last weekend that Iran had approached Fifa about such a move, and the president of the IFF, Mehdi Taj, appeared to confirm the talks by posting on the X account of the Iranian embassy in Mexico: “We are negotiating with Fifa to hold Iran’s World Cup matches in Mexico.”Fifa said in response: “Fifa is in regular contact with all participating member associations, including IR Iran, to discuss planning for the Fifa World Cup 2026. Fifa is unlikely to make a final decision on Iran until its congress in Vancouver on April 30th, with its official position remaining that it wants them to take part. Fifa has the sole power to decide which country would replace Iran if they do not take part, in what would be the first occurrence of a World Cup withdrawal post-draw since 1950.

Source: The Irish Times March 17, 2026 14:00 UTC