Iran negotiating with FIFA to move World Cup 2026 matches from US to Mexico

Iran's national football federation is negotiating with FIFA to move its World Cup 2026 group matches from the United States to Mexico, citing opposition to American foreign policy toward Israel. The federation frames the relocation request as a response to what it characterizes as U.S. involvement in conflict affecting Iran. World Cup 2026 will be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, with matches currently scheduled across all three nations. If successful, the move would be a rare instance of a national team using the tournament's hosting structure to avoid playing in a particular country for political reasons. FIFA has not yet publicly responded to the request, and such venue changes require federation approval and logistical coordination among the host nations.