It immediately became a hot issue in the global football world when Iran revealed it is currently in negotiations with FIFA to adjust the 2026 World Cup schedule by moving its matches from the United States to Mexico.
On 17 March 2026, reports indicated that the main reason is safety concerns amid political and military tensions between Iran and Western countries, especially the United States, which could affect the safety of players and team staff.
A source from the Iran Football Federation disclosed that if clear safety guarantees cannot be provided, the Iranian national team might even decide not to travel to compete in the United States at all.
The 2026 World Cup will be hosted by three countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. According to the original schedule, Iran is set to play some matches in the U.S., and if changes occur, it could impact the overall tournament organization.
However, FIFA has yet to make any official decision or release a statement, so the situation remains under close observation.
If negotiations fail, Iran may have to choose between playing as originally scheduled or considering withdrawal from the tournament, which would be an unprecedented event in modern World Cup history.
Football fans worldwide will continue to follow closely how this issue unfolds and what direction FIFA will take in its decision-making.