Iran has announced that it will not play its scheduled FIFA World Cup matches in the United States due to security concerns arising from the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran. The 2026 World Cup, set to begin in about three months, is being co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. According to the fixture, Iran’s three group-stage matches against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt were to be held in Los Angeles and Seattle. However, the Iranian Football Federation has requested that these matches be moved to Mexico.

Federation president Mehdi Taj clarified that Iran is not boycotting the World Cup but will not set foot on US soil because of safety risks. He cited a statement by Donald Trump suggesting that the US could not guarantee the Iranian team’s security. FIFA President Gianni Infantino rejected Iran’s request, stating that the schedule is final and that FIFA cannot intervene in political disputes but believes football can promote peace.

If Iran ultimately refuses to play in the US, it would mark one of the rarest political standoffs in modern football history since the post–World War II era.