DThe Iranian national team appeared to be on the verge of missing the 2026 World Cup due to tensions with the United States. However, an alternative has recently emerged that is very unlikely to give hope to Iranian fans who want to see their team in this great event.
The Iranian federation is already in talks with FIFA to move the match to Mexico, which could completely change the course of the tournament.
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We are negotiating with FIFA for Iran’s World Cup matches to be held in Mexico
Amid US uncertainty, Iran seeks alternatives
Some have questioned the safety of the Iranian national team playing on U.S. soil amidst the conflict, but in response, Mehdi Taj, president of the Iranian federation, declared, “Now that President Trump has made it clear that he cannot guarantee the safety of the Iranian national team, we will never go to the United States.”
These words reflect the concerns of Asian teams who have already secured World Cup qualification on the field but now face logistical and political challenges.
In this scenario, Mexico appears to be a viable solution within a co-hosting scheme for the tournament.
If the changes are made, Mexico will not only play more games, but will also play a bigger role in the group stage. However, in the unlikely but likely eventual scenario that Iran advances to the next round, these finals would also have to be played on Mexican soil. This would mean taking the games away from the United States, which would be unpalatable to President Donald Trump, so the alternative remains in the realm of possibility.
How will Iran play in Mexico?
If the relocation is approved, three group games originally scheduled for the United States will be relocated.
The debut match was against the New Zealand national soccer team and was originally scheduled to be held in California.
Iran will then face Belgium, one of the most competitive teams in Europe, in a key match that will determine their place in the group.
Finally, they concluded their participation in the first stage with the Egyptian national team, in a match that could decide the passage to the next round.
