Iran is negotiating with FIFA to move its 2026 World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico after President Donald Trump expressed safety concerns about the team's participation. The Iranian soccer federation president Mehdi Taj stated that Iran would not travel to America given Trump's explicit statements about security.

This unprecedented request comes as tensions remain high following recent attacks that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The World Cup matches in question are scheduled for Inglewood, California, and Seattle, with Iran set to face New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt in group play. Moving games less than three months before the tournament would be highly unusual.

Soccer holds immense cultural significance in Iran, a nation of over 90 million people that has qualified for seven men's World Cups. The team, ranked No. 20 globally and second-best in Asia behind Japan, has sent mixed signals about participation. While Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali initially suggested withdrawal due to recent conflicts, the national team later affirmed its tournament rights. FIFA has not commented beyond President Gianni Infantino's assurance that Iran is welcome at the tournament.