Iran is reportedly currently negotiating with FIFA to move their matches at the 2026 World Cup from the United States to Mexico.
In a report by The Athletic on Tuesday, FIFA confirmed that it had communicated with Iran, but the communication made it clear that the match must be played according to the match schedule announced last December.
"FIFA has been in regular contact with football federations to discuss the 2026 World Cup. FIFA hopes that all participating teams will be able to compete according to the match schedule announced on 6 December 2025," said a FIFA spokesperson.
Previously, Iranian Football Federation Mehdi Taj had commented on the future of the Iranian national team at the 2026 World Cup by stating that they would not travel to the United States.
Mehdi said that the decision was taken after President Donald Trump did not provide security guarantees to Mehdi Taremi and his friends while participating in the four-yearly tournament.
Iran is scheduled to face Belgium in the group stage in Los Angeles. They will then face New Zealand and Egypt in Seattle.
The New Zealand Football Association is currently monitoring the situation.
The geopolitical situation between the United States and Israel facing Iran is increasingly heating up after both sides are still retaliating against each other in the Middle East.
