Overview
- Iran’s federation says it is negotiating with FIFA to relocate its three group matches from Los Angeles and Seattle to Mexico and declared it will not travel to the U.S.
- FIFA signaled no change is planned, stating it expects all teams to play according to the schedule published on December 6, 2025.
- FIFA president Gianni Infantino said after meeting President Trump that the Iranian team is welcome in the U.S., despite Trump’s earlier post warning it might be inappropriate for the team to play there for safety reasons.
- Iran’s ambassador in Mexico said he proposed shifting the fixtures to Mexican venues and criticized the U.S. over visas and logistical support for the delegation.
- The Asian Football Confederation says it expects Iran to participate, and Mexico’s leadership voiced openness to hosting if requested, leaving the issue unresolved.