Mexico issue statement as Iran ask to move World Cup games outside US

Claudia Scheinbaum, the President of Mexico, has issued a statement amid reports that Iran had asked FIFA to move their World Cup matches away from the United States.

The US and Israel launched a 'major combat operation' on Iran on February 28, with the war now into its fourth week.

Iran have not formally withdrawn from the 2026 World Cup, which is due to be co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico.

That is despite the country's sports minister stating last week that 'under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup'.

Iran have been drawn into Group G for the World Cup, alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand.

All three of their fixtures are due to be hosted in the US, with Iran due to play two matches at California's SoFi Stadium before a trip to Seattle's Lumen Field for their third and final fixture.

Iran football president Mehdi Taj has stated that his country have entered negotiations with Mexico to play matches there instead - though a FIFA spokesperson has appeared to rule out that prospect.

In a statement supplied to various media outlets, the FIFA spokesperson stated: "FIFA is in regular contaxct with all participating member associations, including Iran, to discuss planning for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

"FIFA is looking forward to all participating teams competing as per the match schedule announced on 6 December 2025."

What have Mexico said?

If FIFA has a change of heart, President Scheinbaum has said that Mexico would be open to the opportunity of hosting Iran matches at the World Cup.

"They are discussing with FIFA whether it's feasible because they were going to hold the [games] in the United States," she told reporters at a press conference (via CBC).

"They are looking into whether they can hold in Mexico, and we will inform you when the time comes.

"Mexico has relations with all the countries in the world. We'll see what FIFA decides and then we'll announce it."

Though the World Cup will predominantly be hosted in the United States, Mexico are due to stage nine matches across venues in Mexico City, Zapopan and Guadelupe.

The country will also host the inter-continental play-offs at the end of March - which have also been hit by logistical issues.

Players from Iraq, who will play either Bolivia or Suriname in the play-off final, are struggling to leave the country due to widespread airspace closures and general travel safety issues in the West Region of the Middle East, which have been caused by the war and by Iran's retaliatory attacks on US and Israel military bases across the region.

Iraq boss Graham Arnold has requested that FIFA delay the play-offs until a week before the tournament, allowing his side and coaching staff ample time to prepare for their all-important fixture.