Short version: Iran’s football federation says the national team will take part in the 2026 World Cup but will not play matches on US soil. Officials are negotiating with FIFA to move Iran’s group games to Mexico.

What Iran has announced

Mehdi Taj, president of Iran’s football federation, confirmed the team is training in Turkiye and preparing for the World Cup. He was clear about their position:

“We will boycott America, but we will not boycott the World Cup.”

The 2026 finals run from June 11 to July 19 and are co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. Under the schedule published on 6 December 2025, Iran was set to play all three of their group matches in the United States. The federation says it has requested that those matches be moved to Mexico.

Recent warmups and travel

  • Iran are holding a training camp in Turkiye and will play two friendly matches there.
  • The team played Nigeria on March 27 and will face Costa Rica on March 31 in Antalya, at a four-nation invitational that was moved from Jordan because of regional tensions.

Why this is happening

The move follows heightened tensions between Iran and the United States that began in late February. The issue gained fresh attention when members of Iran’s women’s national squad, who had been in Australia for the Women’s Asian Cup, were offered asylum by Australian authorities over safety concerns. Seven accepted offers and two remained in Australia.

Then US President Donald Trump encouraged Australia to offer asylum to the women’s team. He also said the Iranian men were welcome to play in the United States but suggested concerns about their "life and safety". He later said any threat would not come from the United States. Taj referenced that public comment in arguing for a change of venue.

Mexico says it would help

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Mexico would be open to hosting Iran’s group games against New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt in June. However, any final decision on changing venues rests with FIFA.

FIFA and player safety

FIFA says it is in contact with Iran’s federation but reiterated that it expects teams to follow the match schedule announced in December 2025. Player and spectator safety remain a priority for governing bodies and unions.

Beau Busch, Asia Pacific president of the players’ union FIFPRO, urged FIFA to conduct a thorough human rights impact assessment. He said FIFA has a responsibility to ensure every person at the tournament can be safe and that risks are identified and managed.

Bottom line

Iran will attend the 2026 World Cup but will refuse to play matches held in the United States unless FIFA moves their fixtures. Negotiations are ongoing and FIFA has the final authority on any venue changes.