Iran Will ‘Boycott’ USA, But Not The 2026 FIFA World Cup: Venue Dilemma Brews On

Last Updated:March 19, 2026, 3:39 PM IST

Iran won’t pull out of the 2026 World Cup, but insists on avoiding matches in the U.S. — pushing FIFA to shift fixtures to Mexico amid rising geopolitical tensions.

Mehdi Taj, president of the Iranian Football Federation, says his nation will not play its FIFA World Cup group fixtures in the US due to security fears [File: Atta Kenare/AFP]

Iran has made its position clear: they will not withdraw from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but they are equally firm about avoiding the United States as a host venue.

Iranian FA president Mehdi Taj confirmed the stance, describing it as a “boycott” of the U.S., not the tournament itself.

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

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to run from June 11 to July 19 across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, had originally scheduled all three of Iran’s group-stage matches in the United States.

But with tensions escalating between Tehran and Washington since late February, Iran is now pushing to relocate those fixtures, preferably to co-host Mexico.

Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, has already signaled openness to hosting Iran’s matches. However, the final call rests with FIFA — who have reiterated that the schedule shall remain unchanged.

Safety Concerns and Political Messaging

Concerns over player safety have been central to Iran’s argument.

U.S. President Donald Trump added fuel to the fire by stating that while Iran were “welcome,” it might not be “appropriate” for them to attend, citing concerns for their “life and safety.”

Iran’s Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali went further, claiming participation under current conditions was “impossible,” calling the U.S. a “corrupt government” and raising fears over player security.

Taj, meanwhile, has used those remarks to strengthen Iran’s case for a venue switch.

Preparation Continues

Despite the uncertainty, Iran’s preparations remain on track.

The national team is currently holding a training camp in Turkey and will play friendly matches against Nigeria and Costa Rica in Antalya — fixtures relocated from Jordan due to regional instability.

For now, FIFA are standing firm, leaving Iran in a peculiar position: qualified, preparing, and determined to compete — but unwilling to step onto U.S. soil.

(with Reuters inputs)

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