Iran in talks with FIFA to move World Cup matches to Mexico, says embassy

MEXICO CITY: Iran's football federation is currently in discussions with FIFA regarding the possibility of relocating its first-round matches at the upcoming World Cup to Mexico, according to a statement from the Iranian embassy in Mexico.

The embassy confirmed on Thursday that negotiations are underway with the world football governing body. "Iran's football federation is negotiating with FIFA to move the country's first-round matches at the World Cup to Mexico," the embassy stated.

Details regarding the reasons for the proposed relocation or the current status of the negotiations were not provided by the embassy. The statement did not specify which matches could be affected or the potential timeline for a decision.

Iran's national football team recently played a match against the United Arab Emirates at the Azadi Sports Complex in Tehran on March 20, 2025, as part of the AFC Qualifiers. The team posed for a group photo ahead of the game, highlighting their ongoing participation in international competitions.

Further information about the negotiations or potential implications for the World Cup schedule has not been released at this time.