Mexico prepared to host Iran World Cup games, says president

Mexican leader Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Tuesday that her nation stands ready to stage Iran's opening fixtures at the 2026 World Cup should circumstances require it amid the ongoing Middle East tensions.

The involvement of Iran in the finals set for the United States, Canada, and Mexico this summer has faced uncertainty since hostilities erupted last month, with US President Donald Trump cautioning that the safety of Iranian athletes could be compromised if they enter the US.

Officials from Iran's football body have initiated discussions with FIFA regarding the possible shift of their fixtures away from the United States, although the international organisation has thus far insisted that the event's timetable stays intact.

Responding to a query on whether Mexico would accept hosting these games and if the choice hinges solely on FIFA's arrangements, Sheinbaum stated during a media briefing: "Yes."

"Mexico upholds diplomatic ties with nations across the globe, so we shall await FIFA's ruling," she continued.

The status of Iran's spot in the competition became precarious following the large-scale assault by the US and Israel on the Islamic Republic, which countered with barrages of missiles and drones aimed at Israeli areas and US interests throughout the Middle East.

FIFA chief Gianni Infantino first indicated that Trump had provided guarantees allowing the Iranian squad, set to play New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles before meeting Egypt in Seattle, to participate.

However, the Republican leader sparked controversy last week by declaring that the Iranian squad ought to skip the event "for their own life and safety".

Iran retorted to Trump's remarks, asserting that "no one can exclude Iran's national team from the World Cup".

Lack of cooperation

Iran became the second Asian side after Japan to earn qualification for the World Cup, clinching their berth nearly a year back by leading their qualification section.

On Monday, Iranian football head Mehdi Taj posted online: "When Trump has openly declared that he cannot guarantee the security of the Iranian national team, we will definitely not go to America."

"We are presently in talks with FIFA to stage Iran's matches in the World Cup in Mexico."

Iranian football officials "are now conferring with FIFA on whether it is possible, given their initial plans to visit the United States, to determine if they can transfer Iran's fixtures to Mexico," Sheinbaum verified.

"The issue is being examined and we will share further details soon."

Asked about this by AFP, FIFA responded that it "anticipates all teams involved will compete according to the schedule released on 6 December 2025".

"FIFA maintains ongoing dialogue with all member federations taking part, including IR Iran, concerning preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026," a representative noted.

The Iranian squad's training base for the tournament is presently planned for Tucson, Arizona.

Abolfazl Pasandideh, Iran's envoy to Mexico, criticised on Monday "the US government's unwillingness to cooperate on issuing visas and offering logistical aid" for the Iranian group prior to the World Cup, according to a release on the embassy's site.

In the event Iran withdraws from the World Cup, it remains unclear which nation could step in as a substitute.