Iran has said it will wait for security guarantees from FIFA before confirming its participation in the 2026 World Cup, raising fresh uncertainty ahead of the tournament.
Iran’s Sports Minister, Ahmad Donyamali, disclosed that Tehran is still awaiting a response to its request for matches to be moved from the United States to Mexico.
“Our request to FIFA to relocate Iran’s games from the U.S. to Mexico is still valid, but we have not yet received a response,” Donyamali said. “If accepted, Iran’s participation in the World Cup will be certain.”
The 2026 tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19, with Iran’s group matches currently set to take place in the U.S.
Donyamali confirmed that the national team continues preparations despite the uncertainty, noting that a final decision will rest with the government.
Tensions escalated following remarks by Donald Trump, who warned it could be unsafe for Iran’s team to compete in the United States. The Iranian minister dismissed the comments as inconsistent and lacking moral clarity.
He stressed that, under FIFA regulations, host nations must guarantee the safety of all participating teams. Failure to do so, he argued, would call into question the suitability of hosting matches in those locations.
“The security of any national team must be guaranteed. If not, FIFA should not allow matches to be played in that country,” he said.
Iran has indicated that without firm assurances, its participation in matches hosted in the US remains unlikely. However, Donyamali left the door open, saying the government would reconsider if adequate guarantees are provided.
The situation adds a political dimension to preparations for the expanded 48-team World Cup, with security concerns now emerging as a potential flashpoint.
