Iran’s place at the 2026 World Cup is hanging by a thread, with the country’s Minister of Sport insisting the national team will only take part if its group games are moved out of the United States.
Ahmad Dania Mali, 66, confirmed on Tuesday that Tehran is still pressing FIFA to relocate Iran’s three Group G fixtures from American soil to Mexico, citing the US-Israeli war on Iran and a lack of security guarantees.
“Our request to FIFA to move Iran’s matches from the United States to Mexico remains in place, but we have not yet received a response,” he said in comments carried by Turkish agency Anadolu.
For now, the clock keeps ticking. The tournament, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, is scheduled between 11 June and 19 July. Iran still does not know where – or even if – it will kick a ball.
A World Cup Place with Conditions Attached
Dania Mali drew a stark line in the sand. If FIFA agrees to move the games, Iran plays. If not, the government may pull the plug.
“If the request is accepted, Iran’s participation in the World Cup will be confirmed. However, FIFA has not issued any response as yet,” he explained.
He stressed that, on the sporting side, preparations continue.
“As Minister of Sport, and in cooperation with the Iranian Football Federation, we will ensure the national team remains ready for the World Cup. However, the final decision will be taken by the Cabinet.”
So the players train, the staff plan, and yet everything depends on a political and security decision far beyond the dressing room.
Group G: Fixtures on U.S. Soil
On paper, Iran’s path is clear. Technically, all three of its Group G matches are scheduled in the United States.
They are due to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, before finishing the group against Egypt in Seattle. A demanding section, but a familiar World Cup script: travel, pressure, big crowds.
The issue is no longer sporting. It is where those crowds will gather, and whether Iran’s government believes its team can safely walk into those stadiums.
Trump’s Comment and the Security Question
The political backdrop has only sharpened the tension.
Last month, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the Iranian national team was welcome to play in the United States. He then added a pointed caveat, suggesting that such a scenario might not be appropriate for his own life and safety, before later clarifying that any threat to the players would not come from the United States.
The message from Tehran is different. For Dania Mali, the core issue is whether FIFA and the host nation can provide cast-iron security guarantees.
“According to the relevant FIFA regulations, security must be guaranteed in the host country. The World Cup is due to kick off soon, and obtaining such guarantees during this period is highly doubtful,” he said.
Then came the blunt assessment.
“Under these circumstances, the likelihood of Iran participating in the World Cup matches to be held in the United States is very low.”
He left a narrow door open.
“If the necessary security guarantees are provided, our government will make its decision regarding Iran’s participation in the World Cup.”
For now, it is a stand-off: Iran waiting for guarantees and a venue change, FIFA silent in public, and the schedule unaltered.
If Iran Walks Away, Who Steps In?
Behind the scenes, another conversation has already started: what happens if Iran withdraws?
According to British newspaper The Sun, Italy – absent from the last three World Cup finals – could have a slim route back into the tournament if Iran vacates its place. The logic is simple: Italy is the highest-ranked team among those that failed to qualify via the final play-offs.
It remains a theoretical scenario, nothing more at this stage. Iran is still in the draw, still in Group G, still scheduled for Los Angeles and Seattle.
But with the minister openly questioning the “very low” likelihood of playing in the United States, and the government holding the final word, the real battle for that World Cup spot may be only just beginning.
