FIFA has rejected a request from Iran national football team to relocate its 2026 FIFA World Cup matches to Mexico, confirming that the team will instead play its scheduled fixtures in the United States.

The decision means Iran, which is set to face Egypt national football team during the tournament, must continue preparing to compete under the originally published match schedule.

Iran had submitted the request on Saturday, citing heightened political tensions with the United States, one of the host nations for the competition.

Relations between the two countries have become increasingly strained, raising concerns within Iranian circles about the conditions surrounding their participation in the tournament.

Under the current schedule, Iran are due to play their opening match against New Zealand national football team on 16 June in Los Angeles.

Their second group-stage match will also take place in Los Angeles, where they are set to meet Belgium national football team on 21 June.

The final group fixture is scheduled for 27 June against Egypt in Seattle.

Iran had proposed moving these matches to Mexico instead.

However, FIFA has indicated that the competition will proceed according to the schedule that was previously announced.

A spokesperson for the governing body confirmed the position, stating that discussions with participating nations are ongoing but that the organisation intends to maintain the current tournament plan.

“We are in regular contact with all participating countries regarding the schedule, including Iran. However, FIFA wants all participating countries to play according to the originally announced schedule.”

The response effectively ends Iran’s attempt to shift its fixtures away from the United States.

For now, the focus returns to preparations for the tournament, with Iran expected to compete in the scheduled venues alongside the other participating teams.

The decision also confirms that the group-stage meeting between Iran and Egypt will take place in Seattle as originally planned, ensuring that the tournament’s structure remains unchanged ahead of the global competition.