Home / Football / Internationals News Iran chief vows nation will compete at World Cup despite US boycott The Middle Eastern nation are keen to play their matches outside of the United States Written by Mitch Fretton Last Update: March 19, 2026 05:59:42 pm GMT 3 min read Irans football federation president has insisted the country will participate in this summers World Cup despite the ongoing political crisis surrounding their fixtures, declaring they will boycott the United States, but not the World Cup. Mehdi Tajs comments, reported by Irans Fars news agency on Wednesday, came as uncertainty continued to mount over whether Iran will travel to the co-host nation for their group stage matches. The countrys participation has been cast into doubt following air strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran at the end of February.Iran are scheduled to play all three of their group games on American soil, but Taj signalled the federation would seek an alternative. When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America, he said in a statement posted on the Iranian embassy in Mexicos X account on Tuesday.We are currently negotiating with FIFA to hold Irans matches in the World Cup in Mexico.Mexicos president Claudia Sheinbaum indicated her country would be open to such an arrangement. Yes. Mexico maintains diplomatic relations with every country in the world, therefore we will wait to see what FIFA decides, she told a news conference on Tuesday.FIFA unsure on moving matchesFIFA has so far given little ground on the scheduling. In a statement, the governing body said it is in regular contact with all participating member associations, including Iran, to discuss planning for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and that it is looking forward to all participating teams competing as per the match schedule announced on December 6, 2025. But it was reported on Thursday morning that nothing had been formally communicated to FIFA by the Iranian federation regarding relocation.The logistical complications extend beyond the group stage. If Iran and the United States were both to finish second in their respective groups, the sides would meet at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on July 3. Moving any matches with less than three months before the tournament begins would be unprecedented.US President Donald Trump added further tension last week, saying it would not be appropriate for Iran to play at the World Cup for their life and safety.Iran are pressing ahead with preparations regardless, with Taj confirming the team intends to play friendlies against Nigeria and Costa Rica in Turkey later this month. Topics: 2026 FIFA World Cup Iran National Football Team United States Men's National Soccer Team Follow us: Mitch Fretton Mitch is a freelance sports journalist with experience working for LiveScore, GOAL and Colchester United. He has experience working from both his desk at home and in the press box at games covering the Champions League and international football. Read more from Mitch Fretton
