SOURCE: Reuters
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has confirmed that Mexico will host Iran’s national football team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the United States declined to accommodate the squad throughout the tournament.
Speaking during her daily press briefing on Monday, Sheinbaum said Mexico agreed to FIFA’s request to allow the Iranian team to stay in the country while commuting to the United States for its group-stage matches.
“We have no reason to deny them the possibility of staying in Mexico,” Sheinbaum said.
According to her, world football governing body FIFA approached the Mexican government after U.S. authorities reportedly indicated they did not want the Iranian team based in the United States during the competition.
Iran’s national team is expected to set up camp in Tijuana, close to the U.S.-Mexico border, instead of its previously planned base in Arizona. FIFA later confirmed the relocation of the team’s training base.
Despite the move, Iran’s Group G fixtures will still be played in the United States. The Asian side is scheduled to face New Zealand national football team and Belgium national football team in Los Angeles before taking on Egypt national football team in Seattle.
President Sheinbaum maintained that Mexico had no issue hosting the Iranian delegation and said coordination with FIFA on logistics was ongoing.
The decision comes amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran following months of conflict in the Middle East. Security concerns and visa complications surrounding Iran’s participation had sparked uncertainty over whether the team would take part in the tournament.
Iran Football Federation President Mehdi Taj said the move to Tijuana would also simplify travel arrangements and help the team avoid visa-related challenges ahead of the tournament.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, will run from June 11 to July 19. Iran qualified for the tournament after topping its group in the final round of Asian qualifiers.
