In a significant development for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, Mexico has stepped in to host Iran’s national football team after the United States reportedly declined to allow the team to stay within its borders during the tournament. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that FIFA had requested Mexico to accommodate the Iranian squad following the US’s decision, despite Iran’s group-stage matches still being scheduled to take place in the United States.
The Iranian team will now set up its training base in Tijuana, Mexico, strategically located near the US border and close to San Diego, California. This change was officially confirmed by FIFA when they released the list of team base camp locations for the tournament. Originally, Iran had planned to establish its World Cup headquarters in Tucson, Arizona. However, the plans were reportedly altered due to escalating tensions in the Middle East and complications arising from US sanctions on Iran.
President Sheinbaum expressed that Mexico has no reservations about hosting the Iranian team and is actively working with FIFA to iron out the logistical details necessary for the team’s stay. This move to Tijuana is also seen as a practical solution to avoid visa-related issues, as noted by Iran Football Federation president Mehdi Taj. He highlighted that the team would be able to make the journey conveniently using Iran Air flights directly to Mexico.
The US State Department has stated that Iran is still welcome to participate in the World Cup, although it did not elaborate on the reasons behind the decision to not host the Iranian team within the US. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be a collaborative effort, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, and will take place from June 11 to July 19.