Mexico has stepped up to host Iran’s national football team for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, following reports that the United States declined to accommodate the team during the tournament. The decision to host Iran was confirmed by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who stated that FIFA reached out with the request after US officials opted not to provide overnight accommodations to the Iranian squad. Despite this change, Iran’s group-stage matches will still take place in the United States.
The Iranian team will now use Tijuana, Mexico, as its training base, a city located near the US border and close to San Diego, California. FIFA has updated its list of team base camp locations to reflect this adjustment. Initially, Iran had planned to set up its World Cup base in Tucson, Arizona, but ongoing tensions in the Middle East and complications related to US sanctions on Iran have reportedly forced a change in venue.
Mexican President Sheinbaum assured that Mexico is prepared to host the Iranian team and is actively working with FIFA to finalize the necessary logistics before the tournament begins. In addition, Mehdi Taj, president of the Iran Football Federation, noted that relocating to Tijuana would help the team avoid potential visa issues. The team will be able to fly directly to Mexico on Iran Air flights, further easing the transition.
The US State Department has indicated that Iran remains welcome to participate in the World Cup, but did not provide reasons for why the team will not be staying in the United States during the event. The World Cup, which will run from June 11 to July 19, will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.