In preparation for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, Mexico has stepped up to host Iran’s national football team after the United States reportedly declined the opportunity. Although Iran’s matches in the group stage will still take place on U.S. soil, the team will now be based in Tijuana, Mexico. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that FIFA approached Mexico to accommodate the Iranian squad following the U.S. decision not to host them overnight.
The Iranian team’s new base in Tijuana is strategically located near the U.S. border and close to San Diego, California, facilitating their participation in the tournament. FIFA has officially confirmed this adjustment while unveiling the list of team base camp locations. Initially, Iran had intended to set up its World Cup base in Tucson, Arizona. However, escalating tensions in the Middle East and complications arising from U.S. sanctions on Iran reportedly made this unfeasible.
President Sheinbaum expressed that Mexico is ready to welcome the Iranian team and is currently working with FIFA to iron out logistical arrangements before the event commences. Mehdi Taj, the president of Iran’s Football Federation, noted that relocating to Tijuana would also help circumvent potential visa issues. He mentioned that Iran Air would facilitate the team’s direct travel to Mexico.
The U.S. State Department has stated that Iran remains welcome to participate in the World Cup, yet it has not provided specific reasons for the decision not to allow the team to stay in the U.S. during the tournament. The World Cup is set to be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, running from June 11 to July 19, offering a unique collaborative platform for the region.