Iran Team to Base in Mexico for 2026 World Cup After US Declines to Host Them
Share
Iran national football team will be based in Mexico during the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the United States declined to host the team outside match days, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed.
The decision means Iran will train and stay in the border city of Tijuana, while still playing its group-stage matches in the United States.
FIFA approved the relocation after discussions with football authorities from Iran, Mexico, and the United States.
President Sheinbaum said Mexico agreed to host the Iranian squad when FIFA made the request.
“We have no reason to deny them the possibility of staying in Mexico,” she said during a press briefing.
She added that Mexico sees no issue with supporting FIFA’s logistics for all participating teams, even amid political tensions affecting Iran’s participation.
US Refusal Sparks Relocation Move
According to reports, the United States declined to allow Iran’s squad to remain in the country for the full tournament period, even though Iran is scheduled to play all its group matches in U.S. cities, including Los Angeles and Seattle.
FIFA then proposed moving the team’s training base to Mexico to avoid logistical and visa complications.
The Iranian team had originally planned to stay in Tucson, Arizona.
Also Read: Will Iran Play in the US-Hosted World Cup? FIFA President Clarifies Position Amid Tensions
Iran Football Federation Welcomes the Move
Iran Football Federation president Mehdi Taj confirmed that the team will now operate from Tijuana, saying the decision helps simplify travel arrangements.
He noted that the new base allows the team to travel directly to matches while avoiding visa-related delays.
Reports also indicate the team may use Iran Air charter flights between Mexico and U.S. host cities.
Matches Still in the United States
Despite the relocation of its base camp, Iran will still compete in the United States during the tournament.
Their schedule includes:
- June 15 vs New Zealand in Los Angeles
- June 21 vs Belgium in Los Angeles
- June 26 vs Egypt in Seattle
The World Cup will run from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Also Read: Rwanda Introduces New Travel Measures Following Ebola Outbreak Concern
Tensions Surround Tournament Logistics
The decision comes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions involving Iran and Western countries, which have already affected visa approvals and travel arrangements for Iranian officials.
Earlier concerns also raised questions about Iran’s participation, but FIFA confirmed the country’s place in the tournament.
Follow our WhatsApp channel for instant news updates
FIFA World Cup Trophy
PHOTO/FIFA
