In a significant development ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup, Mexico has stepped in to host Iran’s national football team after the United States reportedly declined to accommodate the squad during the tournament. This decision comes despite Iran’s group-stage matches being scheduled to take place in the U.S.
The arrangement was confirmed by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who stated that FIFA reached out to Mexico following the U.S. authorities’ decision not to host the Iranian team overnight. Consequently, Iran will establish its training base in Tijuana, Mexico, which is conveniently located near the U.S. border and close to San Diego, California. FIFA has updated the team base camp locations to reflect this change.
Initially, Iran had planned to set up its World Cup base in Tucson, Arizona. However, escalating tensions in the Middle East and concerns related to U.S. sanctions on Iran reportedly led to complications, prompting the relocation. President Sheinbaum expressed that Mexico is prepared to welcome the Iranian squad and is currently working with FIFA to finalize the necessary logistical arrangements ahead of the tournament.
Mehdi Taj, the president of the Iran Football Federation, noted that relocating to Tijuana would help the team circumvent potential visa-related issues. He also mentioned that the team would benefit from direct travel options with Iran Air flights to Mexico.
While the U.S. State Department reiterated that Iran is still welcome to participate in the World Cup, it did not provide specific reasons for the decision to not allow the team to stay within the U.S. during the event. The World Cup is set to be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, running from June 11 to July 19.