Mexico has stepped in to host Iran’s national football team for the FIFA World Cup, following reports of the United States declining to accommodate the squad during the tournament. The announcement came from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who stated that FIFA approached Mexico after U.S. authorities refused to host the Iranian team overnight, despite Iran’s matches being scheduled in the U.S.
The Iranian team’s training base has now been relocated to Tijuana, Mexico, a city near the U.S. border and close to San Diego, California. This change was officially confirmed by FIFA with the release of the team base camp locations for the World Cup. Initially, Iran had intended to set up its World Cup base in Tucson, Arizona. However, rising tensions in the Middle East and issues related to U.S. sanctions on Iran reportedly complicated those initial plans.
President Claudia Sheinbaum assured that Mexico is fully ready to welcome the Iranian team and is collaborating with FIFA to iron out the logistical details necessary for the tournament. This development ensures that Iran can participate without the hindrance of potential visa issues. Mehdi Taj, the president of the Iran Football Federation, highlighted that the move to Tijuana also allows for direct travel from Iran via Iran Air flights, streamlining the team’s preparations.
The U.S. State Department has reiterated that Iran is welcome to compete in the World Cup, though it has not provided specific reasons for why the team will not be staying in the U.S. during the event. The FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is set to take place from June 11 to July 19.