In a significant development for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, Mexico has agreed to host Iran’s national football team. This decision comes after reports that the United States declined to allow the Iranian squad to stay within its borders during the tournament, despite Iran’s group-stage matches taking place in the U.S.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that FIFA approached Mexico with a request to accommodate the Iranian team. As a result, Iran’s training base has been relocated to Tijuana, a city near the U.S. border and close to San Diego, California. FIFA confirmed this change when they released the list of team base camp locations for the event.
Originally, Iran had planned to set up its World Cup base in Tucson, Arizona. However, increasing tensions in the Middle East and complications related to U.S. sanctions on Iran reportedly disrupted these plans. President Sheinbaum stated that Mexico has no issues with hosting the Iranian team and is working alongside FIFA to iron out the logistical details before the tournament begins.
Mehdi Taj, president of the Iran Football Federation, expressed that the move to Tijuana would help avoid potential visa complications. He also mentioned that the team would have the convenience of traveling directly to Mexico via Iran Air flights. Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department has assured that Iran remains welcome to participate in the World Cup, although it refrained from commenting on the reasons behind the team’s relocation outside the U.S.
The FIFA World Cup, a highly anticipated event, will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19. The arrangement for Iran’s team in Mexico marks an important adjustment in the tournament’s logistical planning, reflecting the geopolitical dynamics influencing sports events on the global stage.