Mexico to Host Iran’s National Soccer Team During 2026 FIFA World Cup
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced that her country will host Iran’s national soccer team during the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. This decision follows the United States’ refusal to provide accommodations for the Iranian squad due to national security concerns related to ongoing tensions.
During her daily press briefing, Sheinbaum revealed that FIFA approached the Mexican government directly seeking lodging and training facilities for Iran after the U.S. made its restrictions clear.
Reports indicate that this logistical change has led the Iranian Football Federation to abandon its initial plans for a World Cup base camp in Tucson, Arizona.
Federation president Mehdi Taj confirmed that the team will now set up headquarters in Tijuana, a border city in Baja California, instead. According to Iranian soccer officials, relocating to Tijuana not only bypasses U.S. visa issues but also allows the team to fly into Mexico directly on Iran Air.
Taj also mentioned that Tijuana presents a practical alternative, being just a 55-minute flight from their opening match locations in Los Angeles. The geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Iran loom over the expanded 48-team tournament, which will be co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
While there has been no immediate response from the White House or the U.S. State Department regarding the lodging ban, Sheinbaum pointed out that Mexico maintains a “neutral” perspective and approaches the matter as one of “international hospitality.”
She reiterated that Mexico has no political or legal justification to deny entry to the Iranian delegation, framing the agreement as a straightforward solution coordinated with FIFA.
“We have no reason to deny the possibility of them staying in Mexico,” Sheinbaum stated.
Iran is set to debut in the World Cup on June 15 against New Zealand in Los Angeles, followed by another match against Belgium on June 21, also in Los Angeles. They will then head north to Seattle to face Egypt on June 26. Under this arrangement, players and staff will travel from Tijuana into the U.S. strictly for their matches and required pre-game sessions, returning to Mexico immediately afterward.
FIFA has emphasized its support for this cross-border plan to ensure that the Iranian team can compete without contravening U.S. immigration regulations.
