Iran to Stay in Mexico During FIFA World Cup 2026 After US Refuses to Host Team
The Iranian national football team will stay in Mexico during the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the United States declined to host the squad throughout the tournament, according to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.
The decision comes ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19. Iran is scheduled to play all three of its Group G matches in the United States but will now travel from Mexico to the US on match days.
Speaking at a press conference, President Sheinbaum said FIFA approached the Mexican government after US authorities indicated they did not want the Iranian team staying in the country during the tournament.
“We have no reason to deny them the possibility of staying in Mexico,” Sheinbaum said.
Iran’s football federation has confirmed that the team’s training base has been moved from Tucson, Arizona, to the Mexican border city of Tijuana. FIFA has also approved the change.
The move means Iran’s players and coaching staff will be based in Tijuana while traveling to the United States for their matches against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt during the group stage of the tournament.
According to Iran Football Federation President Mehdi Taj, relocating the team to Mexico will help avoid possible visa complications and provide easier travel arrangements. He also noted that direct Iran Air flights to Mexico could make logistics simpler for the team.
Iran’s Minister of Sport, Ahmad Donyamali, said Tijuana’s close distance to Los Angeles would benefit the players, especially for the team’s first two World Cup matches.
The Iranian squad will train at the Xoloitzcuintle Center in Tijuana, home of Mexican first-division club Xolos. Local officials and football authorities in Baja California have welcomed the team and promised full support during their stay.
The issue gained international attention after tensions between Iran and the United States increased in recent months. Earlier this year, US President Donald Trump stated that Iran would be allowed to participate in the World Cup but suggested that staying in the United States might not be appropriate due to security concerns.
The situation had raised questions about Iran’s participation in the tournament, but FIFA repeatedly confirmed that the team would take part in the competition and that the match schedule would remain unchanged.
Iran secured its place at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after topping its qualification group, marking the country’s fourth consecutive World Cup appearance and seventh overall. The national team remains one of Asia’s strongest football sides and will be aiming to make history by advancing beyond the group stage for the first time.
The development has become one of the most discussed stories ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, highlighting how politics, international relations, and global sports can sometimes intersect on the world’s biggest football stage.
