In a recent development for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, Mexico has stepped in to accommodate Iran’s national football team after the United States reportedly declined to host the squad overnight. Despite Iran’s group-stage matches being scheduled to take place on U.S. soil, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that FIFA had reached out with a request for Mexico to provide hospitality for the Iranian team.
Initially, Iran had plans to set up its World Cup base in Tucson, Arizona. However, rising tensions in the Middle East and complexities associated with U.S. sanctions on Iran have reportedly made the original arrangement unviable. Consequently, Iran’s training base has now been relocated to Tijuana, Mexico, conveniently situated near the U.S. border and not far from San Diego, California. This change was confirmed by FIFA when it released the list of team base camp locations for the tournament.
Mehdi Taj, president of the Iran Football Federation, expressed that the shift to Tijuana would also help mitigate potential visa issues for the team. He noted that Iran Air flights would facilitate direct travel to Mexico, thus easing logistical concerns. Meanwhile, President Sheinbaum affirmed that Mexico had no reservations about hosting the Iranian squad and is currently working with FIFA to iron out the logistical specifics ahead of the tournament.
While the U.S. State Department indicated that Iran remains welcome to participate in the World Cup, it did not provide specific reasons for why the Iranian team would not be accommodated overnight within the United States during the event. Despite the diplomatic intricacies, the tournament, which is set to be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, will proceed from June 11 to July 19, marking a significant sporting event on the international calendar.