Mexico has agreed to host the Iranian national football team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the United States declined to accommodate the squad overnight for the duration of the tournament, according to official statements.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed that FIFA approached Mexico after U.S. authorities indicated they did not want the Iran national football team to remain on American soil throughout the competition, even though the team is scheduled to play all its group-stage matches in U.S. cities.
Sheinbaum said Mexico accepted the request without objection, stressing that there was no justification for refusing the arrangement. “We have no reason to deny them the possibility of staying in Mexico,” she stated, adding that the country was prepared to provide a base for the team during the tournament.
Under the revised arrangement, Iran’s training base has been moved from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana in Mexico. The relocation is intended to ease logistical challenges and reduce complications linked to visa procedures and travel arrangements during the competition. Despite the change in accommodation, Iran will still travel into the United States on matchdays to fulfill its fixtures.
The development comes amid broader tensions surrounding security and diplomatic sensitivities linked to the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. FIFA has continued coordinating with all host nations to ensure that team logistics and participation remain unaffected by political concerns.
Iran’s group-stage matches remain unchanged and will still be played in U.S. venues, including Los Angeles and Seattle, meaning the team will operate across borders throughout the competition.
Officials involved in the tournament have emphasized that the adjustment is purely logistical and does not affect Iran’s participation rights. The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to begin on June 11, with preparations continuing across all three host countries.
The decision highlights how hosting responsibilities in a multi-nation World Cup can require flexible arrangements, particularly for teams facing accommodation or diplomatic constraints in one of the host countries.
