Iran football team to base in Mexico for 2026 World Cup amid US security concerns
FIFA approves logistical shift after Washington declines to host the Iranian squad for the duration of the tournament, citing safety and visa complications.
Iran’s national football team will establish its base in Tijuana, Mexico, for the duration of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, travelling to the United States solely on matchdays. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed the arrangement on Monday, stating that Washington explicitly declined to host the Iranian squad for the full tournament, despite Iran’s qualification and scheduled matches in the U.S.
"We have no reason to deny them the possibility of staying in Mexico," Sheinbaum told her daily press conference. She noted that FIFA approached the Mexican government after U.S. authorities indicated they did not want the team residing in the country throughout the competition, which runs from 11 June to 19 July.
Mehdi Taj, head of Iran’s football federation, confirmed the logistical shift from Arizona to the Mexican border city of Tijuana. Taj stated the move was designed to mitigate security concerns and avoid visa-related complications, while also facilitating direct Iran Air flights from Tehran to Mexico. FIFA officially confirmed the decision on Monday.
The decision follows earlier speculation in March, when U.S. President Donald Trump suggested it was not appropriate for the team to be in the United States "for their own life and safety." Although Trump stated Iran remained welcome to participate, the comment raised significant diplomatic and security questions regarding the team's presence in the host nation.
Iran is scheduled to play three Group G matches in the U.S.: against New Zealand in Los Angeles on 15 June, Belgium in Los Angeles on 21 June, and Egypt in Seattle on 26 June. The White House and State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the final arrangement.
The team’s participation has been under scrutiny since late February, when the United States joined Israel in attacks on Iran, triggering a conflict that raised doubts about Tehran’s ability to send its team. In April, Paolo Zampolli, Trump’s envoy for global partnerships, suggested Italy should replace Iran, a proposal dismissed by Italian officials and FIFA. Iran qualified for its fourth consecutive World Cup by topping its group in the third round of Asian qualifying last year.
