Iran football team to base in Mexico for 2026 World Cup amid US security concerns
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirms Washington declined to host the squad throughout the tournament, while FIFA and Iranian officials cite security and visa complications.
The Iranian national football team will establish its operational base in Tijuana, Mexico, for the duration of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, travelling into the United States solely on matchdays. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed the arrangement on Monday, stating that the United States government explicitly declined to host the Iranian squad for the full tournament.
FIFA officially confirmed the decision on Monday, formalising a logistical shift from the team’s previously planned base in Arizona to the Mexican border city. Mehdi Taj, head of Iran’s football federation, stated that the move was designed to mitigate security concerns and avoid visa-related complications, while also facilitating direct Iran Air flights from Tehran to Mexico.
The decision follows earlier speculation in March regarding the team’s participation and heightened scrutiny since late February, when the United States joined Israel in attacks on Iranian targets amid ceasefire talks. The White House and State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the final arrangement.
Iran is scheduled to play three Group G matches in the United States: against New Zealand in Los Angeles on 15 June, Belgium in Los Angeles on 21 June, and Egypt in Seattle on 26 June. The specific security protocols for the team’s travel between Mexico and the US on these matchdays are not detailed in the source material.
The 2026 World Cup is a joint tournament hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The relocation underscores the complex geopolitical context surrounding the event, with US-Iran tensions influencing sporting logistics and diplomatic engagements.
