In a significant development for the FIFA World Cup, Mexico has agreed to accommodate Iran’s national football team during the tournament after the United States reportedly declined to host the team. Although Iran’s matches in the group stage will still take place in the U.S., the team will be based in Mexico, as confirmed by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. FIFA made the request to Mexico following the U.S. decision and has officially updated the team base camp locations to reflect this change.
The Iranian squad will now set up their training base in Tijuana, Mexico, situated near the U.S. border and close to San Diego, California. This shift from the initially planned location in Tucson, Arizona, comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and concerns over U.S. sanctions on Iran, which reportedly complicated the initial arrangements.
President Sheinbaum stated that Mexico is willing to host the Iranian team and is currently working with FIFA to sort out the logistical aspects before the tournament kicks off. The move not only resolves potential diplomatic hurdles but also positions Tijuana as a strategic location for the Iranian team, allowing for easy access via Iran Air flights, as highlighted by Iran Football Federation president Mehdi Taj.
The change in location aims to circumvent any visa-related issues that might arise if the team were to stay in the U.S. Despite the relocation of Iran’s base, the U.S. State Department reassured that Iran is still welcome to participate in the World Cup, although it did not elaborate on the reasons behind the decision not to host the team within the U.S. borders during the tournament.
The FIFA World Cup is set to take place from June 11 to July 19, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, marking a collaborative effort across the continent to stage one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events.