In a recent development concerning the FIFA World Cup, Mexico will serve as the host country for Iran’s national football team after reports emerged that the United States declined to accommodate the team during the tournament. Although Iran’s matches in the group stage are to be held in the United States, the Iranian squad will be based in Mexico for the duration of the competition.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that FIFA had reached out to Mexico with a request for hosting the Iranian team following the United States’ decision not to allow them to stay overnight. As a result, the Iranian team’s training base has been relocated to Tijuana, a city near the US-Mexico border, conveniently close to San Diego, California. This adjustment was officially confirmed by FIFA when they released the list of locations for team base camps for the upcoming tournament.

Initially, Iran had intended to set up their World Cup base in Tucson, Arizona, but escalating tensions in the Middle East and apprehensions linked to US sanctions on Iran reportedly complicated these plans. The situation prompted the need for a change in venue, with Tijuana ultimately chosen as the new location.

Mexico has expressed no reservations about hosting the Iranian squad. President Sheinbaum stated that they are collaborating with FIFA to iron out the logistical aspects as the tournament approaches. Further supporting the move, Mehdi Taj, the president of the Iran Football Federation, noted that establishing the team base in Tijuana would help bypass potential visa issues, with Iran Air flights available to facilitate direct travel to Mexico.

Despite the logistical shifts, the US State Department has reiterated that Iran is welcome to participate in the World Cup, though it refrained from commenting on the decision not to host the Iranian team within US borders. The upcoming FIFA World Cup is set to be a joint effort by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, running from June 11 to July 19.