Iran’s national football team will be based in Mexico throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup and travel to the United States only for its scheduled matches after Washington declined to host the squad for the duration of the tournament, according to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.
Speaking at her daily press conference on Monday, Sheinbaum said FIFA approached the Mexican government after U.S. authorities indicated they did not want Iran’s team staying in the country during the June 11–July 19 competition, despite the nation’s three Group G fixtures being scheduled on U.S. soil.
“We have no reason to deny them the possibility of staying in Mexico,” Sheinbaum said.
Soccer Football – Iran players and staff in Ankara for VISA procedures ahead of the World Cup – Ankara, Turkey – May 21, 2026 Iran’s Ali Alipour and staff arrive at the Canada embassy for VISA procedures ahead of the World Cup REUTERS/Efekan Akyuz
Tijuana Selected as Team Base
The head of Iran’s football federation, Mehdi Taj, announced on Saturday that the team’s base would be moved from Arizona to the Mexican border city of Tijuana. FIFA confirmed the relocation on Monday.
According to Taj, the change will help the team avoid visa-related complications and allow direct Iran Air flights to Mexico.
Under the arrangement, Iran’s players and staff will reside in Mexico and cross into the United States on matchdays before returning to their base afterward.
Soccer Football – Iran players and staff in Ankara for VISA procedures ahead of the World Cup – Ankara, Turkey – May 21, 2026 Iran’s Ehsan Hajsafi, Seyed Hossein Hosseini and teammates outside the U.S. embassy for VISA procedures ahead of the World Cup REUTERS/Dilara Senkaya
Group Stage Matches Remain Unchanged
Despite earlier discussions about relocating Iran’s fixtures, FIFA has kept the tournament schedule intact.
Iran is scheduled to open its World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. The team will then face Belgium, also in Los Angeles, on June 21 before taking on Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
Soccer Football – Iran players and staff in Ankara for VISA procedures ahead of the World Cup – Ankara, Turkey – May 21, 2026 Iran’s Seyed Hossein Hosseini, Ehsan Hajsafi and teammates outside the U.S. embassy for VISA procedures ahead of the World Cup REUTERS/Dilara Senkaya
Political Tensions Shaped Planning
Iran’s preparations for the World Cup have faced increased scrutiny since late February, when the United States joined Israel in attacks on Iran, sparking a conflict that raised questions about whether Tehran would participate in a tournament co-hosted by the United States.
In March, Taj revealed that Iran had been in discussions with FIFA about the possibility of moving its group-stage matches to Mexico on safety grounds. At the time, Sheinbaum said Mexico would be willing to host the games if required, though FIFA ultimately maintained the original schedule.
Soccer Football – Iran players and staff in Ankara for VISA procedures ahead of the World Cup – Ankara, Turkey – May 21, 2026 Iran players and staff arrive at the Canada embassy for VISA procedures ahead of the World Cup REUTERS/Efekan Akyuz
The uncertainty also fueled speculation about Iran’s participation in the competition. In April, Paolo Zampolli, President Donald Trump’s envoy for global partnerships, suggested that Italy could replace Iran in the tournament, a proposal that was quickly dismissed by both Italian officials and FIFA.
U.S. Position on Iran’s Presence
Earlier this year, President Donald Trump stated that Iran would be welcome to participate in the World Cup but suggested it was not appropriate for the team to remain in the United States throughout the tournament, citing concerns for the squad’s safety.
Iran Secured World Cup Place Through Qualification
Iran earned its place at the 2026 World Cup by finishing top of its group during the third round of Asian qualifying, securing a fourth consecutive appearance at football’s biggest international tournament.
With FIFA now confirming the move to Tijuana, the team’s accommodation plans appear settled, allowing Iran to focus on preparations for its Group G campaign while operating from across the U.S.-Mexico border.
