Iran to base World Cup camp in Mexico after US reluctance to host team

Iran will be based in Mexico during the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed her government had agreed to host the team following concerns over their stay in the United States.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Sheinbaum said FIFA approached the Mexican government after the United States indicated it did not want Iran's national team to remain in the country throughout the tournament.

"We have no reason to deny them the possibility of staying in Mexico," Sheinbaum said.

Iran had originally planned to establish its World Cup base in Arizona. However, Mehdi Taj, president of the Iranian Football Federation, revealed that the team will now be based in the Mexican border city of Tijuana.

According to Taj, the decision will help the team avoid potential visa complications and allow players and staff to travel directly to Mexico on Iran Air flights.

The issue had cast uncertainty over Iran's World Cup participation following heightened tensions in the Middle East after the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran earlier this year.

Despite the change in base, Iran will still play all three of its Group G matches in the United States.

The Iranians begin their campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15 before facing Belgium at the same venue on June 21. Their final group match will be against Egypt in Seattle on June 26.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.