Iran’s national football team will set up its World Cup base in Mexico after the United States declined to host the squad during the tournament. This arrangement follows Mexico’s agreement to accommodate the team, as confirmed by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. The decision comes after US authorities reportedly refused to allow Iran’s team to stay overnight in the US, despite the fact that their group-stage matches are scheduled to take place in the country.
The Iranian team’s new training base will be located in Tijuana, Mexico, close to the US border and San Diego, California. FIFA has released the official list of team base camps, confirming this change. Initially, Iran had planned to establish its base in Tucson, Arizona. However, due to rising tensions in the Middle East and complications related to US sanctions on Iran, these plans were altered.
President Sheinbaum stated that Mexico has no objection to hosting the Iranian squad and is working with FIFA to iron out the logistical details before the tournament begins. This move also helps the Iranian team avoid potential visa issues, according to Iran Football Federation president Mehdi Taj. He noted that the team will be able to travel to Mexico directly on Iran Air flights.
The US State Department acknowledged that Iran is welcome to participate in the World Cup but did not explain the reasons behind the decision to not host the team in the US. The World Cup will be a joint effort between the United States, Mexico, and Canada, taking place from June 11 to July 19.