Mexico to Host Iran’s World Cup Team for Training

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that she supports her country hosting Iran’s World Cup team for their training base. Originally planned for the United States, the base has moved to Tijuana, Mexico, just south of San Diego, California. Despite this relocation, Iran will still play its group stage matches in the U.S.

The decision to move comes as the U.S. and Israel are in conflict with Iran. According to President Sheinbaum, the U.S. preferred not to have the Iranian soccer team remain there outside of official games. A FIFA representative reached out to Mexico about hosting the team, to which President Sheinbaum replied positively.

Iran’s matches are scheduled against New Zealand in Inglewood, California, on June 15, Belgium on June 21, and Egypt on June 26 in Seattle. Initially, the team’s base was supposed to be in Tucson, Arizona, but heightened tensions resulted in the move to Tijuana.

FIFA confirmed Iran’s relocation on Monday, listing base camp sites for all 48 participating teams. The World Cup, spanning June 11 to July 19, will be hosted across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The decision was influenced by ongoing uncertainty and security issues in the Middle East.

The U.S. State Department stated that President Trump welcomed the Iranian team to compete. However, there was no mention of the team’s stay location or President Sheinbaum’s comments. Cooperation between the Mexican government and FIFA continues to ensure all arrangements are finalized before the competition begins.