Iran’s national soccer team will stay in Mexico during the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the U.S. decided not to host the team for the duration of the tournament, according to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. Sheinbaum confirmed that FIFA approached Mexico after U.S. officials reportedly refused to allow Iran’s team to remain in the country during the event, despite the fact that all three of Iran’s group-stage matches are scheduled to be played in the United States.

Base Moved to Tijuana

Mehdi Taj. Head of Iran’s football federation. Announced that the team’s training base will be moved from Arizona to the Mexican border city of Tijuana; this move was confirmed by FIFA, which later verified the change of location for the team’s operations. Iran plans to stay in Tijuana, near San Diego, while traveling to U.S. stadiums for their matches on June 15, 21, and 26, against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt, respectively.

U.S. Security and Visa Concerns

Taj also stated that moving the team’s base to Mexico would help avoid potential visa issues and allow for easier travel via direct flights from Iran Air. Earlier this year, President Donald Trump indicated that Iran would still be allowed to compete in the World Cup, but he also suggested it might not be safe for the team to remain in the U.S. throughout the event. The White House and the U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment, according to Reuters.

FIFA’s Coordination and Political Sensitivities

FIFA’s decision to seek assistance from Mexico came after persistent concerns about the political and security implications of hosting Iran during the World Cup. Sheinbaum said Mexico had no reason to deny Iran the opportunity to stay in the country. This move reflects FIFA’s ongoing efforts to ensure the smooth operation of the tournament, while balancing diplomatic sensitivities with logistical realities.