Mexico’s president sees ‘no issue’ with her country hosting Iran’s Fifa World Cup team

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated on Monday that she has "no issue" with Mexico hosting Iran's Fifa World Cup team. The team's training base has been relocated from the United States to Tijuana, Mexico, for the summer competition. While Iran will still play its group stage matches in the US, its base will be in Tijuana, near San Diego, California. This move was announced by Iran's football federation and confirmed by Fifa. The article notes this relocation occurs against the backdrop of the war in Iran, which began on February 28.

Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that her government will allow the Iranian national football team to stay in Mexico during the World Cup. This decision follows a refusal by the United States to host the Iranian squad for the duration of the tournament, despite Iran playing its group matches there. FIFA approached Mexico after the US declined the request. Sheinbaum stated that Mexico has no reason to deny Iran this possibility. The Iranian team's base will reportedly move from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, to avoid visa complications and facilitate direct travel. The Iranian team's participation had been uncertain following military strikes on Iran in late February.

Mexico will host the Iranian national football team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to tensions with the United States. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that FIFA approached Mexico after the US indicated it did not wish to host Iran. The Iranian team plans to move its training base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico, to avoid visa complications. This decision comes amid ongoing war between the US and Israel against Iran, which has also impacted global economics. The US, Mexico, and Canada are co-hosting the tournament, with Iran scheduled to play its group matches in the US. The Trump administration has expressed mixed messages regarding Iran's participation and has previously suspended visa processing for citizens of several countries, including Iran.