Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Monday, May 25, that her government has agreed to host the Iranian national football team during the upcoming World Cup. This decision follows the United States' refusal to allow the team to stay within its borders for the tournament.
Background of the Decision
Sheinbaum revealed that FIFA, football's global governing body, approached her administration after the United States indicated it did not want Iran's squad to remain in the country throughout the tournament. Iran is scheduled to play all three of its group matches on U.S. soil.
“We have no reason to deny them the possibility of staying in Mexico,” Sheinbaum stated during her daily press conference. The White House and the State Department have not yet responded to requests for comment on the matter.
Relocation to Tijuana
Mehdi Taj, head of Iran's football federation, confirmed on Saturday that the team's base would be moved from Arizona to the Mexican border city of Tijuana during the tournament. Taj explained that this move would help avoid visa-related complications and allow the squad to travel directly to Mexico aboard Iran Air flights.
The Iranian team's participation in the June 11 to July 19 tournament had been uncertain since the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran in late February. Despite the geopolitical tensions, Iran will compete in Group G, playing its first two matches in Los Angeles against New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21, before facing Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
