Iran's Football Team Moves Base to Mexico for the FIFA World Cup 2026

In a significant shift ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, Iran’s national football team will base itself in Mexico and travel to the United States only for its three Group G matches. The decision follows Washington’s refusal to host the team throughout the tournament, which runs from June 11 to July 19.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed the arrangement on Monday, stating that FIFA approached Mexico after US authorities declined to accommodate Iran’s squad for the entire duration of the competition.

“We have no reason to deny them the possibility of staying in Mexico,” Sheinbaum told reporters during her daily press conference.

Why the Move?

Iran is scheduled to play three matches in the US:

• June 15 vs New Zealand (Los Angeles)
• June 21 vs Belgium (Los Angeles)
• June 26 vs Egypt (Seattle)

However, geopolitical tensions have cast a shadow over the team’s participation. Since late February, when the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran, triggering a broader conflict, concerns over the safety and logistics of Iran’s World Cup campaign have grown.

Initially, Iran planned to base its team in Arizona, US, but the relocation to Tijuana, Mexico—just across the border—aims to avoid visa complications and facilitate direct flights via Iran Air.

Safety and Political Concerns

The uncertainty surrounding Iran’s participation has been a recurring issue. In March, US President Donald Trump said while Iran was welcome to compete in the World Cup, he did not believe it was safe for them to remain in the US.

“For their own life and safety,” Trump stated, emphasizing the risks tied to the ongoing tensions.

Iran’s football federation had also sought guarantees from FIFA, including:

• Visa assurances for players, coaches, and officials—particularly those who have served in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which is designated as a terrorist organization in the US and Canada.
• Enhanced security for the team during matches and training.
• Respect for the Iranian flag and national anthem at all events.
• Restrictions on media questions to focus solely on football matters.

FIFA’s Role and Iran’s Preparations

FIFA confirmed the relocation to Mexico on Monday, while Iran’s team continues preparations in Antalya, Turkey. The move is seen as a compromise to ensure the team can participate without compromising safety.

Mehdi Taj, head of Iran’s football federation, had previously stated that the team was in talks with FIFA to shift its group matches entirely to Mexico on security grounds. However, FIFA refused the request, leaving the current arrangement as the only viable option.

A Tournament Under Scrutiny

Iran’s participation in the World Cup 2026 has been a topic of debate since the escalation of regional conflicts. Despite qualifying for a fourth consecutive World Cup by topping their Asian qualifying group, the team’s presence in North America has raised logistical and political challenges.

With the tournament just weeks away, the relocation to Mexico ensures that Iran’s players can compete while minimizing risks. The team’s matches in the US will require careful planning, including secure travel arrangements and strict protocols to ensure their safety.

Looking Ahead

As the World Cup 2026 approaches, the situation highlights the intersection of sports and geopolitics. While football remains a unifying force, the safety and dignity of teams must be prioritized.

For now, Iran’s national team will train in Mexico, cross the border for matches, and return—hopefully without incident—as the world watches the tournament unfold.

This article was previously published on omanmoments. To see the original article, click here