Mexico will host Iran’s national football team during the 2026 World Cup after the United States reportedly declined to accommodate the squad, according to President Claudia Sheinbaum.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has confirmed that Mexico will host Iran’s national football team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the United States reportedly refused to accommodate the squad throughout the tournament.
Speaking during her daily press conference on Monday, Sheinbaum revealed that FIFA approached the Mexican government following concerns over Iran’s stay in the United States during the competition.
According to the Mexican president, the U.S. did not want Iran’s national team based in the country for the duration of the World Cup, despite all three of Iran’s group-stage matches being scheduled to take place on American soil.
NEW: Mexico’s Sheinbaum agrees to host Iran during the World Cup after the U.S. refused to let the team stay overnight.
— Polymarket (@Polymarket) May 25, 2026
Sheinbaum stated that Mexico had no reason to reject FIFA’s request and was willing to provide accommodation and logistical support for the Iranian delegation during the tournament.
Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj had already indicated over the weekend that the team’s World Cup base would be relocated from Arizona to the Mexican border city of Tijuana. Taj explained that the move would help the squad avoid potential visa complications while also making travel arrangements easier, with the team expected to fly directly into Mexico aboard Iran Air flights.
Iran’s participation in the tournament had faced uncertainty earlier this year following rising geopolitical tensions after military actions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran in February.
The Iranian national team is scheduled to begin its World Cup campaign in Group G against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15 before facing Belgium on June 21 and Egypt in Seattle on June 26 as preparations continue under unusual circumstances ahead of the tournament.
