Iran’s national football team is set to lodge in Mexico and commute to the U.S. for its three World Cup matches as per Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. The decision came after the U.S. declined to host the team during the tournament. Sheinbaum disclosed that FIFA reached out to her government following the U.S. authorities’ refusal to have Iran stay in the country for the entire June 11-July 19 event, despite Iran having three Group G matches scheduled there.
“We see no reason to reject their stay in Mexico,” stated Sheinbaum during her regular press briefing. Iran’s upcoming matches include New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, Belgium in Los Angeles on June 21, and Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
The White House and the State Department have not provided immediate responses to requests for comments on this matter. U.S. President Donald Trump had previously expressed concerns in March, mentioning that Iran was welcome to participate in the World Cup, but he believed it was not suitable for the Iranian team to be in the United States due to safety concerns.
Mehdi Taj, the head of Iran’s football federation, announced that the team’s base would be relocated from Arizona to Tijuana, a city on the Mexican border, for the tournament. This move aims to circumvent visa-related issues and facilitate direct Iran Air flights to Mexico.
Iran’s World Cup preparations have been closely monitored since late February when the United States, in collaboration with Israel, engaged in military actions against Iran. The ensuing tensions raised doubts about Tehran’s participation in the tournament, prompting discussions with FIFA about potentially relocating Iran’s group matches to Mexico for safety reasons. Despite speculations and suggestions for Italy to replace Iran, FIFA has maintained the original schedule.
Iran secured its spot in the World Cup by finishing on top of its group during the third round of Asian qualifiers last year.
