No problems with Iran at Mexico World Cup: President Claudio approves

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Mexico has “no problem” hosting Iran’s national soccer team at its 2026 World Cup base camp after the team’s training base was moved from the United States to Tijuana. The development comes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and logistical concerns over Iran’s participation in the tournament, which is co-hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada.

The Iranian team will continue to play their game World Cup matches in the United States, but will now be based in Tijuanasouth of San Diego, California, according to the Iran Football Federation. The edit highlights how political and security considerations are already shaping preparations ahead of the global tournament.

Sheinbaum said she was informed by FIFA that the United States was reluctant to allow the Iranian team to stay overnight on American soil during the competition.

“The United States does not want the Iranian national team to stay overnight in the United States,” Sheinbaum told reporters at a news conference on Monday, as quoted by the AP. “And we said, ‘Yeah, no problem. We don’t have a problem with that.’

The comb is already out

The message Claudia Sheinbaum is planning for May 31st isn’t just for “accountability.” The real goal will be to explain to his followers the media campaigns “against” his government and the call to defend national sovereignty.

I insist: pic.twitter.com/stwExUAmp8— Arturo Villegas (@ArturoVill7) May 25, 2026

Iran’s fixtures include games against New Zealand in Inglewood, California on June 15, Belgium six days later and Egypt in Seattle on June 26. Despite the team playing in multiple locations in the US, the team’s base of operations will remain in Mexico, a short cross-border commute from Southern California.

Before the latest arrangement, Iran originally planned to have a base in Tucson, Arizona. However, according to Sheinbaum, the plan changed as tensions in the Middle East escalated following the outbreak of a war involving Iran, the United States and Israel. The Iran Football Federation confirmed the move to Tijuana, said he had received approval from FIFA, although the governing body has not publicly confirmed the change.

FIFA COORDINATION

World Cup teams typically use base camps for training, recovery and logistical operations throughout the tournament. The 2026 edition will run from June 11 to July 19 and will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. With Iran’s participation now intersecting with diplomatic sensitivities and sanctions-related challenges, its accommodation arrangements have become part of wider discussions about tournament planning.

US sanctions on Iran and strained diplomatic relations have long complicated sports exchanges, often affecting visas, travel logistics and hosting arrangements. In this context, FIFA and the three host countries had to coordinate closely to ensure that the participating teams could operate smoothly while respecting security and political restrictions.

Sheinbaum said Mexico was working in coordination with FIFA to finalize all operational details ahead of the tournament, stressing that the deal was handled through official channels. This was announced by the US Department of State President Donald Trump has made it clear that Iran’s national team is welcome to participate in the World Cupalthough she did not clarify the terms of the accommodation or directly address Sheinbaum’s comments.

The cross-border arrangement between Tijuana and the US host cities underscores the unique logistical challenges of a tri-nation World Cup where political tensions, security considerations and sporting demands intersect.

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Published on:

26 May 2026 0:22 IST

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