Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Tuesday that the Iranian national soccer team will be based in Mexico for the duration of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, even though all of Iran’s group‑stage matches are scheduled to take place on American soil. The statement came after the United States voiced reservations about hosting the Iranian squad overnight, prompting FIFA to seek a regional solution.
A diplomatic compromise for the tournament
Sheinbaum explained that the team will operate from a specially prepared base camp in Tijuana, a city just across the border from San Diego. From there, the squad will travel to each of its three matches in the United States, a logistical choice that shortens the flight to Los Angeles compared with alternatives in Arizona or other U.S. locations.
The 2026 World Cup will run from June 11 to July 19 and will be co‑hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States. Iran is slated to meet New Zealand on June 15, Belgium on June 21 and Egypt on June 26, with the first two fixtures in Los Angeles and the final group game in Seattle.
Logistics and travel considerations
According to the president, the decision to locate the camp in Tijuana was driven by a desire to minimize travel time for the Iranian delegation while also addressing U.S. concerns about overnight stays. The arrangement required approval from several Mexican officials, including Senator Gabriela Cuevas and Tourism Secretary Josefina Rodriguez Zamora, who are now reviewing the plan in coordination with FIFA.
The Iranian Football Federation has confirmed that the team will train at the Centro Xoloitzcuintle facility in Tijuana. The venue offers a high‑performance environment and is situated close to the border crossing that will be used for team movements to the United States.
Implications for regional relations
The compromise reflects a broader effort to keep political tensions from overshadowing the sporting event. By hosting the Iranian squad on Mexican territory, organizers aim to provide a neutral base while respecting the United States’ request to avoid hosting the team within its borders overnight. The arrangement also underscores Mexico’s role as a diplomatic conduit in a tournament that spans three nations.