Mexico will host Iran during FIFA World Cup 2026 after agreeing to let the team stay in the country throughout the tournament. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said her government accepted the request after FIFA approached them.
She said the United States did not want Iran’s squad to stay there during the competition, even though Iran will play all three of their group stage matches in the country.
Speaking at a press conference, Sheinbaum said, “We have no reason to deny them the possibility of staying in Mexico.”
Iran had earlier decided to move its World Cup base from Arizona to the Mexican border city of Tijuana. Iran Football Federation president Mehdi Taj said the move would help avoid visa related problems and make travel easier for the squad.
The team will also be able to travel directly to Mexico using Iran Air flights.
Iran’s participation in the World Cup had faced uncertainty in recent months because of political and security concerns. However, the latest decision has given the team a clear base for the tournament.
Iran will begin its Group G campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. They will then face Belgium on June 21 before playing Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
