Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum has agreed that Iran’s national football team can remain based in Mexico during the World Cup, following an approach from FIFA. She said there was no objection from her government to hosting the squad while the tournament is taking place.
Sheinbaum explained that the United States had made clear it did not want the Iranian team staying overnight on its territory, despite Iran being scheduled to play several matches there. As a result, FIFA contacted Mexico with a request regarding accommodation arrangements for the team.
She added that Mexico saw no issue with allowing Iran to stay in the country during the competition.
The training base moved to Tijuana facility
FIFA has confirmed that Iran’s training base will be located at Centro Xoloitzcuintle in Tijuana, Mexico. The decision follows changes to the team’s original plans for the tournament.
Iran had initially been assigned Tucson, Arizona, as their base camp, even though all of their group-stage matches were scheduled to be played in the United States.
Security concerns and revised arrangements
Uncertainty surrounding Iran’s participation has grown amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East and related security concerns. These factors contributed to adjustments in logistical planning for the team’s World Cup preparations.
The tournament is being jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Iran is set to face New Zealand on 15 June in Los Angeles, Belgium on 21 June, also in Los Angeles, and Egypt on 26 June in Seattle.
At present, Iran is continuing its preparations in Antalya, in southern Turkey.
Visa assurances and political conditions
Iran’s sports minister Ahmad Donyamali said FIFA had assured the country that all members of its squad would be granted visas for entry into the United States during the tournament. He added that there should be no obstacles preventing players from receiving entry approval.
The Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) submitted a list of 10 conditions to FIFA regarding participation. These included a request that players, coaches, and officials who had completed military service with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) be allowed to obtain visas.
US position and previous entry issues
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Iranian players would be permitted to take part in the tournament, although individuals with connections to the IRGC could face restrictions on entry.
Separately, FFIRI official Taj was denied entry at the Canadian border ahead of FIFA’s annual congress in Vancouver. Canadian authorities later said his visa had been revoked due to alleged links to the IRGC.
Some members of Iran’s squad have also visited the US embassy in Ankara to submit their visa applications for the upcoming tournament.