Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed this Monday (25) that the country will serve as the official host for the Iranian national football team during the 2026 World Cup. The decision comes after the United States refused to host the Iranian delegation on American soil, forcing a logistical adjustment by FIFA.
In a press conference, Sheinbaum emphasized the Mexican government’s stance of diplomatic openness regarding the request from football’s governing body. “We have no reason to deny them the possibility of staying in Mexico,” the president stated, underscoring that the country is prepared to welcome the delegation and ensure the necessary conditions for the team’s training and logistics.
Change of Venue: From Arizona to Tijuana
The Iranian team, which had originally planned to establish its base in Arizona, had its plans altered due to the refusal by U.S. authorities. According to a statement from the Iranian Football Federation, the team’s infrastructure will be moved entirely to Tijuana, a city that will serve as the “headquarters” for the Iranians throughout the group stage of the tournament.
The choice of Tijuana, a border city, allows for optimized travel logistics for the matches in Iran’s group, which will be played entirely on Mexican territory. The local government is already coordinating security and hospitality protocols to accommodate the delegation and its technical staff.
| Change of Venue | Logistical Detail |
| Original Base | Arizona, United States |
| New Base | Tijuana, Mexico |
| Reason for Change | U.S. authorities’ refusal to host the delegation |
| Duration of Stay | Group stage of the tournament |
President Sheinbaum’s decision to welcome Iran reflects a stance of neutrality and sports cooperation. The measure reinforces Mexico’s active participation in organizing and providing logistical support for the World Cup, which is being co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada. FIFA, which mediated the search for an alternative, has not yet detailed whether there will be other venue changes for teams that face diplomatic restrictions with the host nations.
