Daijiworld Media Network - Mexico City
Mexico City, May 26: Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has said that Mexico has “no issue” hosting Iran’s national football team during the FIFA World Cup 2026 after the side shifted its training base from the United States amid geopolitical tensions.
Speaking at a press conference, Sheinbaum said FIFA had approached Mexico after US authorities reportedly expressed concerns over Iran staying within the United States during the tournament, even though the team is scheduled to play its group-stage matches there.
Iran’s national team will now be based in Tijuana, close to the US border, while continuing to travel to the United States for its World Cup matches.
“The United States doesn’t want the Iranian national team to stay overnight in the United States,” Sheinbaum said, adding that FIFA subsequently asked Mexico to accommodate the team.
“And we said, ‘Yes, no problem. We have no issue with that,’” she added.
The arrangement comes ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada and will feature 48 teams for the first time.
Iran had earlier shifted its planned base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana following ongoing geopolitical tensions involving Iran, the US and Israel.
Officials said Mexico continues to coordinate with FIFA to finalise logistical arrangements for the tournament.