Mexico will host Iran’s 2026 World Cup team in Tijuana to help them avoid US visa issues, President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed Monday.
Iran, scheduled to play three group-stage matches in US stadiums, received FIFA's endorsement for the plan after US and Israeli military action against Tehran in late February cast doubt on the team's participation.
Sheinbaum said the US does not want the Iranian team spending the night on American soil. Mexico agreed to host them. Iran chose Tijuana as its base, recuperating between games in Los Angeles and Seattle.
The team is in Group G and debuts June 15 against New Zealand. The US and Iran have had no diplomatic relations since 1980.