Mexico offers to host Iran national team during 2026 FIFA World Cup
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has said her government is willing to host Iran’s national football team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the United States reportedly declined to allow the team to stay overnight in its territory.
Speaking to reporters in Mexico City on Monday, Sheinbaum said Mexican authorities were approached about accommodating the Iranian squad during the tournament and agreed to the request.
“They asked us if they can stay overnight in Mexico. And we said yes, there is no problem, we have no issue with it. So, they are looking for the venue to be in Tijuana, so that they can stay overnight and travel to the games that will take place in the United States. So, we have no reason to deny them the possibility of staying in Mexico,” the Mexican president stated.
Iran is scheduled to play all three of its group-stage matches in the United States during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. According to Sheinbaum, US authorities reportedly do not want the team based in the country between matches.
The proposed arrangement would likely see the Iranian team staying in Tijuana, a Mexican border city near Southern California, while travelling into the United States for matches.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The tournament is expected to involve complex travel and coordination arrangements as teams move across North America for the expanded competition.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
