Mexico Agrees to Host Iran’s World Cup Team Amid Visa Dispute

Iranian football federation confirms relocation of training camp to Tijuana after U.S. Refusal to grant visas

By Daniel Richardson, Editor-in-Chief

Mexico has agreed to host Iran’s national football team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following a last-minute relocation of their training camp from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Baja California. The decision came after U.S. Officials reportedly refused to grant visas to the Iranian squad, prompting the Mexican government to step in as a diplomatic and logistical solution.

The announcement was made by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum during a press conference on Monday, May 25, 2026. She stated, “The U.S. Does not want the Iranian team to establish itself on their territory. They therefore asked us: ‘Can they be hosted in Mexico?’ We answered yes, without any problem.” This statement, reported by multiple outlets, marks a rare diplomatic maneuver in international football politics.

The Visa Crisis and Relocation

Iran’s football federation had initially planned to base their team in Tucson, Arizona, for the World Cup’s group stage matches. However, the U.S. Government reportedly declined to issue visas for the team, citing “security concerns.” This decision forced Iran to seek an alternative location, leading to negotiations with FIFA and the Mexican government.

FIFA confirmed the relocation on May 23, 2026, allowing Iran to establish its training camp in Tijuana. The move enables the team to avoid the visa restrictions while maintaining proximity to U.S. Venues