Mexico will host the Iranian national soccer team for its 2026 World Cup preparations after the U.S. declined to host the squad.
This arrangement highlights the severe diplomatic rift between Washington and Tehran, demonstrating how geopolitical conflict can disrupt the logistics of the world's largest sporting event.
President Claudia Sheinbaum said she has no issue with her country hosting the team. Sheinbaum said the Iranian squad will sleep in Mexico and travel to the United States on the days of its three World Cup matches [2, 3].
The logistics follow a period of heightened political tension. The U.S. and Israel launched attacks on Iran in late February 2026 [4], which led to the U.S. refusal to host the Iranian squad for its training and residence [3, 5].
Despite the friction, the Iranian soccer chief said the team has no intention of pulling out of the tournament even if they will not travel to the United States [1]. However, reports on the team's final match locations vary. Some sources indicate the team will not play games in the U.S. [1], while others state they will commute across the border for their three scheduled matches [2].
FIFA has reportedly indicated it has no plans to move the matches from the U.S. to Mexico [6]. The tournament is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19, 2026 [4].
Team Melli will use the Mexican base to maintain its training regimen while navigating the restrictive entry and hosting policies currently enforced by the U.S. government.
“"I have no issue with my country hosting Iran's World Cup team."”
The decision by Mexico to act as a neutral hub for Team Melli prevents a total diplomatic collapse that would have forced Iran out of the tournament. By allowing the team to base itself in Mexico and commute for matches, the international community avoids a FIFA crisis while the U.S. maintains its political stance against Tehran following the military engagements of February 2026.
