The Iran national football team will base itself in Mexico and travel to the U.S. only on match days during the 2026 World Cup [1].
This arrangement highlights the severe diplomatic tension between Tehran and Washington, as the team avoids staying in the U.S. between group stage matches. The logistical burden places an unprecedented physical strain on the athletes compared to other competing nations.
Abolfazl Pasandideh, the Iranian ambassador to Mexico, said June 6 that players may have to fly to the U.S. and return to Mexico on the same day as their matches [1]. The team's training center, which was originally planned for Arizona, has been moved to Mexico [1].
FIFA has authorized this external base after the Iranian Football Federation sought guarantees that the U.S. would not insult the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps [2]. The decision also stems from ongoing difficulties in the issuance of visas [2].
Iran is scheduled to play three group stage matches in the U.S. [1]. Two of these games will take place in Los Angeles, and one in Seattle [1]. Mehdi Taj said Iran intends to "boycott the United States, but not the World Cup" [3].
By utilizing Mexico as a hub, the squad avoids long-term residency in the U.S. while remaining eligible to compete in the tournament. The team will maintain its concentration base in Mexico throughout the group phase, which is scheduled for November and December 2026 [1].
“Iran will "boycott the United States, but not the World Cup".”
The decision to base the team in Mexico serves as a diplomatic workaround that allows Iran to participate in a global sporting event without formally establishing a presence in the U.S. However, the requirement to fly across borders on match days creates a significant competitive disadvantage, as the team will face travel fatigue and lack the stability of a traditional tournament camp.
