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Mexico has agreed to provide base camp and overnight accommodations for Iran’s national football team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the United States declined to host the squad beyond match days, despite all three of Iran’s Group G fixtures being scheduled on U.S. soil.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced the arrangement during her daily press conference on Monday, May 26, 2026. She described the decision as a straightforward act of hospitality, stating that Iran’s team will play its three group-stage matches in the United States but will stay in Tijuana, just across the border from California. “The United States does not want the Iranian team to stay overnight… So they asked us: ‘Can they stay overnight in Mexico?’ And we said, ‘Yes, no problem’,” Sheinbaum said.
FIFA and Iran’s Football Federation confirmed the relocation of Iran’s base camp to the Centro Xoloitzcuintle training facility in Tijuana. This resolves logistical and visa-related challenges for the Iranian delegation and allows direct flights from Iran via Iran Air.
Group G Fixtures and Logistics
Iran, drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand, will play all three group matches on the West Coast of the United States:
• June 15: Iran vs New Zealand – SoFi Stadium, Inglewood (Los Angeles area)
• June 21: Belgium vs Iran – SoFi Stadium, Inglewood
• June 26: Egypt vs Iran – Lumen Field, Seattle
The team will commute daily or via short flights from Tijuana for the Los Angeles games and take a longer flight for the Seattle fixture before returning to their Mexican base. Tijuana’s modern training complex offers multiple pitches, gyms, and support facilities, making it a practical alternative to the originally planned site in Tucson, Arizona.
The arrangement comes amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran following military exchanges. While neither the U.S. nor FIFA has publicly detailed the exact reasons for declining overnight hosting, Iranian officials cited visa complications and security concerns. The White House has not issued a public comment on the matter.
Mexico’s decision reflects its position as a co-host of the 2026 tournament (alongside the U.S. and Canada) and its traditional foreign policy of non-interference. President Sheinbaum emphasised that there was “no reason to deny” the request, reinforcing Mexico’s image as a welcoming host nation.
For Iran, the Tijuana base provides continuity and avoids potential entry hurdles into the U.S. FIFA has prioritised ensuring all 48 participating teams have adequate facilities without altering the match schedule.
As the tournament approaches (June 11 – July 19, 2026), the focus remains on whether the daily border commutes will impact Iran’s performance against strong Group G opponents. The arrangement stands as an example of creative logistical problem-solving in a politically charged environment.