Mexico Hosts Iran’s World Cup Team After U.S. Decline

Mexico has agreed to host Iran’s World Cup team during the tournament. The United States declined to accommodate the team, prompting this arrangement. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed this during a press conference on Monday.

FIFA Approaches Mexico

FIFA approached Mexico’s government after the U.S. rejected the arrangement. Iran is set to play all three Group G matches in the U.S. but will base its operations in Mexico. Sheinbaum noted that FIFA inquired about hosting the team in Mexico, to which they agreed. She emphasized, “We have no reason to deny them the possibility of staying in Mexico.”

Base Camp Shifted to Mexico

Mehdi Taj, head of the Iranian Football Federation, announced the team’s base camp relocation from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Baja California. Visa complications and security concerns surrounding the U.S.-Israel military campaign against Iran influenced this decision. Taj highlighted that Tijuana, near the Pacific Ocean and the U.S. border, offers logistical advantages. The proximity allows them to avoid visa issues and simplifies travel with Iran Air flights. A flight from Tijuana to Los Angeles, where Iran plays two matches, lasts around 55 minutes.

Participation Uncertainty and Visa Issues

Iran’s World Cup participation had been uncertain. Initially, the Iranian Football Federation sought to have matches moved from the U.S. to Mexico, citing security. However, FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed Iran would play as scheduled in the U.S.

Visa approval for players and staff remains pending, with less than four weeks until the tournament. The team submitted visa applications during training in Turkey. U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed Iran’s participation but cited potential safety concerns for the team.

Iran’s World Cup Schedule

Iran will compete in group play against New Zealand on June 15 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, followed by a match against Belgium on June 21 at the same venue. They will face Egypt on June 26 in Seattle. The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19 across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

Visa Restrictions for Other Nations

Iran is not the only country facing visa complications. The U.S. has placed 39 nations under visa restrictions, with a $15,000 bond for fans from 50 countries. However, the State Department waived the bond for eligible supporters from specific countries holding valid tickets and enrolled in FIFA PASS before April 15. While nations like Algeria, Cape Verde, and Senegal benefited, restrictions remain for Haiti and Iran.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) faces severe restrictions due to the Ebola outbreak. The U.S. suspended visa issuance for DRC nationals. Nevertheless, the DRC team received exempt status to enter the U.S. for the World Cup.