Mexico to host Iran during 2026 FIFA World Cup

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has confirmed that Mexico will host Iran’s national team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the United States reportedly declined to accommodate the squad.

Speaking during her daily morning press conference on Monday, Sheinbaum revealed that FIFA directly contacted the Mexican government after American authorities indicated that the Iranian team would not be allowed to stay overnight in the United States throughout the competition.

“We have no reason to deny them the possibility of staying in Mexico” the Mexican President stated.

“The United States does not want the Iranian team to stay overnight, but they are going to play three matches there” she added: “So they asked us: ‘Can they stay overnight in Mexico?’ And we said: ‘Yes, no problem. We have no problem”.

FIFA Reportedly Sought Alternative Solution

Iran had originally been assigned a World Cup base camp in Tucson, Arizona, because all three of their group stage fixtures are scheduled to take place in the United States, according to BBC Sports.

However, rising tensions in the Middle East and security concerns surrounding the ongoing military conflict reportedly created uncertainty about the team’s participation and accommodation plans ahead of the tournament.

Mexico’s decision now provides a solution that allows the Iranian squad to remain close to their match venues while avoiding extended stays on American soil.

FIFA Assures Iran Over Visa Arrangements

According to the same report, Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali stated that FIFA president Gianni Infantino personally assured Iranian officials that all necessary travel documents would be secured for the team.

“The Fifa president promised us that all our players would receive visas. There is no reason why our players should not receive visas,” he said.

The assurance is expected to ease concerns over whether Iran’s players and staff would face restrictions entering the United States for the tournament.

Iran Set for Tough Group Stage Schedule

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Iran are scheduled to begin their campaign against New Zealand on June 15 in Los Angeles before taking on Belgium on June 21 at the same venue. Their final group stage fixture will come against Egypt in Seattle on June 26.