Logistical Shift: Iran’s National Soccer Team to Base in Mexico for World Cup

The landscape of the upcoming World Cup has undergone a significant logistical adjustment. Iran’s national soccer team will establish its base of operations in Tijuana, Mexico, rather than the United States, following a decision by Washington to decline hosting the squad throughout the tournament.

A Strategic Move to the Border

The decision, confirmed on Monday, comes after U.S. Authorities indicated they did not want the Iranian team to reside within the country for the duration of the competition. While Iran remains scheduled to play its three Group G matches in the United States, the team will now commute from its Mexican base for each fixture.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed the development during her daily press conference, noting that her government agreed to host the squad after being approached by FIFA. “We have no reason to deny them the possibility of staying in Mexico,” Sheinbaum stated.

Tournament Schedule and Logistics

The Iranian team’s travel requirements will be demanding as they navigate the border for their group stage appearances:

• June 15: Match against New Zealand in Los Angeles.
• June 21: Match against Belgium in Los Angeles.
• June 26: Match against Egypt in Seattle.

Mehdi Taj, the head of Iran’s football federation, confirmed that the team’s base would be relocated from its original planned site in Arizona to the Mexican border city of Tijuana. FIFA has officially sanctioned this change in plans.

Context of the Decision

The move follows comments made by U.S. President Donald Trump in March, who stated that while Iran was welcome to participate in the tournament, he did not believe it was appropriate for the team to be hosted in the United States “for their own life and safety.”

As of May 26, 2026, representatives from the White House and the State Department have not provided further comment regarding the specific refusal to host the team’s base. For the players and staff, the focus now shifts to managing the cross-border commute while maintaining peak performance for their upcoming Group G challenges.

Key Takeaways

• New Base: The Iranian national team will be based in Tijuana, Mexico, for the duration of the World Cup.
• Commuter Status: Players will travel across the border specifically for their scheduled matches in Los Angeles and Seattle.
• Official Confirmation: Both the Mexican government and FIFA have confirmed the logistical arrangement.
• Group G Schedule: Iran is set to face New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt in June 2026.

Javier Moreno is a veteran sports journalist and analyst covering the complexities of international competition.