Will Mexico host Iran team during 2026 FIFA World Cup after US refusal?
(Courtesy : Getty)
Iran are also set to base their training camp in Mexico.
Claiming that the United States was unwilling to welcome Iran, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has agreed to allow Iran to establish a base in Mexico during the World Cup.
Mexico to host Iran team during 2026 FIFA World Cup
Sheinbaum claimed that once the US made it clear it did not want Iran’s team to remain in the country for the competition, FIFA contacted her government.
“We have no reason to deny them the possibility of staying in Mexico,” Sheinbaum said.
“The United States does not want the Iranian team to stay overnight, but they are going to play three matches there.”
“So they asked us: ‘Can they stay overnight in Mexico?’ And we said: ‘Yes, no problem.’ We have no problem.”
Iran’s new training camp for World Cup
Iran’s training camp will be in Centro Xoloitzcuintli in Tijuana, Mexico, FIFA said later on Monday.
All three of Iran’s World Cup matches were originally slated to be played in the United States, with Tucson, Arizona, serving as their base.
However, there was ambiguity on their involvement due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and associated security issues.
The United States, Canada, and Mexico are co-hosting the World Cup. Team Melli will play New Zealand on June 15, Belgium on June 21, both in Los Angeles, and Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
Team Melli is now getting ready for the competition in Antalya, southern Turkey. Ahmad Donyamali, Team Melli’s minister of sports, also announced that the Iranian team will receive visas to play in the United States this summer, according to the world football governing body.
A list of ten requirements for FIFA’s participation in the World Cup was provided by the Iranian FA (FFIRI), which included granting visas to players, coaches, and officials who had served in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Why is the USA not allowing Team Melli in the country?
Due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and associated security issues.
When is Team Melli’s first game?
16th June, 6:30 am IST.
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After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.