Mexico provides support to Iran for World Cup, base camp to be in Tijuana

Staff Report: PNN

Amid diplomatic complications surrounding the upcoming FIFA World Cup, Mexico has provided major support to the Iran national football team. The country’s government has officially allowed Iran to establish its base camp in Mexico during the tournament.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said that the decision was taken from both a sports and humanitarian perspective. Due to complications regarding stay arrangements in the United States, this alternative decision was made.

According to international media reports, although Iran’s three group-stage matches are scheduled to be held in the United States, the entire team has not been granted permission to stay in the U.S. during the tournament. This created uncertainty regarding Iran’s World Cup preparations.

In this situation, FIFA directly contacted the Mexican government. Later, Mexico granted permission for Iran to set up its camp in the border city of Tijuana.

The Mexican President said, “We see no reason not to allow the Iranian football team to stay in Mexico. Sports should remain above political divisions.”

Meanwhile, Mehdi Taj said that initially Iran’s base camp was planned in Arizona, USA. However, due to visa and political complications, it has now been shifted to Tijuana.

He added that Iranian players and officials will arrive in Mexico via special flights and will travel to match venues from there. This is expected to make preparations and security easier for the Iranian Football Federation.

Analysts believe that recent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and worsening Iran–U.S. relations are now affecting sports as well. In particular, security and visa issues surrounding Iran have created new discussions ahead of the World Cup.

The World Cup will be held across North America from June 11 to July 19. Iran, in Group G, will face New Zealand on June 15 in their first match, Belgium on June 21, and Egypt on June 26 in their final group match.

Mexico’s decision ahead of the World Cup is also being seen as a new diplomatic message in international football.