Mexico Confirms It Will Host Iran's National Team During World Cup — Sheinbaum: 'No Issue' as US Denies Visas

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed on May 25 that Mexico has 'no issue' with hosting Iran's national football team during the 2026 World Cup, after FIFA approached Mexico as an alternative base camp option. Iran's football federation confirmed its delegation will base from Tijuana, Mexico — directly across the US border from San Diego — after the United States failed to grant visas to any Iranian delegation member. Iran will commute across the border for their three group-stage matches in the US: SoFi Stadium in Inglewood (June 15 vs New Zealand; June 21 vs Belgium) and Lumen Field in Seattle (June 26 vs Egypt). The Tijuana base 'includes all training facilities, gym, private restaurant, and everything the team needs,' according to Iran's federation. This arrangement represents an unprecedented logistical situation for a World Cup: a national team based in a neighboring country and commuting internationally for each match. Mexico City also announced new health protocols in response to the Ebola situation, implementing epidemiological surveillance and sanitary filters for tourists arriving from the Democratic Republic of Congo.