US Is Adamant About Not Welcoming The Iranian Team, and Mexico Is Ready To Play The ‘Damage Control’ Role
Mexico is reportedly pursuing the US to host Iran’s matches at the 2026 World Cup. Recent developments are opening up this possibility.
The political conflict between the US and Iran has significantly impacted the 2026 World Cup. Let’s explore what’s happening with GBet!
Tensions Quickly Set In For The Biggest Football Event On The Planet
2026 World Cup is fast approaching, but tensions have already begun to mount around the world’s biggest football event. The focus is currently on the Iranian national team as they face an unusual scenario: participating in a tournament where the host nation does not welcome their presence.
According to US news outlets, the US government has flatly refused to grant permission for Iranian players and coaching staff to stay overnight in the US during the group stage. This decision puts the Iranian Football Federation and FIFA in a dilemma, with visa procedures stalled, forcing them to seek an emergency contingency plan.
In this context, Mexico – co-hosting the tournament with the US and Canada – has immediately stepped in as a “damage control” team. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has shown decisiveness by officially opening its doors to the Asian representatives.
Mexico Could Potentially Host Iran’s Three Group Stage Matches
“The U.S. doesn’t want the Iranian team to stay overnight in the country. So, Iran asked us if they could stay overnight in Mexico. We had no reason to refuse this possibility,” said Sheinbaum.
According to an agreement reached last week, the Iranian team will move their entire base camp, living quarters, and training facilities to the Mexican border city of Tijuana instead of Arizona (USA) as originally planned. Coupled with the latest developments, it is highly likely that Mexico will replace the US as the host of all three of Iran’s group stage matches in Group G.
“According to the preliminary schedule, Iran will play two matches in Los Angeles and one in Seattle. However, having to constantly travel across the US-Mexico border just to play and return on the same day will cause serious physical and psychological damage to the players. Therefore, the relevant parties, including FIFA and the Mexican government, are actively discussing moving the venue for all three matches to Mexican territory. FIFA has contacted representatives of Mexico in the World Cup organizing committee as well as the country’s Ministry of Tourism,” the American newspaper The Hill confirmed.
