In a significant development for the upcoming World Cup, Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced that Iran will be allowed to base its team in Mexico during the tournament. This decision comes after the United States expressed reluctance to host the Iranian squad, prompting FIFA to seek alternative arrangements.

Mexico Welcomes Iranian Team

President Sheinbaum confirmed that her government had been approached by FIFA following the U.S. government's indication that it did not want Iran's team to stay overnight in the country. She stated, "We have no reason to deny them the possibility of staying in Mexico." Sheinbaum elaborated that while the U.S. would host three of Iran's matches, the team would be able to stay in Mexico, saying, "We said: 'Yes, no problem.' We have no problem."

Training Base and Match Schedule

FIFA has designated Centro Xoloitzcuintle in Tijuana as Iran's training base. Initially, Iran was set to be based in Tucson, Arizona, with all their matches scheduled in the U.S. However, ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and associated security issues have raised concerns about their participation. Iran is scheduled to compete against New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21, both in Los Angeles, and will face Egypt in Seattle on June 26. Currently, the Iranian team is preparing for the tournament in Antalya, Turkey.

Visa Assurance and Conditions

Iran's sports minister, Ahmad Donyamali, confirmed that FIFA has assured the squad will receive visas to participate in the tournament. He stated, "The FIFA president promised us that all our players would receive visas. There is no reason why our players should not receive visas." The Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) has also submitted a list of conditions to FIFA, including requests regarding visa issuance for players and officials with ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has indicated that while Iran's players will be welcomed at the tournament, individuals associated with the IRGC may face entry restrictions. This follows incidents where some FFIRI officials were denied entry into Canada due to their links with the IRGC. As the tournament approaches, members of the Iranian squad have begun submitting their visa applications at the U.S. embassy in Ankara.