Mexico to host Iran's World Cup delegation after US refusal

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has agreed to allow Iran's team to stay in Mexico during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, after the United States refused to host the Iranian delegation. The decision reflects ongoing diplomatic tensions between Washington and Tehran.

Mexico will step in to host Iran's team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, after the United States declared it would not accommodate the Iranian delegation on American soil. Mexican President [Claudia Sheinbaum](/politicians/claudia-sheinbaum) confirmed the arrangement, offering Mexico as an alternative base for the Iranian squad.

The decision highlights the complex diplomatic backdrop surrounding the tournament, which is co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. While most matches are scheduled to take place in the US, Iran's participation raised immediate questions about logistics given the strained relations between Washington and Tehran.

By agreeing to host the Iranian team, Mexico has positioned itself as a pragmatic bridge between the sporting world and geopolitical realities. Iranian players will be able to participate in the tournament without being required to enter the United States, instead travelling to match venues from Mexican territory.

The 2026 World Cup marks the first time the tournament will be held across three countries simultaneously, adding further organisational complexity. Football's governing body FIFA has not yet publicly commented on the arrangement, though the solution appears to offer a workable path for Iran's inclusion in the competition.