Iran's national soccer team received a warm, fan-led send-off in Tijuana on Sunday before traveling to the U.S. for their World Cup opener [1].
The unusual arrangement highlights the diplomatic tensions between Tehran and Washington, as the U.S. declined to host the squad overnight. This forced the team to base itself in Mexico and commute across the border for matches.
Fans gathered outside the team's hotel in Tijuana on June 14, 2026 [2]. Witnesses said fans lined five-deep on a packed sidewalk, chanting "Team Melli" as the squad departed [3]. The team is traveling to Los Angeles to face New Zealand in their opening match [1].
Mexico agreed to provide a base of operations for the squad after FIFA approached the Mexican government. President Claudia Sheinbaum said, "We agreed to host the team after FIFA approached us" [4].
Under the current travel arrangement, the team will sleep in Mexico and commute to the United States on match days [5]. This logistical hurdle applies to the three World Cup matches Iran is scheduled to play [5]. The team's presence in Tijuana served as a final gathering point for supporters before the squad entered the U.S. to compete.
The send-off in Mexico marked the end of the team's stay in Tijuana, where they had been stationed to avoid the overnight hosting restrictions imposed by U.S. authorities. The squad now moves into the competitive phase of the tournament in Los Angeles.
“Fans lined five-deep on a packed sidewalk, chanting "Team Melli" as the squad departed.”
The decision by the U.S. to deny overnight hosting for the Iranian national team underscores the persistent diplomatic friction between the two nations, even during a global sporting event. By utilizing Mexico as a strategic base, FIFA and the Mexican government have created a logistical workaround to ensure Iran's participation in the tournament despite the lack of bilateral cooperation between the U.S. and Iran.
