Arabic version: المكسيك تستضيف فريق إيران في كأس العالم بعد رفض الولايات المتحدة

Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum has agreed to allow Iran to be based in the country during the World Cup, with the United States unwilling to host them. This decision comes after the United States expressed its unwillingness to host the Iranian squad due to ongoing security concerns related to the war in the Middle East.

According to BBC News, Sheinbaum stated that her government was approached by FIFA after the US made it clear that Iran’s team could not stay overnight in the country. “We have no reason to deny them the possibility of staying in Mexico,” Sheinbaum said, indicating a willingness to accommodate the team.

Iran were originally given Tucson, Arizona as their World Cup base with all three of their matches scheduled to take place in the US. However, the situation has changed, and Iran will now prepare for their matches in Mexico. They are set to play New Zealand on June 15, Belgium on June 21, and Egypt on June 26, with games taking place in Los Angeles and Seattle.

Iran’s sports minister Ahmad Donyamali has confirmed that FIFA has assured them that the squad will receive visas to participate in the tournament. However, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has indicated that while Iranian players will be welcome, individuals with ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) might face entry restrictions.

As preparations continue, some Iranian squad members have visited the US embassy in Ankara to submit their visa applications for the tournament. The situation remains fluid as the World Cup approaches, highlighting the complexities surrounding international relations and sporting events.