Iran's World Cup team gets warm send-off from fans in Tijuana, Mexico

Iran's national soccer team departed their Tijuana base camp on Sunday to a fervent send-off from supporters. Fans lined a packed sidewalk outside their hotel, chanting "Team Melli" and waving Iranian flags as the players emerged. Many players waved and smiled at the gathered crowd, with some capturing the moment on their phones.

One supporter held a sign reading "Iran, you will never walk alone. Mexico stands with you," and the crowd sang in Spanish, "Iran, brother, you are Mexican now." Iranian soccer federation President Mehdi Taj was present as the team left, with many supporters following the bus.

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Iran, you will never walk alone. Mexico stands with you.

The team's move to Mexico came after joint US-Israel strikes on Iran in late February. Their World Cup opener against New Zealand in Los Angeles is the first since 1930 where a host nation is at war with a participating country. The match is expected to carry a charged atmosphere due to the geopolitical context.

Meanwhile, members of the Iranian-American community in Los Angeles planned to protest the Iranian government's human rights abuses near the stadium. Iran's coach and a key striker are scheduled for a press conference ahead of the match.

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Iran, brother, you are Mexican now.