Iran thank Tijuana after World Cup exit, support Mexico as ‘second team’

Iran's national soccer team expressed profound gratitude to the people of Tijuana, Mexico, for their warm hospitality during the World Cup, following their group-stage elimination. The team declared that Mexico had become "our second home and our second team."

The relocation to Tijuana was necessitated by political tensions between Tehran and Washington, which initially prevented Iran from establishing its World Cup base in Tucson, Arizona. The Iranian team faced further complications, being allowed to enter the U.S. only a day before their matches. While U.S. authorities later eased some restrictions, allowing Iran to travel two days before their final group game, they were still required to return to their Mexican base afterward.

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True hosting is about respect, humanity, and dignity. We will never forget the kindness of the people of Tijuana.

In a message shared on the team's WhatsApp channel, Iran's soccer team stated, "True hosting is about respect, humanity, and dignity. We will never forget the kindness of the people of Tijuana." The message underscored the deep connection formed, declaring, "From this day forward, Mexico will always be more than a host nation to us; it will be our second home and our second team."

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From this day forward, Mexico will always be more than a host nation to us; it will be our second home and our second team.