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Iranian Footballers Find Warm Welcome in Mexican Camp Ahead of World Cup

From Republika · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Ongoing story
  • Iranian national football team players received a warm welcome from local supporters during their training camp in Tijuana, Mexico, ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
  • The team relocated its camp to Tijuana due to uncertainty regarding entry into the United States, one of the tournament's co-hosts, following visa issues for some staff and supporters.
  • Despite political challenges, the Iranian team expressed gratitude for the local support in Mexico, which has become an unexpected base for the team as they prepare for their group stage matches.

TIJUANA, Mexico: The Iranian national football team is finding an unexpected source of support in Mexico as players train in Tijuana ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Local fans have shown enthusiasm for the squad, attending open training sessions and offering symbolic encouragement. This support comes as the team navigates significant non-sporting hurdles, including visa uncertainties that led the Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) to move its training camp from the United States to Tijuana. The US is co-hosting the World Cup with Mexico and Canada.

"We had to adjust our plans due to a situation not entirely within our control, especially regarding travel access," stated an official source from the FFIRI, as reported by France24. Several Iranian staff members and supporters reportedly faced visa rejections, impacting the team's preparation and logistics.

We had to adjust our plans due to a situation not entirely within our control, especially regarding travel access.

— Official sourceAn official source from the Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) explaining the decision to move the training camp.

The move to Mexico aims to mitigate the risks associated with travel uncertainties to the United States, where Iran is still scheduled to play its group stage matches. This necessitates cross-border travel for the team during the tournament. "We are grateful for the welcome here. This support means a lot to the team," said a member of the Iranian national team staff.

While the team appreciates the reception in Mexico, political issues continue to shadow their World Cup journey. Visa access, security, and logistical concerns remain primary focuses for the federation and FIFA. Iran is drawn in Group G with Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand, opening their campaign against New Zealand on June 16, 2026. The FFIRI is actively coordinating with FIFA and relevant authorities to ensure all team members can participate without administrative obstacles, emphasizing the importance of equal access for all tournament participants.

We are grateful for the welcome here. This support means a lot to the team.

— Iranian national team staff memberCommenting on the local support received in Tijuana, Mexico.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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