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World Cup 2026: Mexico's Second Favorite Team is Iran Amidst Fan Solidarity
🇵🇦 Panama /Sports

World Cup 2026: Mexico's Second Favorite Team is Iran Amidst Fan Solidarity

From TVN Panamá · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Mexican fans are supporting Iran as their second favorite team in the 2026 World Cup, creating a unique bond.
  • Iran faces challenges with visas for staff and travel disruptions due to geopolitical tensions, leading to a feeling of being 'mistreated'.
  • Despite internal political protests within the Iranian community in Los Angeles, many Mexican fans are showing solidarity with the Iranian team.

In an unusual display of support, many Mexican fans have adopted Iran as their second favorite team for the 2026 World Cup. Hundreds of Latino fans, including Alan Romero from Tijuana, traveled to Los Angeles to cheer for Iran in their match against Belgium, which ended in a 0-0 draw. Romero proudly stated, "Our second team for this World Cup is Iran."

Our second team for this World Cup is Iran.

— Alan RomeroA Mexican fan explaining his support for the Iranian team.

This solidarity stems partly from Iran's decision to base its operations in Tijuana due to tensions between Tehran and Washington. However, the Iranian team, known as Team Melli, feels they are the "most mistreated" team in the tournament. A dozen staff members are unable to join the delegation due to visa issues, and travel has been complicated by geopolitical events.

We are looking forward to the next two matches, we hope they continue to cheer for us in this way.

— Mehdi TaremiAn Iranian forward thanking the Mexican fans for their support.

In Los Angeles, a city with a strong Mexican cultural presence, many Latino attendees at Iran's matches have rallied behind the team. Iranian forward Mehdi Taremi expressed his gratitude for this support, stating, "We are looking forward to the next two matches, we hope they continue to cheer for us in this way." Art Eftekhari, an Iranian-American who runs a YouTube channel dedicated to the team, echoed this sentiment, saying, "The support from Mexican fans is incredible."

The support from Mexican fans is incredible.

— Art EftekhariAn Iranian-American fan commenting on the solidarity shown by Mexican supporters.

However, the Iranian community in Los Angeles presents a divided front. While many in the stadium cheer for the players, some boo the Iranian anthem to protest against the Islamic Republic. Eftekhari tries to ignore this, focusing instead on the game and the "warm welcome from Mexican fans" that helps them forget external issues. For many Mexicans, these adversities only strengthen their resolve to support Iran, with Nikkole Martínez expressing indignation, "I think they are being treated unfairly."

I try not to pay attention to that, I just concentrate on the game.

— Art EftekhariReferring to protests during the Iranian anthem.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by TVN Panamá in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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