Iran's World Cup squad welcomed by Mexican fans in Tijuana

Iran's national football team moved its pre‑World Cup training camp to Tijuana, Mexico, after facing visa‑entry problems for the United States, a co‑host of the 2026 tournament. Local Mexican supporters gathered at the team's hotel, chanting "¡Vamos Iran!" and offering autographs, with fans such as pizzeria worker José Leyva waiting for signatures from star striker Mehdi Taremi.

The geopolitical tension stemming from the February Middle‑East war and U.S.‑Israeli strikes on Iran has disrupted the team's preparation, including the cancellation of a warm‑up match in Arizona. In Tijuana, the Iranian side played a hastily arranged friendly against the host club’s under‑21 team, winning 3‑0, but the event could not fully replace the lost training sessions. Iranian officials continue to coordinate with FIFA and authorities to ensure all players can compete without further administrative hurdles.

The warm reception highlights the contrast between political challenges and local sporting solidarity as the team readies for its group‑stage opener in the United States.