Iran's national soccer team has finally made it to the World Cup — just not the way it originally planned. After months of uncertainty tied to U.S. visa restrictions and escalating geopolitical tensions, the team touched down in Tijuana, Mexico, on Sunday, days before the tournament kicks off.
The squad had been training in Antalya, Turkey, and shared images on Instagram of players boarding their flight. Upon arrival, they posted photos from Mexico with the caption, "hi Mexico." It's a friendly greeting for a team that's been caught in the middle of a diplomatic storm.
The development, first reported by The Hill, came after Iran scrapped plans to hold its pre-tournament training camp in Arizona. U.S. visa approvals for members of the traveling delegation were uncertain, so the team looked elsewhere. In May, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stepped in and offered to host the team, helping secure an alternative base south of the border.
Iran is set to compete in Group G, with matches against New Zealand on June 15 in Inglewood, California, followed by Belgium on June 21 and Egypt on June 26. The U.S., Canada, and Mexico are co-hosting this year's World Cup, so Iran will still play some games on U.S. soil — but its training camp will be in Mexico.
Iran Rejects Trump's Safety Concerns
Earlier, Iran's football team dismissed President Donald Trump's warnings about safety risks, saying only FIFA has authority over World Cup participation, not individual countries. "The World Cup is a historic and international event and its governing body is FIFA — not any individual, country," the team said, pushing back against Trump's warning that their presence could pose safety risks.
Trump had said Iranian players were "welcome" but questioned whether their participation was appropriate due to "life and safety" concerns following meetings with FIFA leadership and shifting public remarks. Iran, ranked 20th globally, is set for its fourth consecutive World Cup appearance under FIFA's governance.
US-Iran Conflict Escalated
Last week, the U.S. struck Iranian surveillance sites after downing drones near the Strait of Hormuz, further escalating a months-long conflict affecting regional stability and global oil routes. The U.S. said it intercepted four drones before hitting radar facilities in Iran's Goruk and Qeshm Island. Iran's Revolutionary Guard responded with missile attacks on U.S. bases and targeted tankers in the region, prompting air defense activations across Gulf states.
Both sides reported strikes and interceptions, while tensions continued around the strategic waterway, through which a significant share of global oil flows. For now, though, the soccer team is focused on the pitch — and saying "hi" to Mexico.
Image via Shutterstock/ Fauzan Fitria
