The political tensions between the United States and Iran have, as expected, spilled over into the 2026 World Cup, which gets underway on June 11. The current standoff began in late February, when the U.S. and Israel launched major strikes against Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other senior officials. Since then, the two countries have remained locked in a prolonged crisis centered largely around the Strait of Hormuz, the strategically vital shipping route for global oil supplies.

Although negotiations and temporary ceasefires have taken place in recent weeks, tensions remain high, with the U.S. and Iran still at odds over military activity, sanctions, and control of the Gulf shipping corridor.

Will Iran play in the United States at the World Cup?

Less than 20 days before the tournament kicks off, Iran’s national team switched its training base from the U.S. to Mexico amid the political strain between the two countries. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed the move, revealing that the United States government does not want the Iranian team staying overnight on American soil.

During her daily morning press conference, Sheinbaum confirmed that Iran will play its World Cup matches in the United States but spend its nights in Mexico. The president explained that the U.S. government, led by Donald Trump, asked Mexico whether it would have any issue with Iran staying overnight in Mexican territory during the tournament.

“The United States does not want Iran staying overnight in the United States. They asked us, ‘Can they stay overnight in Mexico?’ and we said, ‘Yes, no problem.’ So they are looking at Tijuana as a base so they can stay there and travel to the matches they will play in the United States,” Sheinbaum said.

Mexico opens its doors to Iran

The Mexican president expanded further on the subject.

“We have no reason to deny them the possibility of staying in Mexico. We offered that option, and it is currently being worked on between Gabriela Cuevas (the Mexican government’s representative to FIFA) and Josefina Rodríguez (Mexico’s Tourism Secretary), in coordination with FIFA, to determine how they would stay in Mexico,” she added.

Where will Iran play its matches at the 2026 World Cup?

Iran was drawn into Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand. Their World Cup opener is set for June 15 against New Zealand in Los Angeles, California.

They will return to SoFi Stadium on Sunday, June 21 to face Belgium, before closing out the group stage against Egypt in Seattle on June 26.

Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.

And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.